Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...The venerable Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire has been improving in leaps and bounds this season when it comes to making its in-the-round space, mostly unchanged for decades, more of an immersive experience for the audience. In the case of “In the Heights,” that is achieved though the emotional openness of the performers and jumping musical direction by Ryan T. Nelson but it was also as simple as encouraging audience members to wave flags from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, nations deep in the hearts of the characters in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ebullient 2008 Broadway musical."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...“In the Heights” is a show bursting with vibrant, swirling storytelling. In the Pulitzer-nominated 2005 musical, Lin-Manuel Miranda (music and lyrics) and Quiara Alegria Hudes (book) capture the world of New York City’s Washington Heights neighborhood, where longtime residents and local businesses find themselves on the cusp of being gentrified out of their community."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Not quite buried beneath these errors are a few fine performances: Joseph Morales as Usnavi, our immigrant protagonist trying to make his way in the titular Manhattan neighborhood; Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel as a mostly silenced wife and mother who finally asserts herself; and Lillian Castillo as the owner of the local hair salon, another maternal figure—though one who’s anything but silent. But are we supposed to care about the ingenue’s having dropped out of college or her secret romance with her father’s employee?"
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...In the Heights is a remarkable musical that showcases the beauty, passion, diversity, and struggles in the barrio of the Washington Heights community in New York City. From the book written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes, creator Lin-Manuel Miranda's inspirational story of hope, determination, and resilience teaches this Dominican American community to embrace their heritage and cherish their American dreams."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...This is a powerful story and the cast assembled is absolutely perfect. In fact, I have to think that if the creator Lin-Manuel Miranda saw Usanavi played byJoseph Morales, he would be standing in the aisles applauding with everything he has. Morales captured the heart and soul of this young man who in fact is both our hero and storyteller. From the opening number “In The Heights” the audience is caught up in the area and as we meet the characters, we cannot help ourselves from falling in love with the community."
WTTW - Highly Recommended
"...All along the way the powerhouse voices and dancing of each and every member of the cast are ideal. And the sense that the community will soon be undergoing change is in the air. To get straight to the point: This is a show that is not to be missed."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...As in other great urban musicals, the entire ensemble of gifted and enjoyable performers make this show sing and pulsate with rhythm. The warmth and charm of all these Latino characters, including a brilliant chorus of actors/singers/dancers, tirelessly carry the show, warm up the winter night and drive this excellent production all the way up to the Heights."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Recommended
"...Marriott’s energetic new production, tenderly directed by James Vásquez and gloriously choreographed by William Carols Angulo, fabulously creates the summertime heat of the musical’s self-proclaimed barrio. Their 22-member cast of authentic triple threats is particularly strong in executing Angulo’s dance steps. Which is not to say acting and vocal highlights are absent. In particular, native Puerto Rican Hernández is exquisitely memorable in her Marriott debut; Addie Morales is at her best conveying Nina’s soft side; Joseph Morales shines in his tender solos; Castillo is among the finest comic actors onstage with a killer voice, to boot."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...Even before the show began, the opening night audience at Marriott Theatre was so audibly psyched to see Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights that the anticipation was fairly crackling through the auditorium. When the James Vásquez-directed musical did begin on the theatre’s trademark “in the round” stage, it seemed that every new element, no matter how small, or every new performer elicited excited applause. And the audience had not even seen anything yet, could not know what an incredibly wonderful experience they were in for and how much this play’s cast, designers, and musicians would deserve every cheer."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...Usnavi has a dream to escape, like everyone on his block in Washington Heights. And those few hot days in July play out in what is sure to be a blockbuster revival of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In The Heights” that looks and sounds as fresh and vibrant as ever at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire. The strong sense of family unfolds in a neighborhood teeming with a celebratory spirit that is so inherently baked into this show it erupts again and again with uncontrollable passion and hopeful promise. Look no further than the rousing Act II “Carnaval del Barrio” which prompted a thunderous ovation and the waving of flags in the audience. Not the usual Wednesday opening night in Lincolnshire to be sure."
Life and Times - Highly Recommended
"...Now, under the direction of James Vasquez, “In the Heights” comes to Marriott Theatre in Chicago’s Northwest suburbs. Judging by the ear-shattering excitement of the opening night audience, “In the Heights” is a blockbuster. Indeed, the capacity house was filled not only with traditional theatergoers, but also those who couldn’t pass up the musical’s Latino-centric story and Miranda score. Everyone will want to see this show! Marriott’s “In the Heights” is a fun, touching, beautiful masterpiece!"
Chicago Culture Authority - Highly Recommended
"...With the world-beating success of Hamilton overshadowing all that came before it, it's easy to forget that Lin-Manuel Miranda's earlier work, In the Heights, won the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical. Marriott Theatre's production of Miranda's earlier triumph is a welcome reminder of what a high-quality show In the Heights is."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Marriott Theatre kicks off its 2024 season with “IN THE HEIGHTS,” this 2008 Tony-award winning Best Musical. As has become Miranda’s trademark, In the Heights is a combination of both rap music and narrative to tell the story. The music and dancing are high energy and follow the a thrilling Latina beat."
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...This production covers all our emotions. There is also a reference to the late, great Chita Rivera which is a moment of great applause. This talented cast is pouring out their heart and soul in telling this story. Miranda’s family still lives in the Heights. This is his homage to his family and the neighbors who became family. If this is your neighborhood, embrace it. We should all be lucky to have a place like this to call home. Marriott has created that place. Go see this with your family and your friends. You will be glad you did."