No Turbulence “In the Heights”
**No Spoilers
Once again Lin Manuel Miranda imparts the beauty and sheer joy of life of New York City through cleverly pitched songs and exuberant dance effectively lifting audience members out of the ambiguous mess covid has left behind.
Several familiar faces from the Hamilton cast had a surreal effect as if somehow George Washington, Burr, Lafayette et. al had decided that 21st century barrio life in New York City was a better fit for them. It certainly charmed me.
This was a true cinematic experience unlike the Disney Hamilton “movie” which was merely a filming of the staged performance. In the Heights uses subtle VFX to create spectacular scenes that serve to enhance rather than dazzle and distract. Despite encompassing many forms of Hispanic heritage, the unique cultural aspects of Latino-Caribbean culture still emerge very clearly.
Given the very many story lines, all resolve satisfactorily with the requisite singing and samba-ing one would expect from a story about life in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. The effect of racism are spelled out in Miranda’s typical blunt style, leaving no room to (mis)interpret why ethnic neighborhoods wither.
On a softer note, the romantic storylines and familial love hit authentic chords that everyone can relate to. Delicately weaving the political predicament of Dreamers with the struggles of the average Big Apple dreamer provides food for thought and mesmerizing tunes that capture the soul of wanting a better life.
The direction by Jon Chu was energetic and well-paced given the nearly two and a half hour runtime. I couldn’t stop smiling for sheer excitement. The pleasure of watching one of New York’s most interesting neighborhoods (including GWB maintaining a vivid background presence) come alive on the screen in such detail, was fantastic.
In the Heights is a marvel to behold. Those who wonder about what why New Yorkers endure the unique sufferings of city life will get boldly performed urban sonnets. But we all will also get a poignant lesson in flying too close to the sun, perhaps, and wanting something too badly. As the opening song suggests, “In the Heights” can also take you to the depths when dreams don’t come true. But this uptown ascent is so worth it!
