Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium was transformed and audience members inside were transported to a New York barrio street, salon, corner store, house and dance club during the performance of In the Heights’ Saturday evening.
Through rap, hip-hop and dance, In the Heights tells the story of 12 different characters and their search for a purpose and a home.
Audience members laughed along with the funny one-liners and jokes, but when the situation turned serious, they paid attention.
The “Blackout” before intermission, a gripping scene between all of the characters and their efforts to find each other, was one of the highlights of the show.
“The ‘Blackout’ showed all of the characters’ strengths and talents, and it has been one of my favorite parts since I first saw the show,” said Adrienne Green, a freshman studying journalism who has seen the show three times.
The fact that the show is relatable to different people was a favorite part of the show, said Sharqaua Smith, a freshman studying sociology.
“As a first-generation college student, Nina’s struggles with college hit me deep,” she said. “I know how hard it can be sometimes, and I really liked her parts.”
The show was very different than anything else that has come to Ohio University, added Seaira Christian-Daniels, a sophomore studying journalism.
“The ethnic cast and story is something you don’t see often,” Christian-Daniels said. “I think this is something that needs to be in the arts more.”
Because the show is Latin based, some people are more timid to come out to the show, said Robert Ramirez, who plays Sonny, a worker in the corner store.
“If we weren’t able to say that the show won four Tony Awards, I’m not sure people would come out,” Ramirez said. “But this show is really the best, and people need to come see it for themselves.”
Although 1,197 of the 1,950 tickets were sold, Christian-Daniels thought that the show could have used more publicity.
“(My friend) was raving about the show since we decided to go, and I read the little preview about it, but I was unsure of what I would actually think,” Christian-Daniels said. “Now I wish it had two shows, so we could get more people to come.”
ao007510@ohiou.edu
