El barrio (the neighborhood) that everyone wants to be a part of: Washington Heights!
In the Heights, the most talked about musical-to-screen adaptation of 2021 so far, stars Anthony Ramos as dreamer-slash-bodega owner Usnavi, Melissa Barrera as the beautiful aspiring fashion designer (and Usnavi’s love interest) Vanessa, Leslie Grace as Ivy League student Nina Rosario, and Corey Hawkins as traffic reporter (and Nina’s ex-boyfriend) Benny. The film also stars Olga Merediz as the madre (mother) del barrio Abuela Claudia, Jimmy Smits as proud father and entrepreneur Kevin Rosario, Gregory Diaz IV as Usnavi’s young cousin and activist Sonny, and producer Lin-Manuel Miranda as the Piraguero guy.
The movie, told by an older Usnavi, tells the story of a block that essentially is being gentrified and losing some of its vital community members. While the older Usnavi does mention some of the bitter parts about people moving away to follow their dreams, he also describes the magic and nostalgia those streets brought to its occupants; Especially for young Usnavi and friends.
CAUTION: ICEBERG OF SPOILERS AHEAD…
WEST 175TH STREET AND DOMINGO GROCERY
Our tale begins with Usnavi starting his day walking to work and opening his store. Here, he is greeted by Miranda’s character as mid-summer has brought him out to serve his community with his shaved ice cart.
ASTOR PLACE SUBWAY
In this scene, aspiring fashion designer Vanessa exits the subway to an interview for a space to create her own studio.
HOOD WRIGHT PARK AND BASKETBALL COURT
Nina and Benny caught up with one another and had a serious heart-to-heart moment about their lives and relationship in this park. After returning home from Standford, all Nina wanted was to take a moment and listen to the sounds of her neighborhood. Some residents played on a basketball court, much like the one above, in front of her.
WEST 173 STREET
On an extremely hot day in Washington Heights, Benny convinces Usnavi to close up shop and head to the community pool to cool off. They bring along Sonny and Noah Catala as Graffiti Pete while they talk recent news about the lottery.
HIGHBRIDGE POOL
Between the choreography and music, it made the audience wish everyday was a pool day in Washington Heights! The famous song, “96,000” musical number was featured at this pool.
191 STREET SUBWAY STATION
This emotional number where Abuela Claudia reminisces over her life and her own mother’s struggles to make ends meet in a new country, was whimsical to say the least. Honestly, a perfect send off and a peaceful one at that. According to 6sqft.com, this station is one of NYC’s deepest stations at 173 feet below ground; That is 18 stories!
AUDUBON AVENUE AND WEST 174TH STREET
Our story comes to a happy end. The older Usnavi comes together with his now wife and mother to his young daughter Iris, Vanessa. Iris is seen playing in the street with her friends under the sprinkles of the open hydrants. She is later joined by her mother and father, ending the movie.
Such a magical film in a city like the Big Apple. Watch In The Heights in theaters June 11!
