Written and produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, In the Heights is a heartwarming tale about the lives of a largely Dominican community in New York City. Coated in optimism, the story highlights the Latin spirit and traditions without shying away from the struggles immigrants consistently face.
The show opened on Broadway in 2008 to critical acclaim, winning four out of thirteen Tony Award nominations. In the Heights stands out among many stories due to its colorful musical numbers that feature a mix of rap, hip-hop, and salsa; its vibrant stage design; and its sentimental value and universal appeal.
A Tale From the Heights
Usnavi de la Vega narrates the story of his youth in Washington Heights to a group of kids. Ten years prior, he was the young owner of a bodega in the neighborhood. There, he spent some of the best years of his life with Abuela, Kevin, Rosario, the beauty salon employees, Daniela, Carla, and Cuca, and Vanessa. He immediately bonds with them and quickly develops feelings for Vanessa.
Later on, Alejandro, the family’s attorney and a good friend of Usnavi’s, informed him that his late family’s business is for sale in the Dominican Republic, and he shares his interest in reviving it. Kevin, who runs a taxi company, welcomes his daughter Nina back from Stanford University. But after she runs into Benny, Kevin’s employee and Usnavi’s best friend, she concludes that they cannot afford the tuition. However, Kenny tells her not to worry about anything since he will figure it out.
Nina visits the beauty salon to reconnect with the girls. They all welcome her but are saddened to hear she will be dropping out of college. Daniela also reveals she will be moving her salon to the Bronx due to the high rents in Manhattan. Vanessa is also struggling with her own dreams, as her rental application downtown gets rejected and her desire to be a fashion designer gets frustrated. She goes to the bodega, where Sonny, Usnavi’s cousin, asks her out on Usnavi’s behalf.
Sonny reveals that a lottery ticket that was sold at the bodega has won $96,000. Benny reassures Nina that she is destined for greatness. In the meantime, Usnavi tries to convince Sonny’s father to take him with him back to the Dominican Republic, but Sonny’s father insists they are undocumented immigrants. In the meantime, Kevin reveals that he has sold his business to pay for Nina’s tuition; nonetheless, she confesses to her father that the real reason she wants to drop out is due to the racism she is experiencing.
Usnavi and Vanessa go out on their date to the salsa club. And while he is too nervous to dance with her, Vanessa dances with different partners. A jealous Usnavi dances with another woman. After the power goes out, Vanessa and Usnavi argue, and she rejects him.
Usnavi and some others go to Abuela’s home to check up on her. She is struggling with the heat, but still finds time to admire the group of people she has brought together. She reminisces about her life in Cuba and coming to New York, and after finding joy in her memories, she dies peacefully. At a protest, Sonny learn he cannot attend college as an undocumented immigrant, and upon hearing this, Nina resolves to go back to college and pave a way for immigrant children.
Usnavi goes to Daniela’s salon, and on the way there, he finds Vanessa’s rental application. He asks her to co-sign. Daniela, on the other hand, is disappointed that no one has come to say goodbye due to their sadness over Abuela’s death and the power outage. She tries to cheer the neighborhood into celebrating, and as they begin to cheer up, the power comes back on, with Usnavi and Vanessa also reconciling.
A month later, Nina returned to Stanford, and Benny promised her to go meet her there before they shared a kiss. Usnavi prepares to leave for the Dominican Republic. He suddenly finds that the person who had won the lottery had been Abuela, and she left him the prize in full. Vanessa comes by to say goodbye and thank him after finding out he has helped with her rental application.
Usnavi gives Alejandro the lottery prize, hoping it will help with Sonny’s DACA fees. The following morning, Vanessa showed Usnavi her new fashion designs, inspired by Graffiti Pete, a local street artist. Usnavi takes a look at Graffiti Pete’s work honoring the late Abuela and decides to stay. Back in the present day, it is revealed that Usnavi is telling the story to his and Vanessa’s daughter at the remodeled bodega. Usnavi is elated that he remained in Washington Heights, and he understands he belongs there.
The Best In the Heights Backdrops
Now, take a look at the beautiful backdrops that can help you bring your story to the stage.
New York Skyline
One thing your stage will need is a view of New York City, where the events of the story take place. Our backdrop, New York Skyline, showcases the city from across the bay. The backdrop is set at daytime with a skyscraper looming and the beautiful bay in front.
Just watch how this backdrop brings life to any production.
The New York Skyline at Night backdrop is a view from the city’s harbor. The foreground features the port with the waters lit up by the lights of the city. In the background is the world-famous NYC skyline itself, with its tall buildings, bright lights, and starless night sky.
This rentable backdrop will immerse your audience with its beautiful charm.
Washington Heights
Create the most memorable stage with our Washington Heights backdrop. It depicts the neighborhood of Washington Heights in the northern end of New York City’s Manhattan Borough. George Washington Bridge, the world’s busiest motor vehicle bridge, dominates the skyline in the background, while a thick canopy of trees can be seen in the middle ground. The foreground depicts rundown tenement buildings and a brick wall covered in graffiti.
This backdrop will do wonders for your stage.
Suspended over the Hudson River, the magnificent George Washington Bridge serves as an essential passage within the New York metropolitan area. This stage backdrop portrays a stylized rendering of this iconic bridge. It features a view of the bridge, including one of its anchors and its 2 towers. The area under it is covered by thick vegetation, while over it, one can see the cloudy sky.
Take your stage to new heights with this vibrant backdrop.
The Daytime New York Street theatrical backdrop takes you to downtown New York City with all of the tall buildings. The buildings are grey and brick colored. The background is a beautiful blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
Bring your production to the city that never sleeps with this beautiful backdrop.
The New York Street backdrop includes a row of buildings, a Coney Island billboard, and the city skyline with the Statue of Liberty in silhouette against a cloudy sunset sky.
The Nighttime City Rooftops will transport your audience to a dark city street, where anything can happen. This stage drop displays brownstone buildings in the foreground with lit windows. In the background, you can see a suspension bridge in silhouette against a blue and purple night sky.
Create the most memorable production using our rentable backdrops.
Last but not least, the Graffiti Wall features a blue sky and a brownstone building with windows. In the foreground, a wall is spray-painted with colorful graffiti.
Bring color and intensity to your play with this vibrant backdrop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the backdrops for In The Heights?
The backdrops for In The Heights include New York skylines and stress, where the story takes place, graffiti walls due to their relevance in the plot, and a gorgeous view of the George Washington Bridge.
What are the key elements of the In the Heights backdrops?
The most important elements of In the Heights backdrops include the New York metropolitan areas, colorful skies and buildings, and spray-painted walls.
