In the Heights - Downtown Cabaret Theatre

If you have never seen Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first musical, In The Heights, then you want to head to the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport where the company is staging a spirited, well-acted production of the musical.  The show, with a score by the multi-talented composer/actor, combines rap, hip-hop, salsa and traditional Broadway melodies to form a musical that feels fresh and  contemporary.

The cast of In the Heights.

The book by Quiara Alegría Hudes covers a few days within the multi-ethnic neighborhood of Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan.  The book lacks overly dramatic elements but, for the most part, the libretto is rudimentary, mostly sketching together a series of slice-of-life complications.  Overall, the emphasis of the show is family and community.

We are introduced to this section of New York City and the denizens of the area by Usnavi, performed with confidence and a touch of innocence by Manny Gonzalez.  He runs a bodega with his cousin Sonny (played with comic brio by Nick Nuñez).  Abuela Claudia (Jane Prieto), an elderly woman, who raised Usnavi, is the heart and soul of the neighborhood.  There is the hair salon run by the sassy Daniela (Heather Abrado) and two assistants, the upwardly mobile Vanessa (Juliana Rivera) and the religiously inclined Carla (Karina Brea).  The married couple, Kevin (Martin Garcia) and Camila (Cintia Maio), run a car service with their buoyant and poised employee Benny (Everton George).  Their daughter Nina (Olivia Rivera), a bright, yet struggling college student at Stanford University, has come home for the summer.  This event, and the fireworks it creates, form the nucleus of the show.  There is romance, a city-wide blackout and, by the show’s conclusion, significant changes for almost everyone that lives in The Heights.

Everton George, Manny Gonzalez and Nick Nuñez of In the Heights.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music and lyrics, which were so new and, in a sense, revolutionary back in 2007 when the show opened Off-Broadway now seem commonplace in a theatrical setting.  Depending on the character and scene the composer offers up a variety of musical styles.  Standouts among the songs include the title number, “Enough, “Breathe,” and “It Won’t Be Long Now.”

One of the pleasures of this production is the enthusiasm and energy of the diverse acting corps.  All the aforementioned players provide high quality and nuanced performances.  Standouts include Manny Gonzalez as Usnavi, Juliana Rivera  as Vanessa, Heather Abrado as Daniela and the audience favorite, Jane Prieto as Abuela Claudia.

Juliana Rivera, Heather Abrado, Olivia Rivera, and Karina Brea of In the Heights.

Director Ben Tostado keeps the action lively and the pacing smooth.  Each scene naturally evolves from one moment to another.  Olivia Rivera, who doubles as the production’s choreographer, adds a few dynamic dance sequences to the show.

This production of In the Heights has no live band.  However, the professional sounding cast members, under the guidance of Musical Director Mark Ceppetelli, are totally in sync with the canned music, making for a thoroughly satisfying musical experience.  His work is augmented by Holly Rybnick’s proficient Sound Design.

David Kievet’s Scenic Design is tidily and effectively segmented into three distinct set pieces.  Christian Hall’s Lighting Design, at times, adds dramatic luster to the production. The Costumes by Thomas Gordon and Krista Rocco come across as totally fitting for the populace of this Manhattan neighborhood.

In the Heights, a vibrant musical, playing at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport through November 24.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.