IN THE HEIGHTS
VINTAGE THEATRE: JUNE 23 – JULY 30
Teej Morgan-Arzola and the cast of In the Heights (photo credit: RDG Photography)
Before there was HAMILTON, there was IN THE HEIGHTS.
With music and lyrics by Lin Manuel Miranda and book by Quiara Alegria Hudes, the show is set in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. It was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards in 2008, winning four, including Best Musical.
Teej Morgan-Arzola portrays Usnavi de la Vega, the narrator, who introduces us to the barrio and the people who live there. His close attention to the clear articulation of Miranda’s rap is enhanced with his skillful use of its bright cadence.
Alicia "Lisa" Young and the cast of In the Heights (photo credit: RDG Photography)
Abuela Claudia, who raised Usnavi after his parents died shortly after immigrating from the Dominican Republic, is played with warmth and sensitivity by Alicia “Lisa” Young. This actor’s singing of “Paciencia y Fe” (“Patience and Faith”) is magnificent!
Daniela Castorena is stunning as Nina Rosario. Returning from college, she fears having to tell her parents she flunked out due to having to work two jobs to pay for her tuition.
George Zamarripa is remarkable as Nina’s concerned papa, Kevin. His singing of “Inutil” and “Atencion,” bring back memories of his fine work as Mr. Feldzieg in Vintage’s “Drowsy Chaperone” and as Georges in the recent Town Hall Arts production of “La Cage aux Folles.”
As Nina’s Mama, Camila, Ali Chung is powerful singing “Enough!” as she struggles to keep the family together in a crisis.
Recently seen in THAC’s “Memphis” and in Vintage Theatre’s “Sophisticated Ladies, origin does a great job as Usnavi’s best friend, Benny.
Vanessa is Karen Gonzalez, seen recently as Mary Elena in BDT Stage’s “Buddy, the Buddy Holly Story.”
Castarena and origin shine in their duet, “When the Sun Goes Down.”
Karen Gonzales and Teej Morgan-Arzola are at their best singing “Champagne!”
This musical is all about the celebration of the barrio. Heritage and ancestry are central to the themes of this play, and one is always aware of the sense of family in this vanishing neighborhood.
As Daniela, Emily Diaz is a whirlwind of joy as she leads the ensemble in “Carnaval del Barrio.”
The Piragua Guy is acted and sung with gusto by Romy Lopez.
A gift to your visual and auditory senses, you will be treated to some radiantly colorful lighting by Emily Maddox as well as Jessica Jewell’s crystal-clear sound design.
The backdrop for the set, painted by Megan David, Bernie Richard and Emily Dyer Wolf, and the bodega and salon de belezza, designed by set designers Robert Janacek and Jeff Jesmer, are visual delights. The costumes shine, sparkle, and shimmer thanks to the costume design of Alicia “Lisa” Young.
The exuberance of the salsa dancing in Kebrina Josefina de Jesus’ choreography is pulse-pounding!
The divine Donna Kolpan Debrecini’s music direction and musical tracks are spectacular!
Peppering the show with a few excellent veteran actors, director Jonathan Andujar has cast the show with a stellium of fantastic new actors that one hopes will be seen again soon upon the Denver stage.
One would be remiss not to mention the tireless efforts of Biz Schaugaard, Company Manager/props and Jennifer Schmitz, stage manager extraordinaire, for all their incredible work on this and countless other productions.
For tickets call the box office at 303-856-7830 or go online at vintagetheatre.org
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