In an effort to be one of the few articles about In The Heights that doesnt start with Lights up on Washington Heights, Im going to start this article with a personal anecdote about this very important work.
I remember when In The Heights opened on Broadway in 2008. I remember when it won the Tony Award that year and being so proud that my friends and I could keep up with Lin-Manuel Mirandas brilliant opening rap and feeling so beyond accomplished. Though I have not lived in the Washington Heights neighborhood, as a native New Yorker and theatre kid, I related to this show on a deep and personal level. I was fortunate enough to see it 3 times, once with the original cast (hashtag blessed). I have distinct memories of reading about its journey from a student hip-hop musical at Wesleyan University to the Great White Way. I remember watching the YouTube videos of creator, composer and lyricist, Lin-Manuel Miranda (now of Hamilton fame) rapping and improvising theatre references with co-star Christopher Jackson (who also makes an appearance in the film adaptation of In The Heights), Tommy Kail (Director of the Tony-Winning Broadway Show) among others in an effort to promote the show. And I remember thinking that they were the coolest, most relatable people Ive ever seen in any form of entertainment.
Flash forward 13 years later and In The Heights is now a blockbuster Hollywood movie, which means a lot of amazing things better representation, theatre and art can reach the masses, but most importantly, that you dont need to be in New York to connect to this show. Dont get me wrong, In The Heights is very much about the Washington Heights neighborhood in upper Manhattan, but the larger point is that at its core, its about community and finding home, wherever you are. We were fortunate enough to attend the fashion screening of In The Heights to celebrate its premiere, which was such an exciting experience for many reasons (just being in a movie theatre was a treat in and of itself) well take you through the night and reflect on what stars Melissa Barrera and Leslie Grace had to say about stepping into these iconic roles, the impact of fashion and the making of the highly acclaimed film adaptation.
Not going to lie, in what well call precedented times, I usually dread going to Times Square if not to see a show, but this was different. It felt very special to get off the train and approach the AMC Empire 25 on 42nd Street, just blocks away from the Richard Rodgers Theatre (where In The Heights hosted its Broadway run and where Hamilton currently resides, well kind ofwhere it will resume its run on September 14th)
There was nothing but pure excitement rushing through our minds and bodies as we walked into this theatre to see this filmI mean, of course we were also beyond excited about getting movie theatre popcorn, OMG! Its the little things, truly. I digress, the evening starts with Director Jon M. Chu coming out to say a few words about the making of the film, its relevance to todays day in age and how special it is for this film to be seen in theatres.
Now for our feature presentation. In a few words, this adaptation was fresh and vibrant paid respect to the stage version and the entire cast delivered immaculate performances. Special shout out to Anthony Ramos (Usnavi) and Olga Merediz (Abuela Claudia) who flawlessly reprised their roles from the Broadway show.
Picture this: the film has now concluded and the entire theatre (at 33% capacity, of course) is tearing up and applauding loudly. In walks Fashion Designer, Prabal Gurung and stars Melissa Barrera (who portrayed Vanessa in the film) and Leslie Grace (who portrayed Nina in the film) to discuss their experience making the film.
PG: How did you guys feel about making it (the film)?
LG: I mean, we all felt it was going to be life changing. We all felt that we were going to be a part of something historicI just felt that I was going to be a part of something that paid homage to the people that raised me up because this story hit so close to home for me. I related to Nina in the sense that the community that I know is the community that my mom raised me up in my mom is a real life salon lady. Her personal salon is a couple blocks away from where we shot all summer and I grew up being empowered by the women who walked into that place, by the women who worked in that place and also going out into the world and feeling fragmented because it didnt always feel like that acceptance everywhere I went.
