Lin-Manuel Miranda, long before his stunning success with “Hamilton,” crafted an enthusiastic and energetic musical tale of a community thriving in the shadow of the George Washington Bridge, in New York City.
Written while he was a student at Middletown’s Wesleyan University, with book by Quiara Alegria Hudes, “In the Heights” speaks to diversity and cooperation in the Washington Heights section of the city, where people from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba and other Latino nations live together in hope, filled with dreams, and prepare for change.
At the Downtown Cabaret of Bridgeport weekends until Sunday, November 24, this musical speaks to people helping people and the common goals of improving the way of life for everyone. At the center of the community is the bodega, or grocery store, run by Usnavi, a caring but unsatisfied Manny Gonzalez. He has dreams but they are unfulfilled. Will he win the heart of Vanessa (Juliana Rivera)? How can he best protect Abuela Claudia (Jane Prieto) who is like a grandmother to him? Should he return to his homeland to find what his present life is missing?
Around Usnavi swirl the stories of Nina (Olivia Rivera) whose parents (Cintia Maio and Martin Garcia) will sacrifice everything to guarantee their daughter get a college education, Benny (Everton Ricketts) who works for her parents and loves Nina, his cousin Sonny (Nick Nunez) who helps in the bodega but wants more, and Piragua Guy (Jay Reyes) who sells iced drinks to the neighborhood. Who can predict how his sweet grandmother, who is exceptional in the role, will have the good fortune enough and power to change all their lives.
On the fourth of July when a blackout occurs, change is poised on the horizon. With energized dancing choreographed by Olivia Rivera, the gifted director Ben Tostado, as well as songs like “In the Heights,” “Breathe,” “Sunrise,” and “Alabanza,” the heartfelt message of the people speaks to their joy, led by music director Mark Ceppetelli. The colorful set by David Klevit is the launchpad for the story.
For tickets ($30.50 and up), call the Downtown Cabaret, Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport at 203-576-1636 or online at www.dtcab.com. Performances are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 3:30 p.m.and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:30 p.m.This is cabaret so don’t forget to bring tasty food and drink to share at your table or plan to visit the concession stand.
Come celebrate with this wonderful and passionate cast the vibrant life of a community where preserving the past is equally as important as laying the groundwork for the future, all thanks to the genius of Lin-Manuel Miranda as he was just getting started in his adventurous and powerful ways.
No comments:
Post a Comment