In the Heights: Songs 16-20

There’s a little variety, but for the most part, this is the heartbreaking portion of the second act.  Doesn’t get as bad as Hamilton’s, but there’s some serious sadness going on here – “Everything I Know” has been known to rip my heart out on multiple occasions (spoilers.)

“Carnaval del Barrio” – Daniela leads the neighborhood in a boisterous carnaval number – partly a neighborhood celebration, partly a last hurrah for the soon-to-be-changing block, and partly an outlet for a lot of plot reveals to come out.  I especially love Piragua Guy’s part in Spanish and the exchanges between Usnavi and Sonny.

Best lyric:  “Maybe you’re right, Sonny. / Call in the coroners! / Maybe we’re powerless / A corner full of foreigners.”

“Atencíon” –This number is short but affecting; it shows Kevin having his drivers get the word out on Abuela Claudia’s passing.  There’s something in there that shows the strength of their community, that the limo drivers will pass slowly through the neighborhood, making sure everyone knows what’s happened.

Best lyric:  “Atención.  Atención. / Roll down your windows. / Turn up your radios. / Un momento, por favor.”

“Alabanza” – A quiet requiem for Abuela Claudia.  Usnavi begins with a rambling, grief-stricken eulogy, and then Nina comes in with the simple, mournful refrain of, “Alabanza, Doña Claudia, Señor.”  Spare, but beautifully effective.

Best lyric:  “Alabanza means to raise this thing to God’s face / And to sing, quite literally, ‘Praise to this.’”

“Everything I Know” – After Abuela Claudia’s passing, Nina reflects on the past, her own and that of the entire block, on the things and people who came before her and made her who she is.  This beautifully contemplative solo is a thanks to those who formed her and a promise to be worth it.

Best line:  “On the day they ran, / Did she dream of endless summer? / Did her mother have a plan? / Or did they just go? / Did somebody sit her down and say, / ‘Claudia, get ready / To leave behind everything you know.’”

“Piragua (Reprise)” – And here it is, a reprieve from the sadness and loss.  Piragua Guy’s triumph against a bigger and shinier business – in this joyful reprise, he revels in his victory and repeats his motto to just “keep scraping by” until hard work is rewarded.

Best line:  “It’s hotter than the islands are today, / And Mister Softee’s truck has broken down. / And here come all his customers my way - / I told you, I run this town!”