Scaling The Heights

Putting a 21st Century Spin on Broadway Traditions

Site Staff Arts & Entertainment

In the Heights, March 30-April 1 8 p.m. Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., 2 and 7 p.m. Sun. at the McCallum Theatre

In the heights lead character Usnavi (a song in the show reveals a funny story surrounding his name) is a modern-day, Latino-version of Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof.  In fact, Fiddler is “in the DNA of Heights,” according to creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Winner of the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical, In the Heights celebrates a community of industrious Latino immigrants in a New York barrio in pursuit of love and the American dream. Like Fiddler’s Tevye, Usnavi is the central figure in Heights and its primary storyteller. He reveals a close-knit neighborhood fighting for survival as the outside world closes in.

The juxtaposition of a traditional plot and 21st century music and lyrics (which also garnered Miranda the Tony for Best Score) results in a new spin on a classic American story. In one  review, Playbill called Heights’ score “rangy.” Blending rap, hip-hop, salsa, merengue, and more, Heights is an adventurous romp into a vibrant Manhattan world driven by the music and rhythm of three generations.

According to most critics, if you liked Fiddler on the Roof, you’ll love In the Heights.

In the Heights  
March 30-April 1
8 p.m. Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., 2 and 7 p.m. Sun.

McCallum Theatre
73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert
1-760-340-2787
www.mccallumtheatre.com