MB: It felt important while we were shooting it. I mean, I was a huge fan of the show since it was on Broadway, I went to school for musical theatre like my dream was to be in that show. And so being a part of the movie for me is crazy Ill be honest with you. I used to pray since i was 17 years old, I would say Thank you, G-d, every night because I am Vanessa in In The Heightsand 10 years later I get cast in the movie and it was kind of surreal and also amazing to know that youre to be a part of something thats going to mean so much to so many people who have never felt seen in a major Hollywood movie like this or celebrated or like their stories and their voices are important. After watching Crazy Rich Asians (Also directed by Jon M. Chu) I left the theatre thinking I want that too. I celebrate the Asian-American community because I feel like any minority, we all are in the same struggles, you know? I related to that movie so much when they were making dumplings around the table, I was like this is my family making tortillas, like thats what we do. I love how communities are coming out and supporting this movie because its an American story.
PG: How did the costumes impact you while making the film?
MB: I know for me, it took us a while to get to Vanessas style. Because she wants to be a fashion designer Mitchell Travers, our Costume Designer we would talk about how much of the clothes does she make or how much does she add, like does add a little thing that makes it a little more creative or is she just like super casual? Her release is through her designs you know, obviously her limitations are what can afford. Clearly, she runs thru a thrift trash can at the university to get her fabrics and all that stuff and as an actor, for me, once I find myself in the clothes of the character, I find the character. Its a key thing for me to find how the character movies and how they carry their weight and when they are feeling vulnerable how they dress and when theyre feeling fierce how they dress its all emotional and for me its very formative of the character. Like I would get dressed and I would be like no, this isnt Vanessaand then when we found that first outfit, the opening outfit. The one with the tights immediately I was like ohhh! this is her.
LG: Same. I think it was super important and shout out to our wardrobe again and all of the team they really took the time to discover and have a conversation with us and see who do you think this person is and listened to us and listened to what we were working through in the dance rehearsals and what our movement because they had to keep a lot in mind. I remember for When The Sun Goes Down, we spent a lot of time choosing that outfit because were supposed to defy gravity so I couldnt have dangles, tassels everything had to be pasted on, for Corey as well. Earrings, all those details had to be kept in mind, but also the arc of my character, Nina, you see at the top of the movie, shes coming from Stanford, where we see that shes conformed a bit to be what she thinks the hair, I mean pin straight (and girl, rock all your looks if you can), but you can tell that Nina is kinda likeyou know you can tell shes got her frugal romper, shes got her California vibe then throughout her finding herself on her block again you see her hair get bigger and biggerI love that we were able to find that with the team.
Audience Member: What do you hope people take away from this?
LG: I think we hope first and foremost that people enjoy it and that they laugh and that they cry, but on a deeper level, that no matter where youre from through these characters stories and through their dreams, even if youre not from Washington Heights that you feel seen and validated, no matter how big or small your dream is. And I think thats why theres so much magic to what Lin writes. And to what Quiaro writes and what Jon directed her is that they really took this story and made it accessible for everyone to relate to I feel like you can dream as simple as Corey to want to appreciate and protect his neighborhood or Sonny this is my island, I dont want to go to no other island, this (Manhattan) is it for me or Usnavi, who wants to go back to where his parents are from, where he doesnt have that many memories but he feels like thats where the magic is and finds it right where hes at. And all of those dreams are validated theres no one big dream, everyones sueito (little dream) is just as magical and I think thats so beautiful, so hopefully, people feel that.
MB: For me, obviously everything that you (Leslie) said and I hope people find the warmth and the deliciousness of getting to know a community that maybe youre not exposed to and finding how we are all so similar, despite growing up in different places in the world and despite our families looking different I think thats something that I would love people to leave the theatre thinking, like oh wow, Im UsnaviI think for me, what makes me so hopeful about this movie is thinking about the younger generation. Thinking about the kids who are going to watch this movie, especially like little people of color. Young kids that are going to watch this movie and like this is going to be normal for them. They already see themselves in movies, for them its normal, theyre going to grow up thinking not like us like I never saw myself in a major Hollywood movie when I was a kid. There was no one ever who looked like me, and for little kids to have this reference and to always know that this is a possibility for them and to always know that they have a place and that they can dream as big as they want to dream and that anything is possible THAT for me, is what I would kids to go out of the movie thinking, that theyre invincible.
