“Hamilton” famed Lin-Manuel Miranda’s debut musical, the Tony and Grammy award-winning, “In the Heights,” takes center stage at Arts Express Theatre April 19 – May 5. Performances run Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., with matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
In Washington Heights, New York, Usnavi (Rafael Acuña), the corner bodega owner, dreams of the island sky of his parents’ homeland, and introduces us to his vibrant neighborhood and the people in it. As Usnavi and his clever cousin Sonny (Jack Bersbach) open the shop, the fierce and beautiful Vanessa (Danae Dorame) comes in for her usual morning coffee, flirting with Usnavi, but he’s too shy to ask her out. Sonny steps in and asks for him and Vanessa says yes… the date is set.
Meanwhile, Nina (Melanie Moreno) returns home early from Stanford, trying to remember to “Breathe,” not sure how to admit to her family she’s chosen to drop out, even though all their hopes and dreams were pinned on her. She runs into her childhood friend, Benny (Jeremy Vega), and sparks fly.
With the sweltering heat of July 4th pressing down, everyone heads out for a night of dancing and celebration. The tensions flare when suddenly the power goes out all over the city. As a chain of events unfold, Usnavi and his friends are forced to face what’s important to them, to rediscover their hopes, and to find that their dreams might just be the person right in front of them.
With the brilliant mix of sing-song hip-hop, soaring, heartfelt ballads, and electrifying dance rhythms, we’ve come to expect from Lin-Manuel Miranda and a book by Quiara Alegria Hudes, “In the Heights,” the New York Times hailed the masterpiece as “An exuberant, animated shrine to the importance of family ties and being faithful to where you come from.” “In the Heights” won four Tonys, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Orchestrations, as well as the Grammy award for Best Musical Show Album.
Directed by Humberto Alabado, with music direction by Anne Grimes and choreography by Humberto Alabado and Stevie Johnson.
For tickets, visit https:// www.arts-express.org/in-the-heights/ or call the Arts Express Theatre Box Office at (520) 319-0400.
ABOUT ARTS EXPRESS THEATRE
Arts Express Theatre is southern Arizona’s leading musical theatre company, staging large-scale professional quality musical theater productions throughout the year. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, AET is committed to opening the arts to all ages. It serves over 25,000 people annually through a continuum of introductory and advanced programs, and engaging audience experiences.
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