The salad bowl sings!

MANILA, Philippines - Back in the 18th century, the metaphor “melting pot” was utilized to describe American society, how the immigrant experience was an example of how something heterogeneous could become homogeneous. The metaphor lost favor as social scientists would emphasize how ethnicity and the multicultural experience actually enjoyed “being one, while still being distinct” — and hence the use of the term “mosaic” or “salad bowl.” The 2008 Tony Award winning In the Heights is a musical celebration of that experience, the joys, the hopes, the tribulations and the challenges that these communities face on a daily basis as they try and succeed in the Estados Unidos.

An Atlantis production, running at the RCBC CPR Auditorium and directed by Bobby Garcia, the musical was conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also provided the music and lyrics, based on the book written by Quiara Alegria Hudes. Set in New York’s Washington Heights, we have a multi-ethnic community hailing from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Mexico, along with Jews and Afro-Americans, and they’re all bound by a common struggle — the confusing dream of making it out of the barrio, while also finding comfort and solace that it’s home. And let’s face it: There in spirit are the Filipinos who also take that giant step of moving to the United States, seeking the “milk and honey.”

Nimbly directed by Bobby, the show is a glorious example of ensemble performing. While the likes of Nyoy Volante (portraying Usnavi, and there’s a hilarious origin to his name), Ima Castro, Calvin Millado and Jackie Lou Blanco, and even Felix Rivera, will garner better name recognition for regular theatergoers; one will leave the theater impressed by neophyte MYX VJ K-La Rivera (a new young female lead is born?), Bibo Reyes (as Sonny, Usnavi’s sidekick), and Jimmy Marquez (as the snowcone vendor). As for the music, it’s what you would expect, given the musical’s backstory — Soul, R&B, rap and hip-hop, salsa, merengue, and all notes Latino in nature. It’s a hodgepodge that percolates, sizzles, and slow burns as needed, and we enjoy its many flavors.

That much of the storyline is delivered in rap may at first seem challenging for the audience, but as the elements of the story are soap opera-ish in nature, it ceases to be an issue. And while some rudimentary knowledge of Spanish would help in a deeper appreciation of the play’s wisecracks and asides, one can’t help but be swept along by the cast’s boundless dedication, energy, and enthusiasm. In the Heights is a celebration, a party that we’re all invited to... and it’s one we shouldn’t miss!