In The Heights

The creation of "In The Heights" seems like a fantasy in itself. A young man from immigrant parents wants to write a musical about the people in his neighborhood. Unlike the fairy-tale version of this story, this was not an overnight sensation - it was seven years of work before the show even opened off broadway.

Lin-Manuel Miranda was a college sophomore at Wesleyan when he conceived of this show. Homesick for a little hometown Sabor in the white bread area of Middletown, Connecticut, he wrote this musical and infused it hip-hop and latin music. The outcome is a vibrant mix of musical styles while still retaining the traditions of musical theater.

If you think you know this story from movies that take place in the upper reaches of Manhattan, think again. This has no drug deals or gang wars. It is the story of the immigrant communities in Washington Heights as they dream of a better life.

Now in previews, it will officially open on March 9th when it is expected to be an overnight sensation.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 2/19/08

In The Heights Broadcast Version: After its successful run off-broadway, this home-grown show is opening on the Great White Way.

	The Creator and Star Extended Interview: Rafael Pi Roman interviews Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was a college sophomore at Wesleyan when he conceived of In the Heights.

The Director Extended Interview: Thomas Kail is the director and co-founder of Back House Productions.

	The Choreographer Extended Interview: Andy Blankenbuehler choreography has been seen in the Broadway revival Of The Apple Tree and the West End musical Desperately Seeking Susan.

The Actors Extended Interview: Rafael Pi Roman interviews Mandy Gonzalez, Christopher Jackson, Olga Merediz, Priscilla Lopez.