Artes de la Rosa Announces IN THE HEIGHTS Casting

By: Mar. 14, 2013
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Artes de la Rosa has announced that Matt Ransdell Jr. will star as the coffee serving love sick rapping bodega owner, Usnavi in the Artes de la Rosa production of IN THE HEIGHTS receiving its Fort Worth Premiere this May at The Rose Marine Theater. Adam Adolfo and Elise Lavallee, who previously collaborated on the North Texas premiere of the tango operita Maria de Buenos Aires, reunite as Producer/Director and Associate Director/ Choreographer, respectively. Musical Direction is by Kristin Spires who conducts the 9-piece orchestra featuring the original tour orchestration.

Ransdell is no stranger to the Heights having been called back for the role of Usnavi on Broadway, and both National Tours, he is incredibly honored to be officially cast as his dream role for the first time ever in his home state of Texas. Matt has been seen in the Dallas Fort Worth area performing in Landscape of the Body (Raulito) and Godspell (ensemble) at the University of North Texas, and in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), at the GLCT. Matt is represented by The Mary Collins Agency, and has appeared in National Commercials, various voice-over projects, and industrials. Additionally he tours the country empowering students as a Youth Motivational Speaker. Connect with Matt on Twitter: @MattIsSuperman or on facebook: Matt Superman Ransdell Jr.

When asked to comment, the Heights star offered, "There are shows or roles that people commonly want to do. And then, there are shows that people live for, strive for, dream for. Watching Rent, The Producers, Godspell, all made me "want" to do theatre, "want" to perform. Watching In The Heights made me realize that this is what I was born to do, there was no other option. The term "want" seemed so insignificant, I needed to do it. Usnavi became more than a dream role, it became a mission the second I heard Lin Manuel Miranda rap. I dropped everything at the drop of a dime to chase this production, this role. The journey has been incredible, the money spent, the trips taken, the people met, and connections made. This show has done more for me than I can put in words, and now, it's finally my time to give it back everything it's given me, and then some. After allowing this show, this character, to change my life, I finally get to step into Usnavi's shoes, and give it everything I've got, to change yours."

"The production team and I are so excited to have Matt as the heart of our Heights family. He brings a singular voice and spirit to the stage that is infectious and exuberant. His joy, passion, and charisma are critical to making Usnavi a living breathing larger than life storyteller on the Rose Marine stage. Audiences will fall in love with him like we have," offers Artistic Director Adam Adolfo.

Production begins May 17th at the Rose Marine Theater in Fort Worth for a strictly limited 4 week engagement. Complete casting for the Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights will be forthcoming.



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