What is Lin Manuel Miranda really writing about in “In the Heights?”

I walked into the movie theater for the first time since the pandemic to see “In the Heights,” and I was expecting a production similar to “Hamilton.” I was right and wrong.  

“In the Heights” was Lin Manuel Miranda’s Broadway debut, and it won best musical at the Tony Awards. Changing “In the Heights” from a Broadway experience to a cinematic one must have been a difficult task, but it was done fairly seamlessly. Characters were often introduced by their shoes, which to me, represented the essence of each character. The Stanford college student wore a sturdy pair of heels and the longing traveler wore a well-used pair of sneakers. This is just one example of creative storytelling that wouldn’t be possible on Broadway. 

I was surprised to see animation sprinkled throughout the film, again, something not possible on Broadway. The creativity of “In the Heights” is boundless. The colors, shots, and choreography elevated the already phenomenal soundtrack of Washington Heights. 

“In the Heights” was the production that made the world notice Miranda, who is known for his powerful lyricism and hip-hop-inspired productions. Most attribute his success to his unique music, but I don’t think that is the reason for Miranda’s popularity. 

One of my favorite professors at Utah State University, Robb Kunz, told me all writers spend their lives writing about the same thing. I’ll admit, I was skeptical of that. To limit every writer in the world to one theme, memory, experience or movement seemed too simple. But after comparing Miranda’s musicals to each other, I realized that Kunz was right. Thematically, “Hamilton” and “In the Heights” are incredibly similar because Miranda is writing about the same thing. 

Why do we run from where we come from?

At eight years old, Usnavi immigrated to New York from the Dominican republic. In Washington Heights, he runs a bodega with his cousin, Sonny. But, Usnavi is anything but satisfied; sounds like Hamilton, doesn’t it? Usnavi spends all his time working to save up enough money to go back to the Dominican Republic, promising himself and his neighborhood that he will leave the Heights forever. 

Usnavi isn’t the only one who’s running in the Heights.

Vanessa dreams of leaving the Heights and pursuing her designer dreams in an apartment downtown, away from the barrio. At the same time, Nina tries to hide her differences from her classmates at Stanford University. She runs from where she came from.

In Hamilton, Alexander is described by Angelica Schuyler as never being satisfied. He immigrated to New York from the Caribbean to become a new man and quickly established himself in America. He practiced law and served as the secretary of the treasury during the Washington presidency. He spent his life creating a new legacy of independence, revolution, and intellect.

I’m not sure if Hamilton was ever satisfied because, to me, he never seemed at peace. He was constantly pushing for more; Usnavi did that, too. 

Miranda clearly believes that you’re in charge of your own legacy. Where you come from should not be an indication of immediate success, power, or influence but, unfortunately, it is. Miranda’s work criticizes stereotyping immigrants and encourages audiences to see people’s potential beyond where they come from. 

“In the Heights” is now streaming on HBO Max.

emily.white@usu.edu