Things to Do

Don’t Miss ‘In the Heights’ at ZACH Theatre

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Who doesn’t love a classic story of coming of age and the saga of young adults coming to know themselves? As the world seems to become more complex, it is nice to sit back and enjoy the familiar and simple themes of young love, self-discovery, and following one’s heart. “In the Heights,”  directed and choreographed by Michael Balderrama, offers us just that as we sit back and are invited into the small New York neighborhood that is home to several generations of working class families.

Photo: Kirk Tuck

We meet several characters along the way. One that left home to attend college, the first in her family and one struggling to make ends meet and wanting to leave home. Another working hard to maintain his family’s business and legacy and still another working to gain the praise of his boss and the father of his love interest. We see the families of these young adults struggle in their own right with how to successfully navigate a country to which they did not originate, and how to make ends meet and propel the next generation forward.

These themes are tucked pleasantly into song and dance. One scene, in particular, takes place at a night club and the audience is wowed by a dance number that is both a choreographed work of art and an important part of the dialogue, told through the dance.

Photo: Kirk Tuck

This largely Latino cast offers a number of players with strong voices and quick dialogue. Nina and Vanessa, two of the main characters, offer several stunning numbers throughout the show. Through the lens of a two-story apartment complex and street corner that make up the set, we are offered the privileged view of taking a peak inside the homes and lives of characters that are both unique and also so very similar to us. We appreciate them because we are them. This Tony Award-winning musical is one you will want to see while you still can. It continues at the ZACH Theatre until July 2nd and tickets can be purchased at the link below.

What: “In the Heights” directed and choreographed by Michael Balderrama
When: May 31 – July 2, 2017
Where: Topfer Theatre at ZACH, 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin TX 78704
Info & Tickets: www.zachtheatre.org or (512) 476-0541 ext.1
“In the Heights”
Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Book by Quiara Alegría Hudes
Conceived By Lin-Manuel Miranda
Directed and Choreographed by Michael Balderrama
Musical Direction by Allen Robertson