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And thats only because his job is dissolved once the owners Brooklyn rent got too damn high to maintain.
But still, theres mad love there.
They support each other in a real way.
I can see that.
It was also nice to see such a gorgeous tribute to Puerto Rico postHurricane Maria.
He put the Afro-Boricua shirts that Im wearing in the first season on sale and raised $40,000.
[The story line] became a love letter to Puerto Rico.
It was beautiful and it meant the world to me.
My whole family, including those that live on the island, came to the set with me.
It was really emotional and just dope.
Seeing the beauty and resilience of the island after such a massive devastation is quite moving.Being there was cathartic.
The people on the island are so resilient.
You see all these pictures of the devastation, but no one talks about the restoration.
We dont highlight that enough.
I dont know if thats because devastation gets ratings, but the island looks beautiful and continues to flourish.
Im so excited we captured this moment.
Nola and Mars also flourish there.
Its a stark contrast from New York, where Mars is more nomadic than ever after.
The city was once a nourishing place for starving artists of color like Mars.
But its always been hard for people who live in poverty.
Or learn an instrument because I didnt have the money to buy one.
People are getting more motivated.
I think gentrification has given us a kick in the ass.
That is the most inspiring thing to me.
I just feel like, especially afterCrazy Rich Asians, gentrification isnt affecting art.
I am actually more inspired by art now than ever.
I went to L.A. for a month and a half to write my album.
It was just being somewhere else that wasnt my home and where my day-to-day responsibilities are.
Theres also something magical about Puerto Rico.
Nola and Mars were reinvigorated.
Mars hadnt ever been to the island, so he feels more disconnected from it.
Theres a scene where we dance salsa in the streets.
It gave them extra motivation about their own art when they went back home.
I was also struck by the fatherhood themes throughout the season.
Particularly when Mars finds out that Clorinda aborted his child, which really affects him.
But not having the opportunity to do so is what hurt him the most.
Any man that does care probably would have reacted the same way.
I grew up [fatherless] in Brooklyn, specifically Fort Greene, Brownsville, Bed-Stuy, and Bushwick.
I think Mars is just mad that he didnt get the benefit of the doubt.
Another really surprising paternal moment is when we learn that Mookie fromDo the Right Thingis Marss dad.
And it is none other than Rosie Perez, playing his mom, who tells Mars.
First of all, Rosie is a legend.
She is a G in the game.
That was such a blessing and a dream to work with her.
Honesty is a big theme this season, especially when it comes to fatherhood.
That scene between Rosie and I wasnt even written.
Rosie and I just vibed.
Switching topics, how does it feel to be in theIn the Heightsmovie?It feels amazing.
This was the first musical Ive ever seen where I was like,I know all of those people.
I know the piragua guy.
He just looks different on my block.
I know the blonde lady.
I know the bodega owner.
That changed the game for me.
Before then, I wanted to quit [acting].
I couldnt be a leading man.
Then [people] were like, Your technique isnt quite there to be in the ensemble.
There were so many years of,Where do I fit in?
I was like,Maybe thats where I fit.In the Heights[encouraged me] to keep going.
So its surreal to be playing Usnavi on this level with this crazy cast.
It is the most authentic, dope, New York, Latino moment in history.
I know thats a bold statement, but Im just going to go ahead and say it.
Quite a few films have become Broadway shows and vice versa.
Look, I understand that some shows dont translate onscreen.
But I think we strive to make movie musicals the best they can be.
TheLes Mismovie came out and then came back to Broadway and had a great run.
We should be open to both because theres beauty in expanding pieces of work.
You think about people who may never see theIn the Heightsmusical.
Heres an opportunity to get it to people in a bigger way.
There are just 1,300 people a night in a theater.
How about, God willing, millions in movie theaters around the world?
If you want to, you could watch it in Spanish or German.
When it leaves the theaters, people can watch it in their homes.
Its about people being able to access this story whenever they want.
There is no form of art that does that better than the movies.
