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Tuesday, February 14, 2017

"In the Heights: A Truly Groundbreaking Piece of Literature" By Kyle C


          
Being enrolled in theatre classes here at Etiwanda for the past four years, I have developed a predilection for reading theatrical literature rather than conventional book forms. While exploring the theatrical canon of literature, I came across the book version of Lin Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical In the Heights, written by Quiara Alegría Hudes, a spectacular piece of literature that is likely to be intriguing for readers of any type.
           
            In the Heights takes its place in Washington Heights, a Latin-American community in Manhattan, where daily struggles such as low incomes and boiling heat haunt the residents. At the book's opening, readers are introduced to the very likeable Usnavi De La Vega, owner of the Heights’ corner bodega. Usnavi is head  over heels in love with a local salon worker, Vanessa, who aspires to move out of Washington Heights and into a nicer place downtown, but finds herself struggling to find the money and pass the credit checks to do so. We are also soon introduced to Nina Rosario, whose parents own a car service shop in the Heights but only make enough money to support themselves. Lucky for them, though, their daughter is very intelligent and is out west on a full-ride scholarship at Stanford. Little do they know, she actually lost her scholarship months ago and comes home to visit, also breaking the news to them. Benny, who works for Nina’s father, is in love with Nina and glad to see her back. We as readers soon learn that their love is that of star-crossed lovers, much like in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Throughout the play, we are introduced to several other characters such as Graffiti Pete, the local pest, Abuela Claudia, the town’s charming old lady who raised Usnavi, Daniela and Carla, witty salon workers and Sonny, Usnavi’s  younger cousin who works with him and is constantly getting on his nerves. So much happens throughout the storyline, from a blackout to winning the lottery to Usnavi’s decision to move back to his roots in the Dominican Republic, a plan which he soon reverses, but there's is no doubt that the story brings about several Universal themes that are applicable on some level to all readers. One of the most predominant themes in the book is the definition of being home. From the point we are introduced to him, readers can see that Usnavi doesn’t have it easy in the heights. He is constantly plagued with financial struggle and damage to his shop, but his breaking point comes when the community’s power goes out and looters decide to destroy his shop. This leads him to decide to leave shop and move back home to the Dominican Republic. He becomes fed up with the constant struggles in the Heights and figures that he can just go to the DR and open up a bar there. At the end of the play, though, he discovers that the word home isn’t defined by where a person was born or originated from, but that home is where you feel unconditionally loved and, despite struggles, everybody supports each other. Another important thematic element introduced in the story is the cost of a dream and the fact that anybody, no matter how disadvantaged or poor they are, is capable of making their dreams come true and living a content life. Every character introduced in the work is underprivileged financially or socially, but almost every single one of them finds a way to come out on top in the end.

            I would highly recommend this book for any reader with a taste for hip-hop and who is looking for a heartfelt, but intriguing storyline like no other. The combination of the unpredictable plot, along with the musical numbers presented in the piece, which are mostly rap, is sure to inspire interest in any reader. Much like the characters presented, each and every reader from whatever background has a lesson to learn from In the Heights, whether it be the lesson about following dreams, or simply learning to appreciate the things we have and realize that many others are struggling to make a living all around the world. In terms of literary value, I firmly believe that the play is very valuable. From its first publication, the piece has proven to be groundbreaking and like no other. Prior to the writing of In the Heights, musical theatre was never collided with rap. In the Heights truly was the catalyst for a new type of theatre and, with that, a new type of literature. I hope that my synopsis and review of In the Heights has sparked interest in you to read it. If you wish to look more into the musical, check out the link below and listen to a few of its numbers to see just how interesting and groundbreaking they truly are!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmbEyQRdP0s&list=PL2i7U_tJ6AbZ7ZIlkwOAtzsk5HSe9c7bM


7 comments:

  1. This piece really made me want to read and see the play. The theme of home and the background of each of the characters is very intriguing. In the Heights sounds very interesting you described the basis of the story line very well, and I liked that you put a link to listen to some performances. I'm excited to watch!

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  2. You explained the fundamentals of the plot well without revealing too much, and your descriptions of the characters are informative and relatable. Also, I liked how you included a few of the themes as they give more depth to your review. Your admiration for this piece is clearly depicted in your recommendation. Overall, this is an excellent review.

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  3. I thought this post was done nicely. You managed to keep the review interesting, dominantly with the good flow of the writing; the scenes you included from the story managed to paint a good, general synopsis for the play. Plus, it was smart to include that last paragraph. I think the presentation of the play sounds cool, especially considering how you share it was a trailblazer for rap within musical theatre. Nice job

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  4. After reading this piece, I'm more interested in reading this play now, I think you summed it up nicely and made it interesting for us to read. Great job.

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  5. This was really fun and interesting to read about because I know this is something I would never have come across otherwise. Mainly because I don't read plays often and its not really the genre of literature I prefer. But I think it was a nice eye opener to show that just because it is a little bit outside of my normal it can still be an interesting and fun story. I think this review was well thought out and formatted quite nicely.

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  6. I really want to read and watch this play now. I'm such a huge fan of Miranda's musical Hamilton. I feel like this one will deliver just like Hamilton. I like how you gave out vital information on what the play is about not spoiling it. Written like a true critic!

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  7. I've seen the play before, and truly enjoyed it! Now I feel a bit empowered, and will go read the book! Thanks for the help Kyle.

    -Kynoa V

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