Set in the heartwarming Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City, “In the Heights” at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre captures the essence of community, dreams, and cultural heritage. This vibrant musical, a creation of Lin-Manuel Miranda, weaves a tapestry of joy, struggles, and love in a close-knit Latino community. Under the direction of Ariella Salinas Flores, this production celebrates the strength found in unity and the power of belonging, resonating with audiences of all ages.
The Morgan-Wixson Theatre, a treasure among Santa Monica’s community theaters, continues its tradition of delivering clean, polished, and captivating performances. As the show opens with infectious dance moves by Jenna Small as Graffiti Pete, the audience anticipates an enthralling journey into the world of “In the Heights.” However, after those initial moments, the performance began to lack energy, feeling as if the cast was still finding their footing after a break. Nevertheless, the production steadily finds its rhythm and begins to shine.
Reuben Gabriel Hernandez, portraying Piragua Man, enters the stage with a stunning vocal performance that instantly rekindles excitement among the audience. Natalie Chavez, as Nina Rosario, impresses with a powerful voice and star quality reminiscent of the Broadway actresses that previously portrayed this role. Another memorable moment arrives with the entrance of Joyce Blakmon as Daniella, who infuses the character with delightful energy, strong vocals, charming sass, and makes the role uniquely her own.
Bianca Flores’s portrayal of Abuela Claudia stands out as a captivating and emotionally charged performance. Despite being younger than the character’s age, Flores’s commitment and physicality create a believable portrayal that touches the audience deeply. Her rendition of “Paciencia y Fe” leaves a lasting impact, drawing gasps from the captivated audience.
Samantha Barrios shines as Camila Rosario, delivering a well-crafted performance that underscores the significance of the character’s presence in the story. Her natural demeanor and talent remind viewers why Camila’s character is sorely missed in the movie adaptation.
The no-frills set design by William Wilday and Melodie S. Rivers, perfectly complemented by Leonel Ayala’s clean and grounded choreography, allows the performers’ talents to take center stage. It integrates well with the intimate auditorium, creating a cozy and immersive experience for the audience.
“In the Heights” at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre, with its dedicated volunteers and talented artists, continues to foster the growth of local talent through educational programs and community engagement. This community theater embodies creativity, inclusivity, and a love for the arts, making it the ideal setting for the performance of this Lin-Manuel Miranda masterpiece.
Though some moments in the production experienced occasional dips in energy, the overall talent of the cast, coupled with many standout performances, ensured an entertaining and memorable evening. As the residents of Washington Heights celebrate their roots and the unique bonds that define their neighborhood, “In the Heights” leaves the audience with a heartwarming reminder that home is not merely a place but a profound feeling of belonging.
“In the Heights” at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre is a testament to the power of community-driven theater, and its portrayal of love, dreams, and cultural identity will surely resonate with theater enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The production stands as a celebration of diversity, talent, and the joy that can be found in the simplest moments of life.
Full cast and crew credits can be found at: https://stagemag.broadwayworld.com/classic/In-the-Heights-Morgan-Wixson-Theatre-29835
You can learn more about the Morgan-Wixon at http://www.morgan-wixon.org.
