A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR When a young Latino theater composer by the name of LinManuel Miranda first burst onto the scene in 2008 with this groundbreaking show, it started a revolution. For the first time on the Broadway stage, audiences were able to experience a new, 21st century kind of theater. Where modern language and contemporary musical sounds were meshed together in a wholly original story and song cycle that included rap, hip-hop, salsa and Composer and lyricist, Lin-Manuel Miranda (left) with Director, Benjamin Perez (right). traditional Broadway ballads. A universal immigrant story that includes three generations, was highlighted with familiar characters, fresh orchestrations, and electrifying dance numbers. IN THE HEIGHTS was Lin’s first major work, and in my mind, it’s his emotional masterpiece. While he has gone on to great success and notoriety with his multi-award-winning phenomenon HAMILTON, (as well as family-favorites MOANA and ENCANTO) he admits that much of what he succeeded in doing in HAMILTON, he learned from writing IN THE HEIGHTS. This show has absolutely changed my life. It’s given me a nationwide Family of performers and friends. It’s expanded my understanding, knowledge, and respect for our hard-working people whose only hope is to live their American Dream. It’s breathed new life into the musical theater. It’s touched older people with its depiction of a generation that is seldom represented on the stage. It’s inspired young people and people of color to find their place in the Arts. It is a distinguished story of a Latin culture that doesn’t include gangs, drugs, guns, pregnancy, or prison. It has given me more joy and pride in the past 10 years than I can possibly express. I hope you embrace our Familia as your own. We are your grandparents and parents, your children and your friends, your neighbors, and the people you work with. We are a vibrant, loving community of American immigrants searching for a better life. We are figuring out what to bring with us from the old country, and what to embrace in this new century. Take the journey, feel the rhythm of our neighborhood, and let us into your heart. I promise you, it’s a ride worth taking. Benjamin Perez, Director
P6 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE
