The musical In the Heights offers a timely, toe-tapping dose of joy

Adapted from Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes’s Tony-winning Broadway stage play of the same name, In The Heights was originally set to be adapted in 2008 only for the project to be revived in 2016.

Based on multi-generational immigrant stories, the reinvention takes on additional significance and emotional power in the wake of Trump’s build-a-wall Presidential campaign and controversial administration policy around immigration. In the Heights may have a subtle yet serious political undercurrent but its fearless optimism, deep-rooted heritage and community spirit keep it hopeful, and, in the pursuit of happiness, fixed on the ideals of the American Dream.

A memory of Nueva York

The upbeat musical starts with Usnavi telling the tale of Washington Heights to a group of children gathered outside his island paradise bodega. Rewinding to a time when his business operated out of the Upper Manhattan suburb, the narrator captures the sights and sounds of the Dominican cultural hub of Nueva York.

Taken from Usnavi’s perspective, the movie hinges on his dream to take over his late father’s business back home and branches out to incorporate the sueñitos (little dreams) of his family, friends and community.

There’s plenty of excitement, energy and emotion swirling around in this joyful and celebratory musical adaptation. Fuelled by its sprawling cast and self-assured direction, there aren’t any weak links with its versatile stars able to deliver on drama, dance and song. At the helm of it all is Jon M Chu, who injects attitude, joy, pride and verve into a beautifully choreographed and composed musical drama about a lively and bustling Nueva York community.

From Crazy Rich Asians to In the Heights

Chu is the filmmaker behind Crazy Rich Asians, Step Up 2: The Streets and Step Up 3D. Having been firmly planted in the director’s chair for the Step Up sequels, he became an even more promising match for In the Heights after the runaway success of Crazy Rich Asians. The wildly popular Step Up movies had musical elements, featured epic dance choreography and demonstrated Chu’s ability to steer impressively kinetic dance set pieces to pulsating music.

When Crazy Rich Asians was released, Chu turned in a big Hollywood studio film with a broad Asian ensemble. While In the Heights features a mostly hispanic cast from across the Americas, Chu’s experience shines through, activating his directorial talent for celebratory dance musicals, translating a film rich in culture, racial diversity and interlacing it all with upbeat storytelling. The toe-tapping musical numbers range from feel-good to touching, retaining an uplifting spirit and delivered in many styles from latin pop and rap to soaring love ballads.

Swoon-worthy on-screen chemistry

Leading the way is the unassumingly charming Anthony Ramos, who landed the lead role after Lin-Manuel Miranda caught his sharp performance as Usnavi in a run of the play In the Heights. A rising star, Ramos is also known for the musical Hamilton and recently played Ramon in a supporting role in Bradley Cooper’s adaptation of A Star is Born.

Starring opposite Ramos is Melissa Barrera as aspiring fashion designer Vanessa. Whether singing or dancing, the romantic pairing light up the screen and showcase their immense talent and great push-and-pull chemistry. Leslie Grace and Corey Hawkins add their charms to a broad ensemble including Grammy-winning singer turned actor Marc Anthony, while Olga Merediz reprises her Tony Award-nominated role with a heartfelt turn as family matriarch Abuela.

Dance as storytelling

In the Heights has a Disney exuberance with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s feel-good musical numbers able to match the mood. The dance choreography is fresh and inspired, counterbalancing more thoughtful dramatic scenes with expressive movement to supersize the musical’s singalong magic. There’s an emotive power to the words and performances that carries the musical’s far-reaching themes around representation, empowerment and the concept of home. Then, to embroider the narrator’s storytelling power and cinematic edge, In the Heights enhances scenes with surreal elements from simple on-screen visuals to paradigm shifts.

 “Living well is the best revenge” captures some of the same zippy fun as Crazy Rich Asians, which, while not as lavish, reverberates through the wealth of heritage and relationships in In the Heights too. From struggles with blackouts and heatwaves to racism, crime and making a dime, there are unavoidable challenges to living in this tight-knit neighbourhood. Yet, the community’s infectious positivity, joie-de-vivre and take-it-to-the-streets camaraderie overpower these setbacks with a message about surviving and thriving without losing your sense of identity or faith in humanity.