Quote of the Day: When “In the Heights” opened on Broadway in 2008, I was living in Hamilton Heights,  just a few blocks south of Washington Heights. For me, this show is a time capsule. It captures the complex cadence of life, work, and love in upper Manhattan in the early 2000’s – a place where you can taste and feel immigrant dreams passed down through generations. Maija Garcia, director for In the Heights, from A Note From the Director in the playbill for the show, on stage at Artistry in Bloomington, MN through August 23, 2026. 

Cast of In the Heights at Artistry, thru 8/23/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Before Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway smash hit Hamilton came this glorious show about family, love, life, and community. While Usnavi (originally played by Miranda) is the main storyteller of this show, it is just as much about the people in his neighborhood. We connect with each one in different ways. As the street fills up with the various characters and vendors, we hear their voices and are drawn into their story. We hear the Piragua Guy (Justin Cervantes) pushing his cart and selling his shaved ice treats. Carla (Isa Condo-Olvera) the beauty shop owner is selling her shop and moving to a more affordable location. Vanessa (Janely Rodriguez) dreams of moving to a different neighborhood. But, is it really better? Graffiti Pete (Miracle) is craving self-expression and making his mark on the world. And, Sonny (Pierce Brown), Usnavi’s cousin, is a young man wondering where he will find his place.

Andrés-Román Wood is outstanding as Usnavi. He has the charisma of someone who has influence in his community, but still has hopes and dreams for something more and better. His grandmother Abuela Claudia (Jen Santoro Rotty) proudly watches over the whole neighborhood. She’s like the neighbor who is everyone’s grandma and cheerleader. She even saves clippings from the successes of the kids she watches grow up. Nina (Raquel Ponce) is one of them. She has gone off to Stanford University and is home for the summer. She worries that she can’t afford to go back to her university because of the financial struggles. It’s hard to work two jobs AND do all your coursework.

Nina’s parents (Pedro R. Bayón and Lisa Vogel) support their daughter and want her to go back to school, even in far away California. They’ll do anything to help her make that happen. They own the limo and taxi service. One of their employees is Benny (Chris Owusu) who has worked for the family for years. He and Nina start to have a relationship, but her parents aren’t too happy about it.

Cast of In the Heights at Artistry, thru 8/23/26. Photo: Dan Norman

The entire ensemble of this show is very strong with amazing vocals and killer dance moves. Choreographer Abby Magalee created incredible movement for all these characters. It was a joy to watch! The entire show has a very positive vibe, and also realistic. Just like any community, you have highs and lows, trials and triumphs. There were several times that I got tears in my eyes, and other times when I wanted to shout a  cheer for these characters. Miranda has created a beautiful theatrical experience with In the Heights. The director, choreographer and creative team, along with the tremendous cast at Artistry bring it to life. Costumes by Zamora Simmons Stiles, Lighting by Karin Olson, and Sound design by Paul Estby. The set, by Eli Sherlock, has a feel of a New York City barrio with many levels, street signs, and shops, to give you the feel of living in that world.

You can see this tremendous production of In the Heights at Artistry in Bloomington, MN through August 23, 2026. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Describe your neighborhood, either the one you live in now, or one that you grew up in. What made it special? Who were the people in your neighborhood?