"In the Heights" Big Success at Encinal

“In the Heights” which won the Tony Award for Best New Musical in 2008 gets superb treatment from the high school students in Encinal High’s spring musical. Its lively musical score, smart lyrics, crisp choreography and talented performers combine to make it a great way to spend an evening. With three shows this weekend, you won’t want to miss it.

From the moment the lights come up on Washington Heights and Usnavi, the local shopkeeper, greets his neighbors and customers to the final curtain, this production never stops amazing the audience. Tee Lew, in the role of Usnavi, spends much of his time on-stage emoting in rap with such skill that it’s pure pleasure to listen to his every syllable. Pay attention and you’ll hear references to Duke Ellington, Cole Porter and Lord of the Rings.

The neighborhood has a colorful cast of characters each with hopes of finding a better future. Nina (Camila Guiza-Chavez) has just returned home to NYC after her freshman year at Stanford much to the delight of Benny (Akabar Campbell), who works for her parents’ taxi company. Usnavi’s cousin, Sonny (Marsel Gelico) and Benny encourage Usnavi to finally make a move on the girl he loves, Vanessa (Zharmila Talmadge), before she moves downtown. Vanessa works in the salon next door with the lovably simple-minded Carla (Rachel Frost) and the salon’s owner Daniela (Renee Borquez Parra) who dispenses her version of tough love. Other supporting cast include Nina’s parents, Kevin and Camila Rosario (Makana Holgerson and Linnea Arneson) who struggle to make ends meet and must make tough decisions to help their daughter reach her dream. Graffiti Pete (Andrew Leung), a local artist, and the Piragua seller (Hank Whittaker) offer light moments just when they’re needed, and the neighborhood’s matriarch, Abuela Claudia (Caroline Campbell) gives the show its heartwarming philosophy in her number “Paciencia y Fé” (patience and faith).

The ensemble which expertly manages the challenging dance routines which mix hip-hop, salsa, merengue and more, includes Riley Anderson-Barrett, Kaila Bryant, Skye Chandler, Isabella Davis, Sabrina Faizi, Marel Gelico, Andrew Graham, Oda Henstein, Jade Iulio, Brandon Lee, Lillian Lee, Jason Lemos, Jihan Lewis, Isabella Miller, Julia Moeurn, Isabel Mora-Navarro, Kyree Morrow, Catie Norboe, Ani Phelps, Michael Richie, Rosalina Souza, June Webb, and Mikenna Womack.

“in the Heights” is directed by Robert Moorhead (his 30th show at Encinal) with musical direction by Eileen Meredith, and choreography by Marisol Almaguer.

WHEN: March 26, 27, and 28 at 7:30pm

WHERE: Encinal High School Gym, 210 Central Avenue (enter from 3rd Street)

TICKETS: Sold in advance at the Encinal Banking Office, or online at EHSDrama.bpt.me

$12 for Adults; $10 for Student/Seniors; $15 for Reserved seating

Photos by Ron Lew