“In The Heights” is a masterful musical running through Aug. 10 at Pennsylvania Playhouse in Bethlehem.

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 the 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 warmhearted charm to the show.

Trish Kane Steele (Abuela Claudia) is a showstopper 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 is on-point, enthusiastic and feisty.

“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. Aug, 8, 9; 6 p.m. Aug. 10; 2 p.m. Aug. 9.

The Pennsylvania Playhouse is located at 390 Illick’s Mill Road, Bethlehem. 610-865-6665, http://www.paplayhouse.org/