Thanks to his Broadway sensation “Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda is a superstar. The play won eleven Tonys, including Best Musical, and the Pulitzer Prize For Drama in 2016. On top of his own three Tonys, three Grammys, one Emmy, and one Oscar nomination, Miranda is not only decorated but now can do whatever creative project he wants for the rest of his life.
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One arena Miranda still hasn’t yet tackled is the movie screen; that is, until now (a live stage recording of “Hamilton,” released exclusively on Disney+ last July, doesn’t count). After COVID forced a delay to its initially scheduled release last summer, Miranda’s first hit on Broadway, “In The Heights,” comes to theaters and HBO Max this June. The movie is a live-action drama that takes the hit musical off the stage and straight into Washington Heights. Here’s the official synopsis:
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…Lights up in Washington Heights. The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines, and sings about a better life. …
Alongside Anthony Ramos, “In The Heights” also stars Corey Hawkins (‘Straight Outta Compton‘), singer Leslie Grace, and Stephanie Beatriz (‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘). Miranda has only a supporting role in the film, as does Jimmy Smits and the singer Marc Anthony. Jon M. Chu (‘Crazy Rich Asians‘) directs, and play co-writer Quiara Alegria Hudes provides the screenplay.
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Will a cinematic rendition of “In The Heights” make Miranda’s already ascendant star shine even brighter? Find out on June 18, when the film opens in theaters and streams exclusively on HBO Max.