“In the Heights” is a musical all about the who…
In an ethnic New York neighborhood filled up with the blues
Now this rap just takes a minute, so hush and be still
Then go out and buy some tickets ‘cause it’s really quite a thrill
The show won several Tonys, so it’s definitely worth a look
With music from Miranda and a Pulitzer book
Rap and salsa from Latinos, to their neighbors they are tending
A little bit like “West Side” with a so-much-better ending
The sweet streetwise Abuela, plangent Piragua Man*
Show the Heights as one big family, a neighbor-lovin’ clan
This absolute ensemble has a galaxy of stars
Benny, Nina and Vanessa set the highest casting bar*
Director Rachel Rockwell does what Rockwell does the best
She achieves true authenticity in her artistic quest
If there’s a single nit, it’s too much front and center staging
Massive sets and quite large cast are blamed for that arranging
Tho the sets are quite amazing and the orchestra is grand
The whole of this production gets the audience to stand
Time to make the call, “In the Heights” is out there for ya
Just an hour from the North Shore and you’ll be in Aurora
Then when Nina sings with Benny you’ll know the call was right
Intoning “When the Sun Goes Down” to end a perfect night
*Abuela Claudia is played by Paula Scrofano, Piragua Guy by David Baida, Benny by Jonathan Butler-Duplessis, Nina by Christina Nieves and Vanessa by Caitlainne Rose Gurreri. All are superb.
“In the Heights” runs through October 6 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 East Galena Blvd., Aurora. Evening shows are performed Wednesday through Sunday. Matinees are performed Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets ($36.90 to $49.90) and information are available at online, by calling 630-896-6666 or visiting the Paramount box office Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 2 hours prior to evening performances.
Barry Reszel is a Libertyville-based writer, at-home dad, first-time rapper and executive director of the not-for-profit entertainment company Liberty Town Productions.
