In The Heights

A compelling story and a lively score, from rap to salsa, sets the stage for the 2008 Tony Award Winning Best Musical, In The Heights, which opened last night at the Ohio Theatre.

The Broadway musical is set in Washington Heights, a neighborhood in northern Mahattan with a largely latino population. Hard-working bodega owner Usnavi (Kyle Beltran) sets the tone of the show from the beginning with his clever rap “In The Heights,” which introduces all the main characters and sets up the culture of the community:








In the heights
I’ve got today
And today’s all we got
So we cannot stop
This is our block

Other central characters include straight-”A” student Nina (Arielle Jacobs), who drops out of college after losing her scholarship; Nina’s parents, owners of a cab company, Camila (Natalie Toro) and Kevin (Daniel Bolero); Benny (Rogelio Douglas Jr.), who works at the cab company; salon-worker and focus of Usnavi’s affection, Vanessa (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer); Usnavi’s younger spirited cousin, Sonny (Shaun Taylor-Corbett); and Usnavi’s lovable abuela (Elise Santora.)

Through financial turmoil, a black-out (“We’re trapped on Gilligan’s ghetto Island”), and the loss of one of their own, the residents of Washington Heights come together and charm the audience.

I absolutely LOVED this show. My musical-adverse fiancee came with me and he really liked the show, too – that’s saying a lot. The vibrant characters, the Latin melodies and the overarching themes of love, family and culture combine to make a show that’s easy to get wrapped up in. It’s laugh out loud hilarious at points and still heartwarming and emotional. I’ll admit, I teared up a little towards the end.

My only major issue with Heights: the ensemble characters. Their purpose was… lacking. There were two musical numbers that I felt were enhanced by having extra characters on stage for – otherwise, they’re sporadic appearances and stilted choreography was distracting and a bit annoying.

Tickets range from $20-67 and are available at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and by phone – (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000.

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