'In the Heights' a joyous, vibrant musical

The musical ‘In the Heights’ has, over the years, become one of the most popular and highly acclaimed Broadway musicals ever. The musical has been nominated for 13 Tony Awards and even won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

A film adaptation has been in development for quite a few years. Now, after some time and a few delays, ‘In the Heights’ can finally be seen on the big screen.

The creator of ‘Hamilton’ and the director of the surprise hit ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ invite you to the event of the summer, where the streets are made of music and little dreams become big. The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knight community. At the intersection of it all is the likable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi, who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life. ‘In the Heights’ fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s kinetic music and lyrics with director Jon M. Chu’s lively and authentic eye for storytelling and captures a world very much in its place, but universal in its experience.

‘In the Heights’ is the feel-good movie that everyone should check out. The musical film adaptation delivers a lot of energetic moments and there are also some moments that can be quite thought-provoking.

This satisfying musical keeps the energy alive with the several musical number sequences that are featured throughout the film. The songs are very catchy and all of the musical numbers are extremely entertaining.

‘In the Heights’ is one of those films that makes a great theatrical experience. Audiences will easily get into the music and there are also a few touching moments during some of the character’s story lines. So, make sure to stop at the Dietrich and don’t miss this energetic and highly entertaining musical on the big screen. Filled with amazing music, vibrant musical numbers and a few emotional moments, ‘In the Heights’ is a musical that is not to be missed.

Some of the cast: Anthony Ramos as Usnavi; Corey Hawkins as Benny; Leslie Grace as Nina Rosario; Melissa Barrera as Vanessa; Olga Merediz as Abuela Claudia; Daphne Ruben-Vega as Daniela; Gregory Diaz IV as Sonny; Marc Anthony as Gapo; Jimmy Smits as Kevin Rosario and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Piraguero.

The film adaptation is written by Quiera Alegria Hudes and directed by Jon M. Chu. In November 2008, Universal announced that it planned to adapt the musical as a feature film for a potential 2011 release. However, the project was cancelled in March 2011 and in May 2016, Lin-Manuel Miranda announced he would co-produce the film with Harvey Weinstein and backing from The Weinstein Company. In the aftermath of his numerous allegations, the rights to the film were eventually auctioned off to Warner Bros. ‘In the Heights’ is one of the final films that featured Broadway performer Doreen Montalvo, who passed away before the film’s release. Montalvo’s final film will be the new adaptation of ‘West Side Story,’ in theaters this December.

The film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City on June 9, following an advanced screening at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

‘In the Heights’ is rated PG-13 for some language and suggestive references and has a running time of 143 minutes.