“In The Heights” is “a beautiful score with the fundamental portrait of a neighborhood,” says Dr. James Peck, who’s directing the production July 13-31, Dorothy H. Baker Theatre, Trexler Pavilion for Music & Dance, Muhlenberg College, as part of the Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre’s 36th season.

“In The Heights” is a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical by composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda and librettist Quiara Alegría Hudes. Lin-Manuel Miranda is the acclaimed actor-creator of “Hamilton,” the smash Broadway musical which was nominated for 16 Tonys and received 11 this year.

Of “In The Heights,” Peck says, “The musical score combines the distinctive Broadway ballads with a combination of rap and the sounds of the strong Caribbean rhythms.” MSMT’s production includes a 13-piece orchestra.

In 2008, “In The Heights” received Tonys for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations. Miranda’s innovation with “In The Heights” was that it was the first to include rap in a Broadway show, notes Peck, Professor of Performance Studies and Theater History, and Associate Dean for Diversity Initiatives at Muhlenberg College.

“In the Heights” is set in New York City’s Washington Heights barrio with the “flava” (flavor) of Latin sound beats in the musical, which is about the struggles and dreams of immigrant families living in the United States.

It portrays the cultural challenges immigrants face within communities when dreaming of a brighter future. The musical explores the challenges and “la lucha” (the struggle) to make dreams come true and the characters’ psychological process to find an identity and to belong.

The key to the musical, says Peck, is “to tell the story in an honest way.” To do so, Peck set out to detail the ambiance of Washington Heights with props to recreate the Washington Heights Bridge, graffiti art, storefront bodegas, hair salons, and the infamous “loteria” (lottery) ticket.

According to Peck, Miranda “was familiar with ballads from going to the theater with his parents.” Miranda grew up in Washington Heights. Being exposed to the theater experience shaped Miranda’s “In The Heights” and provided opportunities for Latino actors on Broadway.

The MSMT production embraces Miranda’s approach by casting a diverse ethnic cast.

The musical aims to express the characters’ life experiences and the core human journey, elevating it to a gulp of fresh air. In that, “In The Heights” is a Broadway musical for everyone.

“I think it is going to be great. I cry every time I hear it. I love it,” says Peck.

Tickets: muhlenberg.edu/SMT, 484-664-3333