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Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights movie is happening – and Jay Z is producing
With Hamilton – the composer’s Broadway epic – gearing up to roll into London’s West End this autumn and an Oscar nomination for his song-writing in Disney’s Moana, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s star is certainly rising.
Perhaps because of this, interest in one of Miranda’s earlier projects, In The Heights – which just completed an Olivier Award-winning run at Southwark Playhouse and King’s Cross Theatre – has resurfaced, and talk has now turned to a movie adaptation of the hip hop musical.
The show follows the lives of a largely Dominican-American neighbourhood in New York City’s Washington Height over a three-day heatwave and the ensuing blackout. It deals with issues such as love, loss and the need to a leave a legacy behind; and infuses a wide variety of musical styles, including salsa, traditional musical theatre numbers and merengue.
The original Broadway production won four Tony Awards in 2008, including Best Musical; the London transfer went on to win three Olivier Awards a decade later.
It has now been revealed – thanks to Harvey Weinstein and his pre-Oscars gala – that rapper Jay Z will co-produce the film adaptation. Previously in an interview with Variety last year, Miranda had said that production on the film would start in spring 2017.
It’s also likely that Miranda – who is currently in London filming for the Mary Poppins sequel, Mary Poppins Returns – may end up with a role in the film, as well.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton comes to the West End in November 2017 – add the show to your favourites for updates on tickets. Want to see Jay Z live? He’s performing at this year’s Virgin V Festival – tickets go on sale tomorrow at 09:00 via Ticketmaster.co.uk.