How well do you know *In the Heights*, the Tony Award-winning musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda? This vibrant production showcases life in Washington Heights, highlighting the dreams, struggles, and unity of a close-knit community. Test your knowledge with these fun trivia facts about the show's journey from its Off-Broadway roots to its film adaptation. Discover interesting behind-the-scenes details about the characters, music, and pivotal moments in *In the Heights*.
Adaptations
- The film was originally scheduled to release on June 26, 2020 in the United States and August 7, 2020 in the United Kingdom but was delayed to June 10, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The film adaptation of In The Heights originally set for release on June 26, 2020, included Lin-Manuel Miranda reprising a small role as the Piragua Guy.
- Anthony Ramos was cast as Usnavi in the film adaptation of In The Heights, which began filming on June 3, 2019, in New York.
- The film adaptation of 'In the Heights' was released in June 2021, extending the reach of the story from stage to screen.
- Warner Bros. Pictures acquired the film rights for In The Heights in a $50 million deal in May 2018 after a competitive bidding war.
International Productions
- The first performance of In the Heights in Brazil took place on April 17, 2014, at Teatro Bradesco in São Paulo.
- In the Heights was performed in Spanish by students in Panama City, Panama in June 2013.
- In the Heights had its UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse in London on May 9, 2014.
- The Japanese premiere of In the Heights took place in April 2014 at Bunkamura's Theatre Cocoon.
- The Australian premiere of In the Heights opened on February 20, 2015, in Melbourne.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda made a surprise visit to the West End production of In the Heights on September 4, 2016.
- The Canadian and South Korean premieres of In the Heights both occurred in 2015.
- Luis Salgado, a member of the original Broadway cast of In the Heights, choreographed the first Spanish version of the show in the United States presented by GALA Hispanic Theater in April 2017.
- The 2017 GALA Hispanic Theater production of In the Heights was the first Spanish translation of the show to be sanctioned and approved by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
- The ensemble of the 2017 GALA Hispanic Theater production included performers from multiple countries, reflecting the diverse Latin American community.
- In The Heights had its first Nordic performance in January and February 2018 at the Bastionen theatre in Nyborg, Denmark, marking its premiere in the Danish language.
- The first ever Polish performance of In The Heights was directed by Kacper Wojcieszek and occurred on September 24, 2022, in Koszalin's Musical Theater 'Adria'.
- In the Heights had its international premiere in Manila, Philippines on September 2, 2011.
Musical Composition
- Lin-Manuel Miranda is not only credited with the music and lyrics of 'In the Heights' but also conceived the idea for the musical.
- In the Heights' Broadway cast recording won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album in 2008.
- The musical 'In the Heights' features a vibrant mix of Latin music, hip-hop, and traditional musical theater sounds, reflecting the diverse cultural backdrop of Washington Heights.
Notable Tours
- The North American non-Equity tour of In the Heights ran from October 17, 2011, until June 2012.
- The first national tour of In the Heights began on October 27, 2009, in Tampa, Florida.
- In the Heights was nominated for four awards at the 2016 Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical.
- The Regional Premiere of In The Heights in New Orleans took place at The Jefferson Performing Arts Center on October 7, 2022.
Production Facts
- 'In the Heights' highlights the vibrant and culturally rich life of the Dominican American community in Washington Heights, New York City.
- The musical 'In the Heights' won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, after its Broadway debut in 2008.
- A major plot point in 'In the Heights' involves a winning lottery ticket worth $96,000, which becomes a pivotal element in the lives of the characters.
- 'In the Heights' originally had a tryout in Waterford, Connecticut in 2005 before moving Off-Broadway in 2007.
- The character Usnavi, who is central to the narrative of 'In the Heights', is named after one of the first sights his parents saw when they arrived in the U.S. - a U.S. Navy ship.
- The show includes a blackout in the narrative, which serves as a dramatic pivot point affecting all the characters' lives and relationships.
- The 2017 production of In the Heights at GALA Hispanic Theater received 18 nominations for the Helen Hayes Awards, setting a record for the most nominations for any DC production in that season.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda, who played Usnavi and is also the songwriter for 'In the Heights,' originally wrote the musical during his college years, with the show eventually moving from a college production to Broadway.
- The off-Broadway production of In the Heights was nominated for nine Drama Desk Awards and won two.
- In the Heights won the Outer Critics' Circle Award for Outstanding Musical for its off-Broadway production.
- The Broadway premiere of In the Heights began previews on February 14, 2008, and officially opened on March 9, 2008, at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
- The Broadway production of In the Heights recouped its $10 million investment after just 10 months.
- On August 2, 2010, the Broadway production of In the Heights celebrated its 1000th performance.
