Sizzle of song and dance
Northampton Community College Summer Theatre’s “In the Heights” is an exhilarating production that simmers with energy and pulsates with rhythm.
Exploding with energy, the dynamic show features kinetic and electric choreography by the talented Cristina Williams, and equally lively direction by Bill Mutimer in the story about a close-knit Latino neighborhood in New York City’s Washington Heights.
As Usnavi, the owner of a corner bodega, Matias De La Flor, is charismatic and just as engaging whether spitting out streams of freestyle rap, or being adorably awkward when trying to talk to the lovely Vanessa.
His introduction to the neighborhood in the highenergy opening number “In the Heights” is thrilling and sets the tone for the entire show.
Angelica Ramirez is sympathetic as Nina, the girl who left for college but who now doubts herself. Her brassy belt delivers on songs like the desperate “Breathe” and heartbreaking “Everything I Know.”
As her love interest Benny, Daniel Melo is caring and trustworthy. His sweet tenor combines wonderfully with Ramirez’s voice on the aching love duet “Sunrise” that combines English and Spanish phrases and is painfully juxtaposed against the chaotic aftermath of looting during a blackout.
As Vanessa, Victoria Scovens is appealing and sweet as she conveys her frustration and determination, while she dreams of escaping the barrio, in the heartfelt “It Won’t Be Long Now.”
Alejandro Navarro adds a touch of playful mischievousness to Usnavi’s young cousin, Sonny, who looks up to Usnavi as a mentor.
Tart-tongued Daniela, played with plenty of sass by Allie Vazquez, is the neighborhood gossip who owns the beauty salon where Vanessa works. She and sidekick Carla, played with an adorable naivete by Melody Cruz, add a liberal dash of humor and spice to the gossipy “No Me Diga” and the joyous “Carneval de Barrio.”
Raquel Lopez Clory, as Nina’s tough-minded mother, Camila Rosario, commands the stage as well as her daughter and husband in the powerful “Enough.”
Robert Torres as Nina’s devoted father Kevin Rosario is passionate and devastating in his song “Inutil (Useless).”
As abuela Claudia – the beloved grandmother of the neighborhood, Trish Kane Steele is warm and kind. The power of her voice in her song “Pacienia y Fe” comes as a surprise, so well has she conveyed the frailness of her health.
Dedrik Ramos also has a strong presence and voice as the Piragua Guy and he firmly anchors the song “Piragua.”
The show really sizzles when the whole cast is on stage, whether imagining the joys of winning the lottery in “96,000,” or in the club scene, which is pulsating with sultry dance.
Jonathan Cruz is memorable and proves himself an outstanding dancer in the small but ultimately pivotal role of Graffiti Pete.
Brett Oliveira’s scenic design is arresting, with the George Washington Bridge looming in the background and clever counters that move in and out in the small shops along the street.
The Latin-flavored orchestra, led by music director Lucille Kincaid, is tight and exuberant, although occasionally overpowering the singers.
Before each performance, the college’s Hispanic Caucus will offer a “street fair” in the theater lobby, featuring a Latin DJ, empanadas and piraguas (shaved ice) for sale.
“In the Heights,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Lipkin Theatre, Kopechek Hall, Northampton Community College, 3585 Green Pond Rd., Bethlehem. Tickets: $15, $10 students. 484-484-3412, ncctix.org.
Kathy Lauer-Williams is a freelance writer.