Cabrillo Stage, celebrated for their musical prowess, has been enchanting Central Coast residents for over 40 years with top-tier Broadway-style productions. Last season, Andrea Hart, the newly appointed Artistic Director, brought us “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which received critical acclaim. Audiences were awed by the gorgeous music, intricate costumes by Maria Crush, and the stunning three-story set, a remarkable replica of Notre Dame Cathedral designed by Scenic Designer Skip Epperson.
This season’s production, “In The Heights”, will be equally amazing as audiences are taken to the East Coast neighborhood of Washington Heights–replete with a corner bodega owned by the Master of Ceremonies, Usnavi de la Vega, played with sincerity and charm by Edie Flores. The cast is filled with talented locals, including Sofia Rosas, Melissa Martinez, Michael Navarro, and Lori Rivera who shares her rich, vocal tones and compassionate heart as Abuela Claudia.
Featuring music and lyrics by the brilliant Lin-Manuel Miranda and book by the talented Quiara Alegría Hudes, “In The Heights” opens Friday, July 12 and runs through Sunday, August 4th. This critically acclaimed musical, which won four Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Original Score, vividly brings to life New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood, a community on the cusp of change.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant, tight-knit, Latino community as Lin-Manuel’s lyrics pay tribute to the neighborhood of his youth. Feel the warmth of light, sweet coffee from the corner bodega, hear the percussive rhythm of the bustling city through open apartment windows, and connect with a story that speaks of hope, heritage, and healing love.
“In the Heights was the top choice on my list for our summer show because of the beautiful and profound ways it looks at a particular community,” says Artistic Director Andrea Hart. “It shows people being their imperfect selves: gossiping, withdrawing, or saying the wrong thing. And then these same imperfect characters demonstrate the best versions of what it means to live in community: coming together in a crisis, helping each other heal, and holding each other accountable in loving ways. It’s a show that allows us to reflect on how we show up in our families, our neighborhoods, and our towns. When outside forces start to shape and change our community, how do we respond? I feel so grateful for the community I’ve been welcomed into at Cabrillo Stage. My hope is that the community we continue to build together here reflects the same strength, authenticity, and joy that is depicted in this incredible musical.”
Cabrillo Stage’s production bursts with joyous dance moves performed to the combined rhythms of hip hop, salsa and Latin pop. Musical Director Michael J. McGushin conducts the live band, an integral ingredient of every production since Cabrillo Stage began in 1981. The music will thrill you along with the powerful performance of the passionate cast that brings this brilliantly presented story to life. Tickets are on sale now, view the whole performance schedule here.
“Musical theater has the power to connect and uplift us like nothing else.”
— Andrea L. Hart, Artistic Director, Cabrillo Stage
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