We're With Her: Leslie Grace

Latin Grammy nominee and Bronx native talks gravity-defying dance numbers, frozen desserts and starring as Nina in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop musical-turned-film, In the Heights.

- By Maggie Reynolds

Leslie says starring in her first movie was an “out-of-body experience.”

When you first met Lin-Manuel, were you more Billboard-charting singer or theater nerd?

Nerd all the way. I didn’t want to start a conversation with him because I didn’t know if I’d be able to hold my end up. Then I met Lin, and he’s as equally warm as he is brilliant. And we filmed in his Washington Heights neighborhood, so he brought all the homie vibes to the set.

The local bodega is at the heart of this story. What’s your corner store go-to?

All the candy. I want the Blow Pop, the Ring Pop. I’ll add Fritos. And a lotto ticket for Grandma.

What In the Heights lyric do strangers randomly sing at you the most?

“Piragua, piragua.” Anyone who really knows the Heights will start singing that song.

There’s a pivotal scene where Lin, who plays “Piragua Guy,” fights with Mr. Softee. But, fess up, do you get shaved ice or a cone?