A R T S A N D C U LT U R E
ASPIRING TO NEW
‘Heights’ EMOTIONAL, UPBEAT FILM RECALLS OLD HOLLYWOOD BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Anthony Ramos and Melissa Barrera are two of the stars of Warner Bros. Pictures’ “In the Heights.”
Photo by Macall Polay
“I
n the Heights” stars Olga Merediz and Jimmy Smits say their musical masterpiece is the perfect anecdote to a rough 18 months. “It’s balanced with emotional and deep moments, but there’s a lot of happiness and joy,” says Merediz, who plays matriarch Abuela Claudia. “The musical numbers are just right. The music cuts right through to you, and Jon Chu has done an amazing, amazing job with his incredible visuals. I think people are really going to resonate with the characters, and I think people are really going to enjoy it.” With a wide smile, Smits says “ditto,” but he takes it a step further. “We’ve also had to reckon with a lot of social issues in the past year and a half,” says Smits, who plays Kevin Rosario, a father who butts heads with his ambitious daughter. “We’re hoping that this film provides joy. Musicals tend to be uplifting and inspirational, but the universal themes resonate very strongly. I think this film is something all audiences will be able to grasp.” Set to hit screens on Friday, June 11, “In the Heights” fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music and lyrics with director Chu’s lively eye for storytelling. Chu also directed 2018’s “Crazy Rich Asians.” The film takes viewers to the streets of Washington Heights, where the scent of cafecito caliente hangs in the air outside of the 181st Street subway stop. Led by bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos, “A Star is Born”), the tight-knit, multicultural community shares its dreams and wishes with each other — in the hopes of paving a way out, while maintaining its ties to Washington Heights. “I hope people recognize themselves and see themselves and feel proud,” Merediz says. Smits adds that viewers mustn’t live in Washington Heights to feel for the characters. “I’m sure you had your nanas, your grandmothers and that,” he says. “The city might be different and the cultural specificity might be a little different, but the feelings of community, family, and how the generation who comes here from another place has expectations for their (children and grandchildren) are all the same. “Those are universal things.” Merediz starred as Abuela Claudia on the stage version of “In the Heights.” She’s excited to spread her character’s word among the mass of movie lovers. “I wanted to give Claudia the platform she deserves,” says Merediz, referring to her character’s age. “She’s a character who is overlooked in our society. It’s
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