'In the Heights' trivia and fun facts
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Coincidences
Playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda, the original Usnavi, played David Santiago in the TV show Brooklyn Nine Nine. Jimmy Smits played David and Amy's father, Victor Santiago. Olga Merediz was also in Brooklyn Nine Nine and played Rosa Diaz's mother, Julia.
Lin-Manuel Miranda
In 2017, Lin-Manuel Miranda announced he would not be playing Usnavi for the film version, however may play another role for the film, whether it's a side character or a cameo role. He's producer of the film
Connection with Jimmy Smitts
Jimmy Smits was an early Heights supporter off-Broadway, before the musical was adapted to the screen. When he was asked to do the voiceover for the TV advertisement, he wouldn't accept payment, but he just wanted some house seats for Broadway.
Known neighborhood
Lin-Manuel Miranda grew up north of Washington Heights, the neighborhood where the story takes place.
Back and forth
On November 2008, Universal Pictures announced that they planned to adapt the musical as a feature film for release in 2011. Kenny Ortega was set to direct it, which was slated to begin filming in summer 2011. However, the project was canceled in March 2011, when Universal opted not to produce the In the Heights film. But in January 2012, Lin-Manuel Miranda said the adaptation was back under discussion.
Inspiration
Jon M. Chu drew inspiration from Do the Right Thing (1989) and Annie Hall (1977).
Old collaborators
This isn't the first time Anthony Ramos has collaborated with Lin-Manuel Miranda. Ramos originated the dual roles of John Laurens/Philip Hamilton in Miranda's hit musical Hamilton