Beautiful film, beautiful performances, beautiful conversation. Absolutely worth the wait that felt like 96,000 years to see this movie. P.S. the Hamilton easter eggs are gold. Also, dont be a stranger I urge you to take a trip up to Washington Heights sometime (pro tip: you just take the A train!)
In The Heights is now in select Theatres and can be streamed on HBO Max. For more information, visit: https://www.intheheights-movie.com/
Read more:
In The Heights: Reaching New Heights for Movie Musicals Through Fashion - theknockturnal.com
- Power Distribution Market 2020 With Top Countries Data: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Top Key Players Analysis and Forecast Research - Cole of Duty - July 2nd, 2020 [July 2nd, 2020]
- Malcolm Young's five best rhythm guitar moments in AC/DC - Mixdown - July 2nd, 2020 [July 2nd, 2020]
- From '30 Rock' to 'Community,' Who Decides What Old TV Episodes Are Too Insensitive to Keep in Circulation? - TheWrap - July 2nd, 2020 [July 2nd, 2020]
- Thunderchild II on the Hoist at Crosshaven Boatyard Ahead of Record Bid? - Afloat - July 2nd, 2020 [July 2nd, 2020]
- We shouldn't need Ministers to develop the west - Galway Advertiser - July 2nd, 2020 [July 2nd, 2020]
- Author says 2400-year old coin artifact may be proof that Atlantis is real - EconoTimes - July 2nd, 2020 [July 2nd, 2020]
- A Decade Later, Let's Itemize the Sins of M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender - Paste Magazine - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- Your daily 6: Gambling without booze or smoking, Hong Kong crackdown and virus 'grim and getting worse by the day' - STLtoday.com - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- The Best Metal on Bandcamp: June 2020 - bandcamp.com - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- Front-Row Seat: Striking the chords for live musics return - MPNnow.com - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- Color Star Technology Announces the Addition of Renowned Musician Larry Carlton to its Color World Online Education Platform - Yahoo Finance - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- 'The Office,' '30 Rock': All the TV shows to pull blackface scenes - Los Angeles Times - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- Pride-inspired accessories you can rock all year round - Hindustan Times - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- The All-American Glory of Yacht Rock - National Review - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- Brexit fishing battle: Britain and Ireland 'to clash over ownership of tiny rock' - Express.co.uk - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- Darren Wright of Howth Puts Famous Pata Negra On to Boil in the Round Ireland Yacht Race - Afloat - July 13th, 2020 [July 13th, 2020]
- Shop local swimwear, whatever your style | Hot Summer Guide | Halifax, Nova Scotia - The Coast Halifax - July 13th, 2020 [July 13th, 2020]
- Color Star Technology Announces the Addition of Renowned Musician Larry Carlton to its Color World Online Education Platform - Salamanca Press - July 13th, 2020 [July 13th, 2020]
- Grooveyards self-titled album impresses - The Daily Star - July 13th, 2020 [July 13th, 2020]
- HBO | World Day of the Rock: 7 movies and series, remember that the rock is alive more than ever | A Star ... - Code List - July 15th, 2020 [July 15th, 2020]
- The CW's Lost Boys show will 'keep the essence' of the movie, says series songwriter G Tom Mac - SYFY WIRE - July 15th, 2020 [July 15th, 2020]
- Re-opening federal death chamber: Victim opposition, pandemic threaten first execution in 17 years - USA TODAY - July 15th, 2020 [July 15th, 2020]
- How to catch a glimpse of the comet NEOWISE dazzling the skies right now - The Verge - July 17th, 2020 [July 17th, 2020]
