The musical In The Heights written by Lin Manuel Miranda introduces the story of Usnavi, a twenty-four year old bodega owner and his tight knit community of Washington Heights in New York City. The musical introduces seventeen songs in which each one encapsulate a different story of Hispanic members within the community. All songs showcase a uniquely different struggle to a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood. Although one would expect this to increasingly dismantle a community, the slow attempt for removal of their culture from the neighborhood reunites them with music to bring back their culture. The introduction of each character's story mirrors a different aspect of my own upbringing. I grew up in a city where my Mexican culture was the minority, however, as a kid I was surrounded by people who looked like me and shared similar music, food, and traditions. As I watched In The Heights I realized my childhood resembled Washington Heights in multiple facets. My childhood friends and I have bonded over the storyline and music as it represents us. Although my childhood experiences are uniquely my own, I am united with many young adults in this country who come from a similar background. Therefore, showcasing In The Heights on the big screen would provide an opportunity to Latinos from all different communities to connect to the members of Washington Heights. This would further provide us the opportunity to invite members from other communities to appreciate a glimpse into our Hispanic culture and build a sense of unity.

The soundtrack of In The Heights expresses identity struggles, disadvantages of underserved communities, unity in hope, and perseverance. For example, the song "Breathe" introduces Nina Rosario, a first generation Puerto Rican female and the feelings that overpower her with guilt of leaving her dad to pursue her future at Stanford. Family unity is a core element in Hispanic culture, therefore it is not customary to leave behind one's family as a young adult. This poses the unique challenge in that emotions of loneliness and lack of belonging consume Nina, which prevent her from expressing her full potential in an unfamiliar city where a sense of community is not as apparent on the surface. Moreover, Sonny, a fifteen year old Puerto Rican Dreamer raps a verse in the song "96,000" detailing what changes he would enact if he were to win the lottery. He desires better technology, internet access, and education system within his barrio "neighborhood" all while highlighting the complications gentrification and racism have imposed upon him and his vecinos "neighbors". Likewise, the song "Carnaval del Barrio" sung by a collection of hairdressers, portrays the internal struggles the neighborhood faces as big corporations move in and replace their businesses. To conclude, Usnavi rallies together individuals to restore their confidence as neighbors such as Sonny become increasingly discouraged with their uphill attempts to conserve their heritage within Washington Heights. Usnavi reminds the people that their cultural identity is embedded amongst themselves and their community. "Carnaval del Barrio" paints the beauty of the country flags hung throughout the homes, spanning from Mexico to Cuba, this is a symbolic representation of the strong unity within the tight knit community. The increasing number of gentrified and underserved communities makes songs such as the ones in In The Heights all the more accurate.

In The Heights is based on topics such as racism, gentrification, and unification, therefore, watching it on the big screen brings these issues to the forefront in order to educate and enlighten an audience. Movie theaters are noteworthy as they provide an immersive experience from the time one purchases their tickets to the moment they sit down. Viewing the musical in a theater invites moviegoers to experience the storyline to the climax evoking emotions that connect them to the characters. The environment immerses and draws in viewers into Washington Heights with the dances, lights, and colors. A device cannot compare to the experience supplied at a theater because it does not provide the same overwhelming sense of joy and empowerment to appreciate other cultures. It welcomes a safe place to express the culture one may have hidden, repressed, or not had an opportunity to embrace with others.

I found many parts of my own life among In The Heights as characters in Washington Heights are posed with similar obstacles I too have overcome. It ignited a new perspective and appreciation for my culture. I found comfort in that other individuals, such as my friends, had the same unparalleled emotions while watching it, and for that reason I chose this film to be displayed upon the big screen as it has a powerful reach with its message.