Review Roundup: IN THE HEIGHTS at Wheelock Family Theatre - What Did The Critics Think?

IN THE HEIGHTS runs at Wheelock Family Theatre through November 19! IN THE HEIGHTS tells the universal story of a vibrant multi-generational community in New York's Washington Heights - a place where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you and which ones you leave behind. The show was conceived and has music and lyrics by Lin Manuel Miranda, and a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes.

The cast features David Alea as Graffiti Pete, Rosi Amador as Camila Rosario, Darren Bunch as Benny, Johanna Carlisle as Abuela Claudia, Tony Castellanos as Piragua Guy, Iliana Garcia as Vanessa, Diego Guevara as Sonny, Diego Klock-Perez as Usnavi, Luis Negron as Kevin, Yewande O. Odetoyinbo as Danielle, Laura Lebron Rojas as Nina Rosario, and Kira Trollo as Carla.

The cast also includes Ceci Cipullo, Marshall Joun, AJ Manuel Lucero, Zachary D. Mcconnell, Selena Mercado, Malik Mitchell, Katrina Z, Pavao, Ryoko Seta, Lance-Patrick Strickand, Alexa Wang, Kelton Washington, and Caroline Workman.

IN THE HEIGHTS is directed and choreographed by Rachel Bertone, with costume design by Marian Bertone, scenic design by Jenna McFarland Lord, lighting design by Franklin Meissner, Jr., and music direction by Dan Rodriguez.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

Iris Fanger, The Patriot Ledger: The Wheelock revival of "In The Heights," performed by an amazingly talented and sympathetic troupe of actor-singer-dancers, brings such a joyful beat to the songs and stories of the neighbors in this particular barrio that it is easy to ignore the awkward mechanics of the plot-lines and the clichés of the characters... The fast-moving action is set on a run-down, highly colorful street scene designed by Jenna McFarland Lord, which is completed by the George Washington Bridge looming in the distance.

Michael Hoban, Theatre Mirror: The talent of this cast is tremendous, and the corps de spirit strong. Klock-Perez makes a compelling Usnavi, giving him weight and responsibility. He works well against the charismatic Guevara, whose Sonny is more light-hearted. Rojas is touching as Nina, the star of the neighborhood who's fallen. She and the appealing Bunch harmonize beautifully, as do the magnetic Odetoyinbo and her assistant, the bubbly Troilo. The dancing in the show is impressive, with Garcia a noticeable standout.

Killian Melloy, WBUR 90.9: But even when the hip-hop flow gets speedy and hard to follow, the mood and intention come across loud and clear, thanks in large part to director Rachel Bertone's highly energetic choreography and the cast's enthusiastic, skilled dancing... it's the cast that really sells the show, and Diego Klock-Perez - who has played the part of Usnavi before when SpeakEasy Stage Company produced the show in 2013 - anchors the production. He's a powerhouse on all fronts: singing, dancing and acting.

Photo: Wheelock Family Theatre

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