REVIEW: Lively Production of IN THE HEIGHTS Takes the Stage at the Fox Theatre

The Tony award winning musical In the Heights takes the stage at the Fox Theatre for an extended run. The show examines the lives of the various characters that populate the New York neighborhood known as Washington Heights, and features an infectious mix of rap and Latin music styles. It's an exuberant production filled with plenty of good humor, and it features a positive, upbeat message which will linger in your mind long after the show has ended.

Usnavi owns and operates a bodega in the neighborhood, but dreams of one day returning to his native Dominican Republic. He's madly infatuated with Vanessa, who wants to flee the area for a downtown apartment, but who so far hasn't been able to overcome her poor credit rating. Meanwhile Nina, the daughter of Kevin and Camila, who run Rosario's Car Service, arrives back in town after blowing her scholarship at college by taking on too many jobs in order to pay for books, etc. Though angry over the fact that his daughter deceived him about leaving the university, Kevin is determined to see her graduate, so he decides to sell his business and work as a mechanic so that she can return to school. But, Nina isn't so sure that choice will work for her, and to complicate matters, she's fallen in love with Benny, who's employed by her father. Their love becomes star-crossed when Kevin decides that Benny isn't good enough for his daughter. Of course, all these issues are resolved before the curtain in satisfactory fashion.

Kyle Beltran is a marvel as Usnavi, and his ingratiating personality really sells the character, and anchors the play. Beltran also makes a good impression rapping out his lyrical rhymes in this tuneful score, with the opener, "In the Heights" immediately setting the tone. As his love interest, Vanessa, Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer does strong work, and really shines on the number "It Won't Be Long Now", as she pines for escape. Elise Santora is wonderful as Abuela Claudia, who raised Usnavi after his parents died. And, Shaun Taylor-Corbett is hilarious as Usnavi's cousin and employee, who has his own socialistic ideas about work.

Arielle Jacobs and Rogelio Douglas Jr. give winning performances as Nina and Benny, respectively. Both possess voices that work well for this material. Their love song, "Sunrise", which opens the second act, is delightfully performed by the pair. Daniel Bolero and Natalie Toro are also exceptional as Nina's parents Kevin and Camila. Bolero delivers an intense version of "Inutil", which translates to "useless", as he reflects on his own abusive upbringing. Toro takes charge of the situation with her take on "Enough", as she struggles to keep her family together.

A very talented supporting cast includes: Isabel Santiago as the gossipy owner of the local beauty salon, Daniela; Genny Lis Padilla as Carla, a daffy girl who applies the idea of "what would Jesus do" to every situation; David Baida as the Piragua Guy; and Jose-Luis Lopez as Graffiti Pete.

Director Thomas Kail stages the action with a keen eye, and he keeps the pace bubbling along quite nicely. Kail is aided by Andy Blankenbuehler's energetic choreography, and Alex Lacamoire's terrific musical direction. Anna Louizos contributes the amazing set design, which fills the stage with brownstones and businesses, all of which are populated with individuals interacting to maintain visual interest. Howell Brinkley's lighting scheme adds vibrancy, and the "fireworks" at the end of the first act generate some excitement. Paul Tazewell's costumes provide considerable color for this dynamic presentation.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's music and lyrics are a catchy complement to Quiara Alegria Hudes's simple, but effective book. There may not be any new ground broken here, but the story works well with the music, and you'll leave this show with a smile.

This charming and lively production of In the Heights continues through November 22, 2009 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.

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