The largest production in at least 25 years takes stage April 2–5 in Youngker Hall's Kimmel Theatre as the Cornell Department of Theatre and Dance presents a story of community and cultural identity in their production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights.”
The musical follows the community of Washington Heights, a neighborhood in New York City, as several characters face challenges during one hot Fourth of July weekend. It portrays a positive, life‑affirming look at the Latin American diaspora, highlighting personal journeys and the pursuit of opportunity, while celebrating family culture and history.
“Joyous, celebratory, touching, and hopeful, ‘In the Heights’ resonates with the students, faculty, and our community neighbors, many of whom are within a generation of immigration themselves,” Professor of Theatre Scott Olinger said. “Over 70% of the cast is Spanish-speaking, and even more have first-hand lived experience mirroring that of their characters.”
More than 50 students are working on this show, with 28 students in the cast. Iowa-based Choreographer L.D. Kidd, who was a company member of the national tour of “In the Heights,” worked with Choreographer Amy Simonson to teach students dance sequences from the original production. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. on April 2–4 and at 2 p.m. on April 5 in Armstrong-Youngker Hall.
The play is being directed by Chris Okiishi, who previously directed “Evita” for Cornell. Okiishi is an expert in musical theater and speaks fluent Spanish after years of living in Brazil.
“The energy of the show is enough to rip the roof off the theatre,” Okiishi said. “This production brings together some of the most talented local theater artists and the opportunity to perform a musical by one of the most celebrated composers of our time, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes is exceedingly rare.”
Cornell Junior Luis Ubilla ’27 is playing the main character, Usnavi, and says they have a lot in common. They’re both funny and like telling stories, have a love of café con leche, and are awkward dancers.
“However, I think that the most important similarity is the fact that he is struggling to find and define his home. And me, having flown all the way from Puerto Rico and saying goodbye to my mom and my family to study in Iowa, was like leaving home, even though it is temporary.” Ubilla said. “This is why there is no other show as important to me as this one.”
Tickets can be purchased online (cornellcollegetheatreanddance.ludus.com) and are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and free to Cornell students, faculty, and staff with their Cornell IDs. Group tickets can be arranged by contacting solinger@cornellcollege.edu. The production has some mild cursing and innuendo, social drinking, and death. Due to these themes, it is generally recommended for ages 10 and up.