Originally published June 4, 2019
The big-screen adaptation of "In the Heights," Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony Award-winning musical, began filming on location this week in Inwood and Washington Heights—the very same neighborhood where the hit Broadway show took place.
Fans who hope to catch a glimpse of the cast and crew doing their thing—some musical numbers are being shot on the street—will have many chances to do so as the production will be filming throughout Upper Manhattan all summer long.
At an open casting call for extras this past Saturday, Miranda talked about how excited he was to see the musical come to Washington Heights.
"The fact that we are filming the entire movie in the neighborhood that it's about is a dream come true for me." After thanking everyone who came, he continued, "We are going to be messing up traffic all summer, so I'm sorry and I love you."
The movie is being directed by Jon M. Chu ("Crazy Rich Asians") and stars many up-and-coming actors, including Hamilton alum Anthony Ramos as Usnavi, the role originated by Miranda.
Emmy-winning actor Jimmy Smits plays Kevin Rosario, a character who owns a taxi service and is the father of Nina.
During a recent break in filming outside Floridita restaurant at 3856 10th Avenue and W 206th Street in Inwood, Chu and Smits posed for pictures and chatted with passersby while extras waited to enter the restaurant for the next scene.
According to production signs recently spotted in Washington Heights, the cast and crew will be moving to the streets around the iconic George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal and the United Palace Theater later this week.
The movie hits theaters on June 26, 2020.
