Check out these 'In the Heights' Easter Eggs!
With the film adaptation of ‘In the Heights’ officially released to the general public (both in movie theatres, and on HBO Max), the time for Easter egg hunting has begun - some are obvious to even the most casual of theatre fans (a muzak version of “You’ll Be Back” from Hamilton serves as on-hold music for Stanford’s Financial Aid department), but the layers of love and lore run deep on Jon M. Chu’s masterfully directed adaptation of the 2008 Tony Award winner.
Below are 13 of our favorite cameos, ranging from original Broadway cast members to legendary public radio hosts.
WARNING: Spoilers ahead!
Lin-Manuel Miranda
While it can hardly be called a cameo (he has an entire song to himself after all), this list would not be complete without mentioning the appearance of composer, lyricist, producer, and original Usnavi, Lin-Manuel Miranda. While he passed the flat cap onto regular collaborator Anthony Ramos, Miranda can be seen cavorting through Washington Heights as the ‘Piragua Guy’, shaving ice, and sending side-eye to anyone who attempts to encroach on his ‘street sweets’ turf.
The Kid Mero
One of the cohosts of the Bronx’s Desus & Mero, the Dominican American radio personality is one of the first voices heard in the film, announcing the record-breaking heatwave that sets up later events.
Seth Stewart
Original cast members of ‘In The Heights’ can be found throughout the film, but perhaps none are as charming as original Graffiti Pete Seth Stewart’s “blink and you’ll miss it” cameo as the bartender at The Club right before the blackout, sending shots Usnavi and Benny’s way to recover their wounded pride.
Christopher Jackson
It wouldn’t be a Lin Manuel Miranda project without a cameo by Christopher Jackson. The original Benny in ‘In The Heights’, Jackson plays the driver of a Mr. Softee truck, the rival to Miranda’s Piragüero. The pair even have a good old-fashioned territory tiff, with towels, napkins, and sprinkles as the weapons of choice.
Luis Miranda & Dr. Luz Towns-Miranda
Lin Manuel’s parents also make an appearance, greeting Nina as she returns to the city - a debut acting credit for them both.
Patrick Page
Broadway favorite Patrick Page plays Pike Phillips, a new character written for the film - his dry cleaners (which charge $9 per laundered cloth napkin) represents the wave of gentrification sweeping through Washington Heights.
Mandy Gonzalez
And speaking of the dry cleaners, listen closely to the music on the radio during the interaction between Pike Phillips and Abuela Claudia - you’ll hear original Nina Mandy Gonzalez singing with Bill Sherman, Lin Manuel Miranda, and Alex Lacamoire backing her up.
Valentina
Daniela’s Salon is a feast for the eyes, but one cameo rises above them all - Valentina, legendary drag performer, and personality, has charisma to spare as one of the clientele who is reluctant to follow Daniela to the Bronx following her location change, prompting a fantastically delivered clap-back - “Our people survived slave ships, we survived Taíno genocide, we survived conquistadores, and dictators, and you’re telling me we can’t survive the D train to the Grand Concourse?”
Marc Anthony
With the role of Sonny significantly expanded upon in the film, came the creation of his father, Gapo. Legendary singer Marc Anthony made a powerful impact in a short scene and lent his voice to Home All Summer, a new song written by Miranda which plays over the final credits.
Maria Hinojosa
The host of NPR’s Latino USA makes a memorable appearance at a rally for the DREAMers, where personal stories trigger a key reveal in the film - that Sonny, Usnavi’s cousin, and partner, is undocumented and at risk.
Doreen Montalvo
For long-term fans of the show, simply reading Doreen Montalvo’s name likely brings up a surge of emotion. Montalvo was the first actress to audition for ‘In The Heights’, playing Alma, Camila, Daniella, and Abuela in various workshops before settling into the role of Cuca, whose voice can be heard echoing through the streets at the beginning of Breathe, and through Abuela’s record player.
Montalvo suddenly passed away in October of 2020, long after the end of filming, and she can be seen greeting young Nina during Breathe, and her voice is heard throughout the film - in the credits, the film is dedicated to her memory. Her final film appearance will be in Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’, out this December.
Dancers
When it comes to dance, Jon M. Chu took the physicality of ‘In The Heights’ very seriously - it took 275 dancers to execute the films intricate dance sequences, ranging from the crowded salsa club to the joyous pool party - keep an eye out for familiar faces, ranging from So You Think You Can Dance alums (Melanie Moore) to original members of the In The Heights ensemble (Nina LaFarga)
Vocal Ensemble
With a soundscape as lush as that of ‘In The Heights’, it should be no surprise that additional vocals were layered over crowd scenes - if you listen carefully, you can hear the voices of many members of the original Broadway cast of In The Heights, including Andréa Burns, Janet Dacal, Joshua Henry, Javier Muñoz, Krysta Rodriguez, and many more.