U. S. Navy.

Can there be anything more American?

Usnavi.

Can there be anyone more American?

A name, in some ways, says it all about “In The Heights,” a masterful musical through Aug. 10, Pennsylvania Playhouse, Bethlehem.

The July 26 performance was seen for this review.

Performances are nearly sold out at Pennsylvania Playhouse, which added a 2 p.m. Aug. 9 performance.

Usnavi, the “In The Heights” lead character, is so named because when his father and mother emigrated to the United States, they saw a U.S. Navy ship and mispronounced the logo. The family settles in the Latino neighborhood of Manhattan’s Washington Heights in the shadow of George Washington Bridge.

“In the Heights” is an unabashed celebration of a community, its people, romantic and familial love, education, small-business capitalism and the state lottery system. The musical is in the Broadway tradition of spotlighting the self-made man and woman. “In the Heights” is a tribute to the invention of self.

The story, or stories, are told through the irresistible music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton”) with an engaging book by Quiara Alegria Hudes. The 2008 Broadway production was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, winning four Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The Pennsylvania Playhouse production is directed with a strong and gentle hand by Jonathan T. Shehab, with assistant director Milton Junior; high-energy choreography by Ali Santos and co-choreographer Khylah Eure, with amazing dancing by the leads and ensemble; music direction by Julius Sarkozy and assistant music director Ryan Anderson; wonderfully-authentic and eye-popping costumes by Todd Burkel with co-costume designer Deanna Mogianesi, and a realistic-looking set and lighting design by Brett Oliveira for what is among the best-ever at The Playhouse.

Marquett Ferrell is bold, relatable and in command in dance, rap and stance as Usnavi, a bodega owner, from the opening number, “In the Heights” with the Company.

Karina Hernandez brings a lovely stage presence and a voice like fine crystal as Nina, the daughter who has gone off to Stanford University. Her rendition of “Respira” (“Breathe”) with the Company is resplendent; her renditions of “When You’re Home” and “Sunrise” are in lovely duets with Victore Abreu Jr. (Benny), and she demands and deserves attention in her solo number, “Everything I Know.”

Hailey Lara seems to sing every word the moment she opens her mouth as Vanessa, especially in “It Won’t Be Long Now,” with Ferrell and Luan Alves (Sonny), the latter a young actor who brings warm-hearted charm to the show.

Trish Kane Steele (Abuela Claudia) is a show-stopper with heart-rending vocals in “Paciencia y Fe,” with the Company and “Hundreds of Stories” with Ferrell. In Spanish, abuela is grandmother.

The lottery numbers add up in “96,000” by Ferrell, Abreu, Alves, Lara, Liana Donato (Daniela), Shy Patton (Carla) and Company. The production number is stunning.

Donato and Company lead a rousing “Carnaval Del Barrio.”

Sharon Luquis-Nieves as Camila Rosario has startlingly great vocals in “Enough.”

Robert Torres (Kevin Rosario) is plaintive and memorable in “Atención.”

Joemichael Luciano Zaragoza (Piraguero) is refreshingly fun in the song about flavored shaved ice treats, “Piragua.”

Keane Carrington (Graffiti Pete) is faster than the mist of an aerosol spray can and very mischievous.

The entire cast, which by my count totals thirtysomething, is on-point, enthusiastic and feisty.

Understudies are Sophia Candelo (Nina), Robert Morgan (Benny), Benito Ortiz (Sonny), Anelise Diaz Rodriguez (Daniela), Khylah Eure (Carla) and Ayden Gonzalez (Graffiti Pete).

Also in the show: Jordan Merced (Dance Captain/Ensemble), Riya Sanan (Dance Captain/Ensemble), Karah Abarca (Featured Dancer/Captain) and Karima Brown (Featured Dancer/Captain).

Featured Dancers are Khylah Eure, Angelyna Guiguema, Sam Rodriguez, Abbey Gildner and Kayla Carrington.

The Ensemble includes Anna Stump, Rolando Vargas, Cristal Perez, Carlo Igot, Victoria Spruiell, Eli Porciuncula, Matt Vera, Dominick Dinzey, Tahlia Colon, Zori Sawyer, Elaine Pagan and Noah Schafer.

“In the Heights” will have you dancing in your seat during Pennsylvania Playhouse’s explosive, exciting and inspiring production. After attending the show, regardless of your own pathway to citizenship, you may see America through new eyes. From misunderstanding can arise understanding.

“In the Heights,” 7:30 p.m. July 25, 26, Aug. 1, 2, 8. 9; 6 p.m. July 27, Aug. 3, 10; 2 p.m. Aug. 9, The Pennsylvania Playhouse, 390 Illick’s Mill Road, Bethlehem. 610-865-6665, http://www.paplayhouse.org/