I’m one of those people who makes lists. Some of them are fantastical, like the top five parts I’d like to perform in a play or musical. Some of them are a little more realistic. And one of these lists is “Top Five Musicals I Want to See”, specifically ones I haven’t seen (that list is “Top Five Musicals I Want to See Again”). Not a far reach, as I’m likely to come across most of these musicals at one point or another. On the top of that list (maybe right after Dear Evan Hansen) was In the Heights. I say was because I finally got to see In the Heights at the Bristol Riverside Theatre.
I think In the Heights is relatively well known, especially with the movie release in 2021. Otherwise, I try to phrase it as “You know Hamilton, right? This was his first musical.” And I’ve been wanting to see this show since it was on Broadway (2008! I’m dating myself!) Although I had a gritty bootleg back then, I never got the chance to actually see it until now. I was ecstatic to get the invite…I’ve never been to BRT, but a show is a show. And I’ve seen plenty of good musicals at regional theatres.
The theatre was small, but very lovely. The set was simple, but also very lovely. I really liked the feel of the whole place. I’ve seen great shows with a lot less than they had. Honestly, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. It was a small theatre that I had never been to before. But by the end of the show, I knew it was a theatre I would want to go back to. This production of In the Heights absolutely blew me away.
This can’t be an easy show to do for many reasons. There’s a lot of choreography and movement. It’s physically taxing. And of course, there are so many difficult topics and storylines that they tackle. But this cast were completely stunning with all of it. It’s such an ensemble show, and every piece of this puzzle fit. From the leads to the ensemble members, everyone told me the story I was so eager to see. Honestly, I think this show was Broadway level caliber. I definitely wasn’t expecting to see that, but I did see that. And I definitely count myself lucky to have been in that audience.
Daniel L. Melo carried the show as Usnavi with a smoothness and total talent. He was absolutely perfect as the lead and narrator. The supporting cast was just as impressive. The chemistry between all of the actors was awe inspiring. I’ve been in ensemble shows, and I know how hard it is, especially amongst leads. Everyone who played opposite someone else brought up emotions and investment in what I was watching. They all made me feel, and deeply. I laughed. I cried. I probably gasped a couple of times. I was completely entranced.
Something I love about regional productions of Broadway shows is that they can borrow from the original shows, but also put their own spin on things. They can do this through things like choreography, set designs, and costume designs. The way this production of In the Heights was done had many remnants of its Broadway counterpart, but was still very much its own show as well. I attribute this to many things…the ones I listed above, but also how the actors brought their characters to life. It’s not like listening to the soundtrack or watching the movie. This was one of the most real shows I’ve ever seen.
All of the stories in In the Heights ring true for so many people. Personally, I have family history that fits in with some of it, especially Abuela Claudia’s story. It was really intense to see that live, finally. That’s one of my favorite things about this show. So many people can relate to these stories. And I learned that you can’t properly understand that until you’re actually watching the show. I may be familiar with the show, but watching it play out will be with me forever.
After the show, I got to speak with Melo. We talked about passion, and what this show means to people. We talked about our shared histories, and the love that ties all of this together. I was so grateful that I got to share my stories with him, and hear some of his in return. Any actor who cares that much is good in my books. He really brought this show to life for me. And although In the Heights is now on the “Top Five Musicals I Want to See Again” list, I can’t even imagine an Usnavi like Melo. He brought all of this to me both onstage and off.
If I could see this show a million more times, it wouldn’t be enough. I finally got to see a show that I’ve been wanting to see for over fifteen years, and I definitely was not disappointed. I saw everything I ever expected from this show and more. I think it’s total proof that these things don’t have to be big or over the top or fancy to be a perfect presentation. I had it all right there.
In the Heights is playing through April 27th at the Bristol Riverside Theatre, and if you get the chance, run to see it. This was such a special show, and I think it would be impossible for it to not touch you in one way or another. I don’t think I’ll ever have an experience like this again, and I wish that on everyone else.
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