‘In The Heights” was nominated for 13 Tonys in 2008 and won four: best musical, best original score, best choreography and best orchestrations. It was also voted a finalist for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for drama. With all these pluses, this show comes with high recommendations.
The story takes us on a three-day journey in lives of people who live in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City.
With music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Maranda (written when he was a sophomore in college in 1999), and after much revamping, it was put in the hands of a prima director and choreographer. “In The Heights” opened, starring Maranda, to rave reviews on Broadway in 2008 and ran sold out until 2011. With “free style rap,” bodegas and salsa numbers, its upbeat attraction keep audiences absorbed.
Jasen Jeffrey directs a talented cast in this fast moving soap opera-like story with an understanding of the characters and keeps up with the rapid pace of the many facets of the plot.
Strong dancers deliver Nicole Helfer’s impressive choreography with passionate energy, combining salsa, hip hop and contemporary with good technique. The challenging score keeps the ears alert for new sounds with an old thread that holds the story together.
For an upbeat lesson in why “In The Heights” is a joy to watch, go and be elated.
Where: Fox Theatre, 2015 Broadway St., Redwood City
Through: July 6
Details: broadwaybythebay.org
