Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festivals "In The Heights" is a buoyant, exuberant and vibrant musical that pulsates with energy. "In the Heights," on the Main Stage at Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, Center Valley through July 2, boasts strong performances, soaring voices, thrilling dancing and spot-on direction.
As Usnavi, the bodega owner at the heart of the piece, Ryan Reyes is shyly charming as he wraps his tongue around Lin-Manuel Mirandas rapid-fire rap with ease, particularly in the opening title number in which he introduces the residents of his neighborhood in New Yorks Washington Heights.
Daisy Marie Lopez plays Nina, the daughter of the owners of Rosario Car Service who is returning to the neighborhood after a year at college. However, she dreads telling her parents she dropped out after struggling to maintain her grades while working two jobs. Lope Nina is conflicted and filled with shame as she tries to figure out how to tell the people who look to her as the one who got out of the Barrio, that she dropped out. Her pep-talk to herself "Breathe" is filled with a desperate resolve.
Lopez has good chemistry with Solomon Parker III, as an engaging Benny who pines for Nina. Their voices are lovely and heartfelt on their second act opening duet "Sunrise."
Danny Bolero is proud and stubborn as Ninas father Kevin who is willing to do anything for his daughter. Bolero is heartbreaking in "Inútil (Useless)" in which Kevin worries that he cant provide for his family.
As Ninas mother Camilla, Tauren Hagans is warmly supportive and shines in her powerful solo "Enough" in which she puts her foot down between the arguing Nina and Kevin.
Luis-Pablo Garcia is enjoyably playful as Usanvis cheeky younger cousin Sonny who humorously contrasts with Usnavis more restrained demeanor.
Jacquelin Lorraine Schofield is nurturing and perceptive as the gradnmotherly Abeulo Claudio. She blows the audience away with her impassioned "Paciencia y Fe (Patience and Faith)."
Chelsea Zeno sizzles as Vanessa, Usnavis love interest. Zeno is dynamic on the passionate "It Won't Be Long Now," in which the determined Vanessa sings of her plans to fulfill her dream of moving out of the neighborhood to the West Village.
Ariana Valdes and Gabrielle Villarreal provide comic relief as the kind but gossipy salon workers next door. They are hilarious in "No Me Diga (You Don't Say)" and Valdes has a huge voice as she leads the triumphant and show-stopping "Carnaval del Barrio."
Kevin Matthew Solis is hearty as the Piragua Guy on "Piragua," as he wscrappily competes with the Mister Softee truck.
Ralphie Rivera de Jesús is memorable as Garfitti Pete in a small, but effective role.
The entire cast is outstanding in group numbers like "96,000" in which the characters all imagine what theyd do if they won the lottery.
The number "Alabanza" is especially haunting as staged, with singers holding candles all throughout the audience.
The riveting choreography by Michael Anthony Sylvester explodes on the stage and musical director Walter "Bobby" McCoy ably leads the orchestra on the pulsating Latin rhythms. Direction by Valeria Cossu is equally kinetic.
The immersive multi-level set puts the audience right in the middle of the neighborhood and moody lighting by Max Doolittle enhances the show, and is particularly compelling during the blackout and fireworks scenes.
Meet the actors for a talk-back after the show June 22 and 29.
There will be an audio described and open captioned performance June 28.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. June 16-17, 21-23 and 28-30; 2 and 7:30 p.m. June 18, 24 and July 1; 6:30 p.m. June 20 and 27; and 2 p.m. June 25 and July 2.
Tickets are $68 for adults; $65 for seniors and $62 for age 6 to 22.
For information, call 610-282-9455, pr go to pashakespeare.org.