I realize that the Tony nominations for “In The Heights” were pretty much a given, but it nevertheless fills me with endless joy to see it recognized. THIRTEEN nominations! (We even beat South Pacific!) I wasn't expecting that, and I admit, I got a little teary eyed as I read the list of nominations. Thrilled that Robin de Jesus and Olga Merediz were recognized, along with Lin-Manuel, Quiara Alegria Hudes (whose book is a lot better than people give it credit for) and so many of the creative team behind this show. And with “Passing Strange” (a show I adore) also receiving a slew of nominations, I’m proud that voices that are labeled a minority are taking Broadway by storm. So, please forgive me for the following burst of sentimentality.
Whether or not you agree with my feelings on this show (and I realize many of the people reading this don't), I think we, as theatre lovers, have felt the palliative nature of art, and the cathartic beauty of the stage. It doesn't matter *what* show has that effect on you, just that you get to experience it.
I have watched the Tony Awards every year since I was a little girl, always rooting for those shows I’d seen when my family and I would come to New York City, either for tourist purposes, or to visit family members and friends who had moved here. I saw the original production of “A Chorus Line”, and cheered as Diana Morales sang about San Juan. Cultural identity is forever tainted by its representation in the arts, and latinos have gotten a bum deal on that end. After becoming accustomed to seeing latinos as people to be distrusted or disdained, watching a positive portrayal of a Puerto Rican woman had an enormous effect on my development of self worth. I love imagining the Puerto Rican, or Dominican, or Cuban, etc children who go see “In The Heights” for the first time, and feel that same burst of pride and self recognition I did when I saw Diana Morales. Only now, it’s not an isolated character, but an entire show of honest, hardworking, flawed and beautiful latinos. Lin-Manuel has bestowed an immeasurably valuable gift on this generation of kids.
I'm so happy that, our talents, voices and our artistic expressions are going to be celebrated on that same Tony Award telecast I always saw as a little girl. Regardless of what happens on the actual awards, I’m already thrilled. I’ll be watching, as I always did, with my friends and family in Puerto Rico, cheering for a show created by someone who, although not born in Puerto Rico, is still in every way one of our own. I love that this little island I adore so dearly, and all these various latino cultures, are being applauded on that Broadway stage I have always cherished.
Updated On: 5/13/08 at 09:16 AM
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