As the year comes to a close, original star Lin-Manuel Miranda returns to In the Heights, which is ending its long run at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on January 9. The homecoming must be bittersweet for Miranda, who created not only the central character, but also the score of the Tony-winning musical. Broadway.com resident artist Justin 'Squigs' Robertson offers up this portrait of Miranda as Usnavi, the lovable bodega owner at the center of a tight-knit neighborhood "at the top of the world" in Washington Heights. Let's raise a glass with Squigs to Miranda, the composer, lyricist, star and heart of In the Heights as we say farewell to 2010. And don't worry, Heights fans, there's a movie version of the show in the works!
About the Artist: With a desire to celebrate the magic of live theater and those who create it, and with a deep reverence for such touchstones as the work of Al Hirschfeld and the wall at Sardi’s, Squigs is happy and grateful to be among those carrying on the traditions where theater and caricature meet. He was born and raised in Oregon, lived in Los Angeles for quite a long time and now calls New York City his home. Photo by Matthew Murphy