- Remember the Strange Way the Eagles Played Their First Gig? - Taste of Country - July 18th, 2020 [July 18th, 2020]
- The Brave New World of Peacock Looks a Lot Like TVs Past - PRIMETIMER - July 18th, 2020 [July 18th, 2020]
- US Digital Banking Market Trends, Companies, Driver, Segmentation, Forecast to 2025 - Owned - July 18th, 2020 [July 18th, 2020]
- Exploring Trinity Site legends (some are true!) on 75th anniversary - Las Cruces Sun-News - July 20th, 2020 [July 20th, 2020]
- Rasheeda Frost Switches Up Her Look And Fans Are Here For It Check Out Her Outfits And Hairdos - Celebrity Insider - July 21st, 2020 [July 21st, 2020]
- Kim Zolciak-Biermann Bares Her Butt in the Tiniest Thong Bikini - Bravo - July 21st, 2020 [July 21st, 2020]
- Comprehensive report on Internet Banking Market with Top Key players like CGI, Financial Network services, Corillian, COR Financial Solutions, I-flex... - July 21st, 2020 [July 21st, 2020]
- Felix The Reaper on iOS review - "Lots of love, not enough game" - Pocket Gamer - July 25th, 2020 [July 25th, 2020]
- From 'Hip Hop Hooray' to 'YMCA,' the untold stories of Jock Jams, 25 years later - ESPN Philippines - July 25th, 2020 [July 25th, 2020]
- "The follow through decides where it's going to go" - Kick it like Matty Forde - SportsJOE.ie - July 25th, 2020 [July 25th, 2020]
- The Outer Worlds: Perils of Gorgon Interview - Talking Storytelling, Inspiration, and Freedom with Matt Hansen & Carrie Patel - RPG Site - July 26th, 2020 [July 26th, 2020]
- In praise of the masked man - Winnipeg Free Press - July 26th, 2020 [July 26th, 2020]
- Felix The Reaper review - "Lots of love, not enough game" - Pocket Gamer - July 28th, 2020 [July 28th, 2020]
- Douglas County Fair and Rodeo lives on with your safety top-of-mind July 30 Aug. 2 - The Know - July 28th, 2020 [July 28th, 2020]
- 40 years of Back In Black: a celebration of AC/DC's hard rock opus - Mixdown - July 28th, 2020 [July 28th, 2020]
- There's no plaice like home: Why we should be eating British fish - The Conservative Woman - July 28th, 2020 [July 28th, 2020]
- Were the Rolling Stones Better in the '60s or '70s? Roundtable - Ultimate Classic Rock - July 28th, 2020 [July 28th, 2020]
- Meet REDSIX, the Indonesian band crafting addictive, pop-punk classics - Happy - July 28th, 2020 [July 28th, 2020]
- The 53 Best Things to Do in Seattle This Weekend: July 24-26, 2020 - TheStranger.com - July 29th, 2020 [July 29th, 2020]
- BILLECK: Hellebuyck snubbed when it comes to Hart, even if he doesn't think so - Winnipeg Sun - July 29th, 2020 [July 29th, 2020]
- From 'Hip Hop Hooray' to 'YMCA,' the untold stories of Jock Jams, 25 years later - ESPN - July 30th, 2020 [July 30th, 2020]
- Vessel detained near Rockall was allegedly involved in another confrontation off Scotland - Irish Examiner - July 30th, 2020 [July 30th, 2020]
- Finally Today's Tim arrives in virus-free holiday haven - Noosa News - July 31st, 2020 [July 31st, 2020]
- The untold truth of Castle Rock - Looper - August 2nd, 2020 [August 2nd, 2020]
- Tracks of the Week #113 - God Is In The TV - August 2nd, 2020 [August 2nd, 2020]
- Girls soccer gets ready to take the field again - Sedona Red Rock News - August 2nd, 2020 [August 2nd, 2020]
- Watch Skip Marley And The School Of Rock All-Stars Perform Bob Marleys Three Little Birds - uDiscover Music - August 2nd, 2020 [August 2nd, 2020]
- This is the day: SB19 finally drops debut album 'Get in the Zone' - Manila Bulletin - August 3rd, 2020 [August 3rd, 2020]
- Dingdong Dantes honors mom, wife and the Creator on his 40th b-day - Manila Bulletin - August 3rd, 2020 [August 3rd, 2020]
- Battered by Covid-19, the fishing industry nervously awaits Brexit outcome - Irish Examiner - August 3rd, 2020 [August 3rd, 2020]
