A film still from ‘In The Heights.’ (Warner Bros. Pictures/YouTube)
Lights up on Washington Heights! Theater and film artists and critics have already gotten their hands on In the Heights screeners — advance files that allow journalists to see the film ahead of its release — the buzz is looking very promising.
Backstage writer Casey Mink tweeted, “In the Heights is literally perfect…stunning,” critic Carlo Aguilar said, “It’s truly wonderful. Hopefully a game-change for Latino films in Hollywood,” and Fandango’s Erik Davis tweeted, “I‘ve seen #InTheHeights & it’s terrific in every way imaginable. I truly think it is among the greatest New York movies ever made. Bursting w/ life & love & spectacular music, it’s a celebration of community & honoring where you’re from while figuring out where you’re going next.”
The film adaptation of Quiara Alegría Hudes and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical will debut at Tribeca Film Festival with an opening night screening set for June 9 at the United Palace theatre in Washington Heights. For the first time in the festival’s history, Tribeca’s inaugural film will be screened at the same time across all five New York City boroughs in multiple open-air venues. Jon M. Chu, director of Crazy Rich Asians, helms this summer blockbuster.
The starry cast features several Broadway favorites, including Anthony Ramos as Usnavi de la Vega, Corey Hawkins as Benny, Leslie Grace as Nina Rosario, Melissa Barrera as Vanessa, Tony nominee Olga Merediz as “Abuela” Claudia, and Tony Award nominee Daphne Rubin-Vega as Daniela. Members of the original Broadway cast are said to make cameos throughout the film, including Miranda, who appears as the Piragua Guy.
