Nowadays remaining a close-knit family seems as easy as dialing the phone, or sending a text message or an e-mail, all the while maintaining one's personal space — especially from those not-so-desirable relatives.
However, in Manhattan's Washington Heights, a neighborhood filled with many immigrant families, the concept of true family closeness remains strong. And that's the inspiration behind the Tony- and Grammy-award winning musical, "In the Heights."
"The sense of community has been lost in these modern times, but in Washington Heights, that sense of community is strong," said Natalie Toro, who plays Camila in the upcoming run of the show at the Boston Opera House from Jan. 12-24.
"People connect with their families and see them on a daily basis," she said of the community.
"In The Heights" digs deeps into the story of Manhattan's Washington Heights neighborhood, a place full of rich immigrant history.
There, in the warmer weather, windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of generations of music.
The performance is filled with hip-hop and Latin dance and an eclectic mix of musical numbers. And the story follows an immigrant family as it deals with the daily struggles of making it in America and a traumatic event that changes the course of their lives in a 24-hour span.
"This is one of the first times a Latin musical is a hit," Toro said. "The actors are honored to bring NYC to the stage and to so many people."
Washington Heights is located in the northernmost part of Manhattan and is known today for Fort Tryon Park, and the reconstructed monastery that now houses the Museum of Modern Art's medieval works.
Yet what really gives The Heights its character are the many people who have inhabited the area over the years. From the last decade of the 19th Century to now, Armenians, Irish, Greek, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Cubans, Ecuadorians and Mexicans have made up the majority of people living in The Heights.
"A walk through Washington Heights is eclectic," Toro said. "You're gonna hear rap music, classical and Broadway when you walk through 181st Street."
A considerable amount of Spanish is spoken and sung in the show, delivering a message about the importance of family ties and being faithful to where you come from.
"The show can be put in any neighborhood, can be put in any immigrant situation," Toro said. "Cultures of that nature are warm toward each other and are based on community."
Toro said the show captures the essence of all cultures and demonstrates that everyone in the community works and has a dream.
"People are going to walk away from and identify with every character on stage. It's such an upbeat musical," Toro said. "You have dreams and hopes of something bigger than you are."
Because the cast is predominantly Latin, Toro said there is much passion for the work. And the story is always moving.
"The way the music is brought into the story, it is so poetic you'll totally get hooked in the first five minutes," Toro said.
IF YOU GO
What: Grammy and Tony Award-winning musical "In The Heights."
When: Jan. 12 to 24.
Where: Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston.
How: Tickets are $30-$90. Purchase by calling 1-800-982-2787, or visiting www.ticketmaster.com or visit www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.
