“Lights up” on DHS Production’s new spring musical, “In the Heights.”

The musical, created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, tells of a vibrant and diverse community in Washington Heights, New York.

The show is electric with its modern, rap-filled score and energetic dance numbers.

Usnavi, played by senior Juwan Rosa, is the bodega owner and central focus of the show. Rosa’s heartfelt and passionate performance leads one to believe that he could be a professional, despite this being his first and only year participating in DHS Productions.

Senior Lizzy Newbold brings the sassy and determined character Vanessa, Usnavi’s love interest, to life, with a powerfully beautiful voice to match her dancing skills.

The other main couple, Benny and Nina, are played by senior Brandon Robbins and sophomore Gabriela Lillo. The audience is drawn to their complicated relationship through Robbins’ genuine and convincing portrayal and Lilo’s captivating singing, through numbers such as “When You’re Home” and “When the Sun Goes Down.”

Sophomore Eliana Russotti plays Abuela Claudia, the grandmother figure to almost everyone on the street. Her emotional performance moves the audience, especially in her notable song “Paciencia y Fe.”

Other memorable roles include Ben Pereira as Sonny, Usnavi’s cousin, who’s comedic timing make all of his lines receive a chuckle, and Jonathan Wencek and Maya Daley as Nina’s parents, Kevin and Camila Rosario, who both bring a realness and intensity to their characters.

Renee Cunningham brings a fiery flare to salon owner Daniela, and the talented Renee Neves and Ally Novella tap and breakdance their way into the audience’s hearts as the graffiti artists. Simon Vu plays the energetic Piragua vender.

The whole cast makes the show come to life on stage, and the energy they bring can be felt all the way into the back rows.

The show itself is filled with laughs, heart and a few tears. It transports the audience onto the streets of Washington Heights and captivates them until the final notes are played.

The static set, with all aspects of a New York street corner contained in it, is impressive as well. The amount of effort put into the set as well as the lighting design clearly shows.

“In the Heights” is a passionate and real-to-life show about family, relationships and the true struggles many have to endure being an immigrant or first-generation American.

Everyone on stage is truly devoted to their characters and invested in the plot, which is quite relatable to Danbury High School because of the amount of diversity it holds.

Songs like “96,000,” “Blackout” and “Alabanza” carry the show and its varying emotions.

Musical director Susan McKenzie conducts the talented pit, and their orchestrations of each song are catchy and well-played.

“In the Heights” is directed and choreographed by Michael Burnett, and produced by Amanda Johnson.

You will not want to miss this “Carnivale!”