- Internet Banking Market 2020 New Techniques, Research Analysis, Treatment Types, Latest Trends, Regional Demand and Forecast Outlook 2025 - Market... - August 4th, 2020 [August 4th, 2020]
- Online Banking Industry Global Forecast by Products, Applications, Distribution Channels, Form, Regions, Company Analysis - Market Research Posts - August 4th, 2020 [August 4th, 2020]
- WWE news: Who were the best Superstars in the 2000s? - GIVEMESPORT - August 7th, 2020 [August 7th, 2020]
- Pedestrian killed by car driven by K-pop boy band 2AM's Seulong in Seoul - Manila Bulletin - August 8th, 2020 [August 8th, 2020]
- Once an Outlaw to perform at Wildcat Inn Aug. 20 - Conway Daily Sun - August 8th, 2020 [August 8th, 2020]
- This August, TV ventures through The Swamp, Lovecraft Country, and the Lower Decks of Star Trek - The A.V. Club - August 9th, 2020 [August 9th, 2020]
- Bon Iver enlists Springsteen and nods to Minneapolis homeless charity on new single - Minneapolis Star Tribune - August 9th, 2020 [August 9th, 2020]
- PM must remember we're doing lockdown differently on Scotland visit - The National - August 9th, 2020 [August 9th, 2020]
- Murs and Slug Surprise Release First New Felt Album in Over 10 Years Felt 4 U - mxdwn.com - August 10th, 2020 [August 10th, 2020]
- How to rock all types of womens leather jackets like a pro - Business MattersBusiness Matters - August 10th, 2020 [August 10th, 2020]
- Here are some Scottish locations that might suit PM's taste for adventure - The National - August 10th, 2020 [August 10th, 2020]
- Planning Commission Very Divided on URP Proposal, but Does Barely Support Approval - The Peoples Vanguard of Davis - August 31st, 2020 [August 31st, 2020]
- When Katrina Kaif Went Flirty Chic in Some Bright Florals, Ruffles and a Whole Lot of Cakes! - Report Door - August 31st, 2020 [August 31st, 2020]
- The HoopsHype Weekly: Ranking the Top 10 players in the 2020 NBA playoffs so far - Hoops Hype - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- JIMI HENDRIX And JOHN BONHAM - Two New Books Celebrate The Lives And Music Of Late Rock Legends - bravewords.com - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- Plotting the path through the energy transition - Hydrocarbon Engineering - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- 'High Fidelity' Season 2 Would Have Focused on Cherise - Decider - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- The 20 best rock albums of 1977 - Louder - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- 4 Viral Beauty Moments Of Erica Fernandes That Broke The Internet - IWMBuzz - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- Is this one better than the original? - Insights News - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- Drive In Events Proving Popular in Newton Aycliffe - Durham Magazine - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- Statue of Liberty-sized space rock among FIVE headed towards Earth warns NASA - RT - October 4th, 2020 [October 4th, 2020]
- Roman Reigns Open To Facing CM Punk: Hed Probably Need To Be Slapped Around A Few Times - Fightful - October 4th, 2020 [October 4th, 2020]
- Arizona Zervas / The Success Of Roxanne & Staying In His Own Lane - Flaunt Magazine - October 4th, 2020 [October 4th, 2020]
- Live Stream Review: Philly Music Fest Day One Featuring Japanese Breakfast, The Districts, and More - mxdwn.com - October 4th, 2020 [October 4th, 2020]
- Black History Month: Are these the 10 most influential black musicians of all time? - Radio X - October 8th, 2020 [October 8th, 2020]
- High school golfers lose federal case over virus rules that kept them from D-10 tourney - GoErie.com - October 8th, 2020 [October 8th, 2020]