In the Heights at the University of Pittsburgh

April 01, 2014
Written by: F.J. Hartland
Published by: Pittsburgh City Paper

Combining rap music with Latin rhythms, the Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights bursts onto the stage of the Charity Randall Theatre as the current offering from the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Theatre Arts.


Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes, the show receives a colorful and lively production, directed by Lisa Jackson-Schebetta.

Set in the barrio of New York City's Washington Heights neighborhood, the musical examines the lives — and dreams — of its residents.

The Rosarios have sent their daughter Nina off to Stanford University in hopes she will make a better life for herself — and not end up with dispatcher Benny. Vanessa, one of the stylists at Ortega's Beauty Salon, dreams of moving downtown. Usnavi, who is secretly in love with Vanessa, runs the corner bodega. And watching it all from her front stoop is Abuela Claudia, the neighborhood sage.

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