Latin Rhythms at Cabrillo Stage: “In The Heights”

By Mindy Pedlar

Rehearsals are underway for Cabrillo Stage’s production of In The Heights. This hip musical was an instant sensation when it premiered on Broadway 15 years ago.

It’s set in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood, a vibrant, tight-knit community where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the apartment windows are always open, and the cool breeze carries the percussive rhythm of the bustling city and its three generations of music.

For this community on the brink of change, it speaks of hope, heritage and healing love; a universal story about chasing your dreams and finding your true home.

Winner of 4 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Original Score, In The Heights is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music-filled love letter to the community of his youth. Like his Pulitzer Prize winning Hamilton, Miranda effortlessly combines traditional musical numbers with a hint of rap and a lot of pulsating Latin rhythms.

Directing this summer’s production is the multi-talented Estrella Esparza-Johnson, who has a long history as an actor and creator with Teatro Campesino. Her overall artistic vision is one of “truth and authenticity. You will experience full Latino characters whose ethnic identity is rooted in their ideals of family, home, community and industry.”

Joining Esparza-Johnson is choreographer Chris “Boogy” Marcos who says, “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.”

Marcos is using some high energy hip hop as well as a variety of Latin movements including salsa, bachata and a fusion of all styles.

The accomplished Michael J. McGushin returns as musical director, assisted by hip hop specialist, Ron Johnson. McGushin will also be conducting the live orchestra that is a key ingredient to the success of all Cabrillo Stage productions.

In The Heights will win you over with its sweet story and tuneful score enlivened by the dancing rhythms of salsa and Latin pop. Don’t miss this entertaining, joyous and uplifting experience at the theatre.

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Online tickets are $55 general admission, $50 for senior citizens 65+ at cabrillostage.com

Performances: July 11 – Aug. 4, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., with a special matinee performance Saturday Aug. 3. Post-show discussion with the creative team on Sunday, July 14, immediately following the performance.

Box Office opens June 20 for phone and walk-up sales Thursdays – Saturdays 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. and 1 hour prior to each performance 831-479-6154.

Cabrillo Stage performs in the Crocker Theatre on the Cabrillo College campus, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos.