In the Heights to open at the Richard Rodgers Theatre

The hip-hop and salsa-infused musical In the Heights, which ended its successful Off-Broadway run on 15 Jul 2007, is to open at Broadway's Richard Rodgers Theatre on 9 Mar 2008, following previews from 14 Feb 2008.

With music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a book by Quiara Alegria Hudes, In the Heights is directed by Thomas Kail and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who played the role of Usnavi in the Off-Broadway run, will also play the role on Broadway. Further casting for the Broadway show will be announced shortly.

The musical began life off-Broadway at 37 Arts Theatre, where it ran from 8 Feb - 15 Jul 2007, playing 33 preview and 182 regular performances.

The musical opened Off-Broadway to mainly positive reviews : "Light and sweet are actually just the words to describe this amiable show, which boasts an infectious, bouncy Latin-pop score... and a stage full of energized, energetic performers you can�t take your eyes off and won�t want to." (New York Times); "With "In the Heights," musical theater welcomes a dynamic new talent in Lin-Manuel Miranda." (Variety); "This exuberant work .... bursts with a vitality and freshness that overcome its occasionally rough-hewn elements."; (New York Post).

The musical won the 2007 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Choreographer, the 2007 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Ensemble Performance, Outer Critics' Circle Award for Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Choreography, Obie Award for Outstanding Music and Lyrics, and finally a Theatre World Award for Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The musical is being brought to Broadway by Kevin McCollum, Jeffrey Seller and Jill Furman, who also produced the Off-Broadway production.

In the Heights is not the first off-Broadway show that producers Kevin McCollum and Jeffrey Seller's have brought to Broadway. They also brought the off-Broadway musicals 'Rent' and 'Avenue Q' to Broadway, both to critical acclaim, with both shows going on to win Tony's for Best Musical.

The creative team remains the same as for the Off-Broadway production: Set design by Anna Louizos, with costumes by Paul Tazewell, lighting by Howell Binkley and sound by Acme Sound Partners.