Screw the Tights… We’re “In the Heights”

Screw the Tights… We’re “In the Heights”

A common misconception about musical theatre is that it’s a cheesy, peppy, unrealistic portrayal of reality where men prance around in tights singing about happy-go-lucky subjects. If you are one of those poor souls who is victimized by this god-awful idea of musical theatre, please allow me to enlighten you.

 

 

Evolution and adaptation happen in every aspect of life. Musical theatre is no different. As time has evolved, so has musical theatre. This weekend I had the privilege of watching Pioneer Theatre Company’s professional production of “In the Heights”.  The experience could not have proven my point any better.

The royal blue curtain rises to reveal a ghetto Latino neighborhood full of graffiti and scantily dressed pedestrians. The men’s pants sag and their tee shirts are baggy (pretty far from the stereotypical tights, if you ask me). In front of the audience lays a representation of a modern truth.  “In the Heights" deals with controversial and difficult subjects that we are forced to face each day. Gambling, interracial relationships, escaping the ghetto, death, financial ruin, failure, love… the list goes on and on. By dealing with these subjects “In the Heights” proves that musical theatre is no longer just a “lets sing and dance happily” type of experience. It follows the modern issues in the world and helps relay them to the public, making examples of how to deal with certain situations and the repercussions of ignoring them.

  Still not convinced? Let’s take a trip back through the astonishing world of musical theatre. In 1968 the musical Hair opened on Broadway. Reflecting the modern time, Hair depicts the hippie counter-culture and sexual revolution of the 1960s. Accurately portraying common current issues the musical displays illegal drugs, sexuality, irreverence for the American flag, and nudity. Then in 1996 the musical Rent came along. Again, the times had evolved and so did musical theatre. Rent takes place in New York and follows the struggles of the starving artist lifestyle while addressing the major issue of the Aids epidemic.

A common string with all theatre is conflict. Each show must have conflict in order to create an interesting plot line. The subject of conflict, as well as the style of costuming, music, and dance is symbolic of  real life issues and should be taken seriously.