More Theater Monday - Into the Heights

We received complimentary tickets to In the Heights for review purposes. All opinions expressed here are our own.

What: In the Heights

Where: New York City Center

             131 W. 55th St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for ages 12 and up

When: Through November 15, 2026

In the Heights, Lin-Manuel Miranda's beloved first Broadway musical, has come to New York's City Center as this year's Encores! Gala Presentation. The show focuses on life in the Washington Heights barrio. It is a vibrant commemoration of Latin culture and life. 

Although Matte Martinez was perhaps a tad understated in the central role of Usnavi, generally the performances were quite good. Two in particular stood out. Natalie Ventia Belcon exuded quiet dignity as the beloved matron, Abuela Claudia, and Linedy Genao was amusingly over-the-top as Daniela. 

Even though Encores! shows are known to be stripped-down concert presentations, and it isn't uncommon to see performers walking around with scripts; nobody was walking around with a script here. It didn't feel stripped down in any way either.  There was way too much extremely boisterous dancing for anyone to walk around carrying a script. Everything about the show was extra. It was utterly loud, lively, and exuberant. This doesn't mean, of course, that every moment of the story is happy and uplifting, but for the most part, it is and was a joyous celebration shared between the performers and the audience.

And that's our view. For more about the show or to purchase tickets, visit 

www.nycitycenter.org/events/2026-2027-in-the-heights

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All In the Heights production photos by Valerie Terranova

All images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used with permission. Address concerns regarding image usage here.