It is interesting to see how different theaters approach virtual productions of shows.
Lehigh University's Mustard & Cheese Drama Society has chosen to present its production of "In the Heights" in a Zoom style format with all the cast members recording their parts separately.
For a show that is built around the pulsating, close-knit Dominican American neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City, this presents a huge challenge.
However, Lehighs production which is available through March 5 on Youtube, for the most part, succeeds is creating the feeling of community between these people, which is essential to the show.
Written by "Hamitons" Lin Manuel Miranda, "In the Heights" follows a group of neighbors in the community as they try to figure out if they should stay where they are, return to their homeland or move on.
At the center of the show is Usnavi, a young bodega owner, played with plenty of heart and soul by Juan Aleman. Despite the constrictions of the Zoom format in which most of the cast perform against a white wall, Aleman is personable and appealing, conveying the feeling of a welcoming community member to whom everyone turns. His rapping on songs like the first act opener "In the Heights" and "96,000" is rhythmic and melodic and his diction is great.
Arianna Pineiro is strong-willed and compelling as the widely respected neighborhood matriarch, Abuela Claudia. She delivers a powerful "Paciencia y Fe" (patience and faith) and a heartfelt "Hundreds of Stories."
Jess Flores is painfully conflicted as Nina Rosario, who won a scholarship to college but dropped outand fears disappointing her family. Her "Just Breathe" is agonizingly touching.
As Usnavis love interest Vanessa, Mercy Mirembe conveys longing and determination. Her voice soars on "It Won't Be Long Now" as she contemplates leaving the neighborhood.
Brendan Rego is engaging as Benny, who works for Ninas parents cab company and who is smitten with Nina.
As Ninas iron-willed mother, Frances Colon makes the character resolute but caring, while Ninas father, played by Michael Stevanovich, is more impulsive.
Adding comedy relief are Dabney Brice and Brianna Dominguez as the gossipy beauty salon owner and worker and Justin Velez as Usnavis slacker cousin.
Giovanni Vargas and Elhadj Diallo provide some colorful characterizations as the as the pirigua guy and a grafitti artist.
The big ensemble numbers suffer a bit from the format, but still manage to convey the chaos of "Blackout" and the raw abandon of "Carnaval del Barrio."
However, it works well for the poignant "Alabanza," in which all he cast members hold candles in each of their screens as they sing.
The scene in which Usnavi and Nina look through a photo album leading into Ninas "Everything I Know" is surprisingly intimate.
The all-student run production is directed by Ivery Linett Marquez who has done an admirable job pulling all the separate videos together for a cohesive and satisfying result.
To view the show, go to www.instagram.com/intheheights_lu/ and provide your email to receive the link.
"Carnaval del Barrio" in "In the Heights"