by Zach Raffio. @zachraffio.
NEW YORK, NY - The highly anticipated screen adaptation of In The Heights hits theaters today, with the multi-talented cast making their rounds nationwide via an elaborate, expansive press cycle. We had the immense privilege of chatting with the Heights team, thanks to the fact that their hotel will let just about anybody in as long as they think you’re one of their fancy little bellboys. Find our full conversation with the cast below!
Broadway Beat: Shall I take your bags to your room?
Anthony Ramos: That would be great, thank you.
Broadway Beat: And yours, miss?
Leslie Grace: Perfect, thank you!
Broadway Beat: So what was it like stepping into such iconic roles?
Leslie Grace: Sorry, what was that?
Broadway Beat. What was it like stepping into such iconic roles? Were you both fans of the musical?
Anthony Ramos: Oh, uh, yeah. It was great. Thanks for being a fan.
Broadway Beat: I’m not a fan, I’m a professional. Leslie Grace, were you a fan of the musical?
Leslie Grace: I'm not sure why you said my full name, but, yeah, I was.
Broadway Beat: Was it actually very hot outside while shooting, or was all that sweat CGI?
Anthony Ramos: What?
Broadway Beat: Thank you for your time.
An incredible start with two of film’s brightest young stars. We thought it best to next move on to some screen veterans, who were trying to enjoy some coffee at the hotel cafe. However, journalism never takes a coffee break.
Broadway Beat: Shall I take your bags to your room, miss?
Olga Merediz: Oh, I’ve actually already checked in but thank you.
Broadway Beat: Got it. What about you, sir?
Jimmy Smits: You… you can see I don’t have any bags with me, can’t you? And why does your bellboy uniform have a Party City tag sticking out?
Broadway Beat: Apologies. Is there anything else we can do to make your stay more comfortable?
Olga Merediz: Oh, I actually could use an extra blanket if you have.
Broadway Beat: Right away, miss. By the way, while I have you - was it actually very hot outside while shooting, or was all that sweat CGI?
Jimmy Smits: What?
Broadway Beat: Thank you for your time.
Our interviews were going perfectly. However, there was one person left to question… the big kahuna, if you will.
Broadway Beat: Excuse me sir, may I take your bags?
Lin-Manuel Miranda: Sure, thanks.
Broadway Beat: Enjoying New York? I work for the hotel by the way.
Lin-Manuel Miranda. Uh, yeah, I live here, so of course.
Broadway Beat: Fantastic! Do you think the theatrical medium can ever truly translate to the screen, or are they inherently independent mediums and any adaptation should be treated as its own product, for the sake of judging its merits as a film? Is it unproductive to look at a movie musical through the same lens as a stage musical, and vice versa? Is that kind of like comparing a Broadway staging to community theater? Or is that comparison actually important in terms of industry equitability?
Lin-Manuel Miranda: I don’t know, but what I can say, is that all the sweat in the movie was CGI.
Broadway Beat: I KNEW IT.
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