It seems that ever since Hamilton hit Disney+ in 2020, the world has been hungry for that magical mix of modern beats and classic musical motifs that only Lin Manuel Miranda can seem to bring to life. Like the rest of the world, I was well and truly gutted when the cinema release date of Miranda’s 2005 Broadway smash In The Heights was postponed due to the pandemic. So when it was announced that it would in fact be debuting on the big screen from June 18th, I was excited to say the least.
Originally hitting the Broadway stage in July of 2005, In The Heights is a story set over three days, focusing on the colourful and effervescent characters of the largely Dominican neighbourhood of Washington Heights in New York. The original production was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards and the West End production won three Laurence Olivier Awards.
The possibility of the show being adapted for film has been on the cards ever since 2008 when Universal announced that they had acquired the rights to adapt the musical as a feature film, however, that deal fell through after Universal opted out of development. After a wait of 10 years, during which time the musical was first passed to the Weinstein Company, then into a bidding war with other studios, Warner Bros. Pictures finally acquired the film rights for 50 million dollars in 2018. In The Heights would go on to earn 11.5 million in its box office opening weekend and is already regarded by some as a modern classic.
The following is a list of what I deem to be the best five songs from Miranda’s fabulous score. For those who haven’t seen the musical or the movie yet, BEWARE for there may be spoilers ahead.
1. ‘In The Heights’ Usnavi and Company
This vibrant and dynamic opening number sets the scene for the entire musical. The song also introduces us to our hard-working and painfully awkward bodega-owning protagonist Usnavi, and many other colourful residents of Washington Heights. A powerful opening to Miranda’s world, it grounds the audience well in the big apple and brings it to life in such a way, that you can almost feel the heat of the New York summer radiating from the screen.
2. ‘Breathe’ Nina and Company
Things mellow out a little as we move on to number two and the second song of the soundtrack, ‘Breathe’ sung by Leslie Grace is as heart-breaking as it is beautiful. Nina has one of the most moving arcs in the whole musical and in this song, she details the weight she feels as the expectations, hopes and dreams of the entire block rest on her shoulders. She’s dealing with a mega case of imposter syndrome and is petrified to tell her father that she has dropped of the college he has worked tirelessly to get her into. This ballad is sure to bring bittersweet tears to the eyes of any current or recently graduated (or dropped out) students who are all too familiar with the feeling of wading through all the pressure, just trying to find the time to just breathe.
3. ‘It Won’t Be Long Now’ Vanessa, Usnavi and Sonny
Melissa Barrera perfectly portrays the stunning and strong-willed Vanessa in this song detailing her love for her neighbourhood and her simultaneous desire to move on to bigger and better things. The start of the song sees Vanessa talking about all the boys that she brings back to her apartment and all the boys that shout to her on the street which she gives zero time to. Miranda seems to have been way ahead of his time, addressing issues such as female sexual empowerment and catcalling. However this is tempered with Usnavi’s feeble attempt to ask Vanessa out towards the end of the song. As he hides behind a shelf, he watches and listens as his younger cousin asks Vanessa out for him. Despite the fact that Sonny compares Usnavi’s dancing to a ‘drunk Chita Rivera’, Vanessa is inexplicably charmed, and the two set a date to go and dancing and check out the fireworks.
4. ’96,000’ Usnavi, Benny, Sonny, Vanessa, Daniela, Carla, Graffiti Pete and Company
This belter sees our main cast, discussing al the things they would do if they won the lottery. The song is just over five minutes long and features all of our favourite characters performing at their absolute best. The song takes place as the residents of the town shut up shop and take a cooling dip in the local pool. The chemistry between the characters is brilliant in this scene and you really get a feel of just how much the actors must have genuinely enjoyed performing this number! This musical is all about community and camaraderie, this song demonstrates the tight-knit nature of these people in a way that blows the opening number out of the water. Everything from the choreography to the performance hits all the high notes!
5. ‘The Club’ Company
My favourite song of the whole show, simply for the line ‘Vanessa, Let me get the next one! Vanessa let me interject some, the way you sweat the way you stretch on the floor, it makes me want your more.’ Again, this song perfectly showcases the wealth of talent this cast has to offer, the song is sung to perfection, the vibe between all the performers is electric and the dance number is *chef’s kiss* superb. It’s a sexy number that sees Usnavi and Vanessa go on their first date to a club, but Usnavi as always I cripplingly shy, and a s a result, does not dance with Vanessa the whole night. Vanessa however blows us away and steals the show entirely with her fabulous moves.
This list gives only a small hint at what this film has to offer and the only way to do it justice is to go see it for yourself! What a perfect way to welcome us back to the cinema! Lin Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights was well worth the year-long wait. If you’re looking for a musical with as much heart as it has a talented cast and compelling story – then this is one for you!
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