Dorothy isn’t the only one that thinks there’s no place like home.

A love letter to the neighborhood and its residents, “In the Heights” spoke to Rueben D. Echoles, which is why he applied to direct the Up and Coming Theatre Company’s production of the award-winning musical.

“It’s one of my favorite shows. It really resonates with me because I lived in Washington Heights when I was on tour in 2003. I’ve done the show. I love the show,” he said. “I think that a minority group that doesn’t get a show that really represents them and the many facets of the culture is very special.”

Elgin Summer Theatre and Up and Coming Theatre Company present “In the Heights” July 15-24 at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays.

“It’s about a day in the life of Washington Heights in New York,” Echoles said. “It’s really a story of community and a community coming together.”

Audience members can expect a “brilliantly talented cast celebrating Latinx culture and telling a beautiful story of home,” he said.

The winner of the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical, its concept, music and lyrics were written by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, with the book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. Similar to “Hamilton,” the musical “In the Heights” incorporates a variety of music styles and genres. Those include Hip-Hop, spoken word, rap and musical theater.

“It’s such a mix of musical genres,” Echoles said. “But the foundation of it all is set on a bed of authentic Latin rhythms and beats.”

While the musical depicts daily life in the diverse neighborhood, its characters deal with issues like gentrification, finances and a blackout while continuing to pursue their dreams.

“Overall the theme is about celebrating community and finding your place in the world. For Latinx people it’s huge because just like other minority groups, Latinx specifically when it comes to theater and theatrical productions, there are very, very few productions that are dedicated to the life and culture of the Latinx community.

“This one being able to showcase who they are and that they’re not just a stereotypical maid or a person struggling with English in a sitcom, these are real people represented with real feelings and emotions and dealing with real life situations. I think that it huge. And I don’t really know many other shows like it.”

Echoles, who lives on the Southwest side of Chicago, performed the role of Benny in 2014 at Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee. And while on tour with “The Jackie Wilson Story,” he spent quite a bit of time in Washington Heights. The musical, he said, delivers a realistic portrayal of the neighborhood.

“Which is part of the reason I love it so. When I watched the show I felt like ‘oh wow, these are things I would experience every morning as I got the train to go to work … ” he said.

“It feels like home. Washington Heights is not my home, but it was for about three months of my life and I was moving throughout their space and I go there all the time. I have friends there and I visit quite often. That’s why the show is near and dear to me.”

The cast of 31 began rehearsing the show at the end of May. The show is family friendly, with just a few instances of curse words here and there, he said.

“Just come and just witness this outpouring of love. That’s what I feel like is happening,” Echoles said. “There’s an outpouring of love and respect and celebration for these people, these amazingly talented artists. There’s no doubt in my mind that this cast of artists will go on to do super amazing things. They’re so gifted. People have to see these … talented artists creating and telling this wonderful story.”

Kathy Cichon is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.