In the Heights

On the journey of American assimilation, to have your culture's ticket punched on Broadway seems almost mandatory. Whether it's "Fiddler on the Roof" or "Raisin in the Sun," the Broadway embrace is a milestone.

The hottest ticket on Broadway right now may mark that moment for Latino Americans. The rap-salsa-merengue extravaganza "In the Heights" is up for thirteen Tony awards.

"By Latinos about Latinos" is the headline. It's an all-American story to a new beat.

This hour, On Point: We talk with two of the creators of "In the Heights."Guests:

Thomas Kail, director of "In the Heights," he's nominated for the 2008 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical. He is co-founder and artistic director of the not-for-profit theater company Back House Productions.

Quiara Hudes, bookwriter for "In the Heights," she's nominated for the 2008 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical. Her play "Elliot, A Soldier's Fugue," was a finalist for the 2007 Pulitzer Prize.