Many of Elon University’s greatest performers were prepared to hit the stage for Elon’s first-ever production of the Tony Award-winning musical “In The Heights.”
Onstage, a story unfolds.
It’s 2008. It’s the peak of the New York City summer heat. And everyone is trying to get out.
The show is set in Washington Heights, a place where it costs to have a dream, and making a living is no simple task. Still, the excitement of a long-awaited college homecoming hangs in the air.
Usnavi, played by senior Hunter Brown, dreams of one day getting away from Manhattan and returning to the shores of the Dominican Republic. While looking after his aging neighbor and working as a bodega owner, Usnavi craves something more.
Vanessa, Usnavi’s beautiful love interest played by senior Gabriela Gomez, works in the neighborhood beauty salon and hopes to one day be able to live on her own, free from her alcoholic mother. Vanessa’s childhood friend Nina, played by senior Nicole Uram, returns home — to her parents’ surprise — from her first year at Stanford University to reconnect with her rapidly changing, close-knit neighborhood.
Although the characters all have repetitive, inescapable lives, they still attempt to make something more of it, reflecting on modern struggles.
“This show is very different than anything that we’ve ever done at Elon,” Brown said. “‘In The Heights’ is unique because it is set in the present time and takes place in modern society and has a very relevant and relatable message.”
In contrast to classic shows Elon has put on before, this show’s Latin-flavored music and hip-hop dance moves contribute to its high-energy, contemporary feel.
“The music is amazing and really fun to sing and dance to,” Gomez said.
Director and choreographer Lynne Formato developed her vision into a work of art and brought a compelling story to life.
“Working with Lynne has been absolutely incredible,” Brown said. “I cannot even express how much I love being her student and working with her.”
Formato’s hard work and precise planning has contributed to a stress-free environment for the cast and crew, leaving space for the actors to freely work and explore their roles.
With only three weeks to prepare for opening night, rehearsals are long and breaks are short. Typically rehearsing six days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the cast has devoted large amounts of time and energy into putting on this production and has high hopes for a week full of successful performances.
Gomez spoke on behalf of the cast and explained how this experience has been “one of the most fun things I’ve ever been a part of.” The intense rehearsal schedule has built close bonds between the musical theater students, and the chemistry on stage is genuine.
“Being so passionate about musical theater is hard to explain,” Brown said. “Something about the stage attracted me and never let me go. I love theater because it gives you the ability to explore every facet of your brain and heart. It’s terrifying, fun and mind-opening.”
The results can be seen on stage this upcoming week. “In The Heights” will be running Feb. 12-15 in McCrary Theatre. Tickets are free for students with a Phoenix Card, but they must be picked up in advance in the Performing Arts Center.