PBS has released archival footage originally featured in a 2009 Great Performances episode documenting the creation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights. The nine-minute video includes interviews with Miranda and clips from the original Broadway cast’s first rehearsal, as well as onstage performances.
The episode, In the Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams, chronicled Miranda’s journey to the Broadway premiere of his debut musical. Miranda described his inspiration as wanting to write “the kind of musical I would want to be in.” He credited seeing Rent as a turning point, realizing he could write a musical about his own life and experiences.
Miranda emphasized that diasporic identity and belonging formed the heart of In the Heights, stating: “It wasn’t until I got to Wesleyan that I realized that there’s a generation of us… that don’t know where they belong.”
The resurfaced footage includes performances of the title song and “When You’re Home,” performed by original cast members Mandy Gonzalez and Christopher Jackson, as well as opening night curtain call footage.
In the Heights, with music and lyrics by Miranda and a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes, won four 2008 Tony Awards including Best Musical. A revival will run at New York City Center October 28–November 15, 2026, directed by David Mendizábal and featuring Matte Martinez as Usnavi.
See Mandy Gonzalez live
Upcoming Mandy Gonzalez events with tickets available:
- Nov 10, 2026 — Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, Athens, Ohio · Get tickets
- Apr 9, 2027 — Hilbert Circle Theatre, Indianapolis, Indiana · Get tickets
- Apr 10, 2027 — Hilbert Circle Theatre, Indianapolis, Indiana · Get tickets
- May 16, 2027 — The Sheldon Theater, Red Wing, Minnesota · Get tickets
Tickets are sold by GetUrTix. Code GTIX20 takes 20% off the ticket price at checkout — no minimum, no expiry.
Source: Playbill
