Cabrillo Stage auditions for its summer production, “In the Heights,” will be by appointment Saturday, March 2, and Sunday, March 3.
This hip musical (music and lyrics by Lin Manuel Miranda; book by Quiara Alegría Hudes) was an instant sensation when it premiered on Broadway 15 years ago.
Directing this summer’s production is Estrella Esparza-Johnson, who most recently directed Thanksgiving Play for The Western Stage and who has a long history as an actor and creator with Teatro Campesino as well as many other companies.
Joining Esparza-Johnson as choreographer for the production is Chris Marcos. His choreography will include some high energy Hip Hop as well as a variety of Latin movements including Salsa, Bachata and a fusion of all styles.
He said, “The choreography is not just visual eye candy, it’s a tool to express feeling and emotion. The movement serves as a bridge between music and story with the cast as vessels to push the narrative forward in all directions.”
Estrella Esparza-Johnson
The accomplished Michael J. McGushin returns this summer as musical director. Joining the team is Ron Johnson, Cabrillo Stage alum, who comes back as Hip Hop dramaturg and assistant vocal director.
Veteran stage manager Alina Goodman, whose last production for Cabrillo Stage was The Producers, rounds out the team.
Director Esparza-Johnson adds that her vision is one of “truth and authenticity. You will experience full Latino characters, not caricatures. Our ethnic identity is rooted in our ideals of family, home, community and industry. The audience will have an entertaining, joyous and uplifting experience at the theatre.”
The musical is set in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood — a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams, and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you and which ones you leave behind.
Auditions will be by appointment.Vocal auditions are from 10 am–2 pm on Saturday,March 2, and 1-3 pm on Sunday, March 3, at the Cabrillo College Crocker Theater, Building 4000, 6500 Soquel
Drive, Aptos. If you are called back to dance, the time will be 3-6 pm on both days.
To audition sign up at: www.cabrillostage.com/auditions.
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Actors may submit a video audition any time before March 3. Callbacks will be March 9-10. Information on what to prepare and how to submit can be found at www.cabrillostage.com.