1.2 Play Synopsis

Overall Synopsis:

In the Heights centers on a variety of characters living in the neighborhood of Washington Heights, on the northern tip of Manhattan. At the center of the show is Usnavi, a bodega owner who looks after the aging Cuban lady next door, pines for the gorgeous girl working in the neighboring beauty salon and dreams of winning the lottery and escaping to the shores of his native Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, Nina, a childhood friend of Usnavi’s, has returned to the neighborhood from her first year at college with surprising news for her parents, who have spent their life savings on building a better life for their daughter. Ultimately, Usnavi and the residents of the close-knit neighborhood get a dose of what it means to be home.

 Scene by Scene:

Act 1, Scene 1 - Sunrise

 

Usnavi, a main character, owns a bodega started by his parents. He uses a rap refrain to lament his longing for the Dominican Republic and the hardships and uncertainty of living on the fringes of society in a new country.

 

Act 1, Scene 2 – On the Street

 

Abuela tells Nina she has great expectations when it comes to her future.

Act 1, Scene 3 – Rosario’s Car Service

Scene in the Taxi dispatch, Camila is going through bills she is stressed. Kevin is quizzing her about payments for rent on the ‘shop.’ Song follows about following the topic of conversation.

Act 1, Scene 4 – The Street

 

Vanessa is on the phone at work with the electric company regarding a past due bill. The reality of her dysfunctional family life is revealed, and she sings about her hopes for the future.

 

Act 1, Scene 5 – The Dispatch Booth

 

Kevin is despondent about Nina’s decision not to return to school. As the head of the family, he sees himself as inutil (useless), because he cannot afford the tuition. He compares himself to his father, a farmer, whom in his frustration he mocks as “useless” as well.

 

Act 1, Scene 6 – The Salon

Daniela and Carla are seen packing bags. They are gossiping but Carla disapproves. Nina and Vanessa enter they talk about the Salon moving and closing down.  They sing. 

Act 1, Scene 7 – Inside the Bodega, the street.

 

In this scene Sonny not only makes a hip hop declaration about what he would do with money if

he were lucky enough to win it, but he also provides some interesting insight into the man and

his values.

 

Act 1, Scene 8 – The Street

 

Abuela (Grandmother) or Claudia reminisces about when she first came to America. A chorus of characters--two generations removed from Claudia’s but obviously familiar with her story--fills in the details. Usnavi suggests Benny buy a lottery ticket and a discussion ensues with several characters about how they would spend the money if they won it. Benny first says he’d spend it on education that would make him rich then says he’d throw a big block party for the neighbourhood so everyone could “breathe” a bit and forget their cares and financial woes. Other characters have their own ideas, including Sonny who’d improve things in the barrio and Vanessa who’d use it as her vehicle out.

 

Act 1, Scene 9 – Abuela Claudia’s Stoop – Early Evening

 

Benny Teaches Nina curse words in different Spanish dialects. They Sing and are later joined by a group of lads with a boom box.

 

Act 1, Scene 10 – The Street – Dusk

 

They sing about the evident heat.

 

 

Act 1, Scene 11 – Rosario Household

 

When the dispatcher calls out at Rosario’s Benny shows his competence by taking over and filling in. Over dinner, Kevin says he’s selling their business so Nina can go back to Stanford. Camila questions his dominance over family decisions. Nina insists she will not return to school, and she and her childhood friend, Benny, both leave in anger.

 

Act 1, Scene 12 – The Club

 

THE POWER GOES OUT IN WASHINGTON HEIGHTS.

The city is in blackout. Graffiti Pete offers help in protecting Usnavi’s store from looters. At sunrise he

tries to get the group to look at the art he’s done by candlelight during the blackout. Only later do

the residents of the Heights recognize his talent when, commissioned by Sonny, he paints a portrait

of the late Abuela on Usnavi’s storefront.

The final scene of the first act resonates with Pete and the ensemble singing in wonder to the fireworks lighting up the night sky. Pete, the artist, undoubtedly draws from his environment for inspiration.

 

ACT TWO

Act 2, Scene 1 – Benny’s Fire Escape – Sunday Morning

 

The power is still out and the entire street has been trashed, specifically the corner shop window and awning. Nina and Benny are on the upper deck. They Sing.

 

 

Act 2, Scene 2 – Outside the Bodega; the Rosario Fire Escape

 

It’s the morning after the blackout. Vanessa comes into the store looking for coffee. She intimates to

Usnavi that she’s angry because she had to walk home alone from the club and because he didn’t

Call her. Usnavi explains that he had to check on Abuela who is elderly and not in the best of health.

 

Act 2, Scene 3 – Interior of Usnavi and Abuela’s Apartment

 

The blackout is over and Usnavi checks on Abuela. She is sitting in her apartment with a bag on her Lap, full of money. She tells him she is giving him a third and a third to Sonny.

 

 

Act 2, Scene 4 – Outside the Dispatch Booth

 

Kevin and Camila berate Nina for being out all night, they have been worrying. Kevin tells Benny to stay away from his daughter. There are references to their cultural differences.

 

Act 2, Scene 5 – The Street

The City experiences a blackout. People of the barrio ban together as a group united in their Latin American ethnicity. A carnival atmosphere ensues.

 

Act 2, Scene 6 – The Dispatch Booth

 

Kevin talks into the dispatch booth radio.

 

Act 2, Scene 7 – The Street

 

Neighbours are gathered round Usnavi and Abuela Claudia’s stoop.

Usnavi, Nina, Daniela, Carla, Sonny, Camila and Benny Sing to signify Abuela’s death.

 

Act 2, Scene 8 – The Street – Later That Afternoon

 

Nina has decided to return to Stanford and finish her education. Kevin, despite previous tendencies

toward being dictatorial, seems to have learned a thing or two and is willing to change. One generation to another, Nina reminisces about Abuela and her influence on her education.

Act 2, Scene 9 – Outside the Salon

Daniela, Carla and Vanessa have two boxes. They are closing down the salon.  Daniela and Vanessa co-sign on an apartment.

Act 2, Scene 10 – The Street

Reprise of Piragua (Heat song)

Act 2, Scene 11 – The Bodega

 

Camila reminds Kevin that they’re equal partners in marriage.

Act 2, Scene 12 – The Dispatch Booth

Kevin tells Benny that Nina is going back to University in the spring.  Benny declares that he is starting his own business tomorrow.

Act 2, Scene 13 – A shady Alleyway – late at night

Sonny and Graffiti Pete meet in an alleyway they discuss ‘business’.

Act 2, Scene 14 – The Street – Monday morning, sunrise

Sonny hires Graffiti Pete to paint a mural of Abuelo on Usnavi’s store security gate. The mural has such a powerful effect on Usnavi that he decides to stay in the Heights. Graffiti Pete, the artist, has had his first commissioned work and will be from that day forward viewed in the neighbourhood as a true artist.