Ahead of its US theatrical release, Warner Bros. Pictures released on Monday, June 7 the first eight minutes of In The Heights, the highly-anticipated film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical. 

The film’s first eight minutes introduces viewers to bodega owner Usnavi de la Vega (Anthony Ramos) who hustles and dreams of a brighter future. In the preview, Usnavi introduces viewers to the personalities of Washington Heights as they go about their daily lives while breaking into song and dance.

In The Heights also stars Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera, Olga Merediz, Stephanie Beatriz, and Jimmy Smits. 

The movie is directed by John M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) with the screenplay by Quiara Alegria Hudes, the original writer of the book for the musical. Miranda produced the movie and has a supporting role as piragua (shaved ice) vendor.

Following the release of the film’s first eight minutes, Chu also shared some trivia about the film. “It took us the whole shooting schedule to complete the opening number because there were so many people and places to gather for it,” he said on Twitter. 

Fun Facts about the opening number: it took us the whole shooting schedule to complete the opening number because there were so many people and places to gather for it. #InTheHeightsMovie #June10 #extendedOpening

— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) June 7, 2021

He added, “There are some real Washington Heights community members doing their real jobs in the opening number.” 

The musical, which premiered in 2005, won several awards including the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Original Score, Best Choreography, and Best Musical. 

In The Heights was originally slated for a June 2020 release but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now set to be released theatrically in US theaters and will be available for streaming for a limited time via HBO Max on June 10. 

Warner Bros has yet to announce a Philippine release date. – Rappler.com