Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first Broadway musical is adapted for the big screen with In The Heights.
The story of a young bodega owner whose neighborhood is turned upside down when he sells a winning lottery ticket was the first taste of stardom for Miranda, whose musical won a bevy of Tony awards back in 2008. As much about the neighborhood as any individual, this promises to be a sprawling, splashy production that lavishes in everything a musical has to offer; a decided change from the predominantly downbeat musicals of late that have been hit-or-miss with audiences. But hey, The Greatest Showman was a huge success, and this does have Lin-Manuel Miranda’s name splashed all over it, so it’ll be a hit, right?
Helping sell the fun will be director Jon M. Chu, who made Crazy Rich Asians into a massive success. Perhaps even more relevant here, he also handled the second and third Step Up movies, so you know he’s got a feel for big numbers.
Miranda will appear, but the lead role has been handed over to Anthony Ramos, who you’ll probably recognize from small roles in A Star is Born and Godzilla: King of the Monsters. After that the cast simply sprawls out; a few of the people stretching their vocal chords are Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera, and Jimmy Smits.
While movie musicals can be a tough sell in today’s market, Miranda’s catchy songs are almost sure to make this a hit.
In the Heights is directed by Jon M. Chu and stars Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, and Leslie Grace. It will be released in the US and the UK on June 26th, 2020. For international release dates, click here.
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