IOA Theatricals Launches Kickstarter Campaign to Produce IN THE HEIGHTS

With its cast of Broadway vets and talented young Southern California performers ready to take the next step in their careers, IOA Theatricals' West Coast Premiere of Lin Manuel Miranda's IN THE HEIGHTS is poised to be something very special indeed.

Recognizing the vast talent pool right in our own back yard, IOA Theatricals' IN THE HEIGHTS- L.A. will provide a rare opportunity for California-based performers to shine. Unlike many other professional production companies in Southern California, IOA Theatricals will give local performers the chance to star in a truly Broadway-caliber production alongside elite Broadway talent, thereby enabling them to make crucial connections necessary to kick start their careers.

Unfortunately, IOA Theatricals received news on Friday February 7, 2013 that the private investor who had agreed to furnish half of production cost for IN THE HEIGHTS was dropping out of the deal and leaving IOA with a $150,000 shortfall.

Since the production has already made major arrangements to feature the original Broadway set and costumes and for original cast members to return for this short engagement, canceling the production is simply not an option. The company is, therefore, asking for the theatrical community's support to help make this production a success. In addition to providing the Southern California arts community with the opportunity to shine, IOA has plans to give back to the community beyond the performing arts.

Solid commitments have been made and production has already begun, however none of this will happen without the community's support.

For more information about IOA and how to contribute, visit: http://bit.ly/IOAKickStarter or www.ioatheatricals.com.

Winner of the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations, IN THE HEIGHTS (music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and book by Quiara Alegría Hudes) tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York's Washington Heights neighborhood - a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It's a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.IOA Theatricals's Professional Regional Premiere will feature the full Broadway orchestrations accompanied by a lavish 13-piece orchestra, and for the first time since the Broadway production, the gorgeous national touring set designed by Tony nominee Anna Louizos & original costumes by Paul Tazewell.

Direct from the national touring production of IN THE HEIGHTS, IOA Theatricals is delighted to welcome Perry Young back as Usnavi, reprising his dream role in IN THE HEIGHTS-LOS ANGELES! Accompanying Perry will be several original cast members of the national touring and Broadway productions reprising their original roles.

The award-winning production team is made up of Director James Saucedo, Co-Director/Creative consultant Michael Balderrama, Choreographer/Associate Director Director Chris Dupre, and Associate Choreographer Dominque Kelley. Music will be under the direction of Dean Mora.

IOA Theatricals, a groundbreaking new Production Company under the direction of James Saucedo, has as its mission to develop, produce the very finest in Broadway-caliber musicals and family entertainment in L.A. while showcasing some of our incredible, undiscovered young talent. It is these valuable opportunities that will set us apart from other L.A.-area production companies.

With IOA Theatricals' growing leadership role in the arts comes a responsibility to continue the culture of family, tradition and celebration to the growing world of imagination. IOA Theatricals promises to refresh and renovate the theatergoing experience by delivering the best of Broadway for the ever-changing demands of theatergoers while remaining committed in its efforts to conserve the traditions of the performing arts and to "produce green." (IOA Theatricals is a proud member of the Broadway Green Alliance.)

In introducing the next generation of arts and establishing IOA Theatricals as a leader in our communities, we are committed to making our world and communities a better place to live, work and play, something we call The IOA Difference.

As IOA Theatricals continues its growth, our objective is to see the future of the arts grow as well. We at IOA Theatricals believe in the growth and stimulation of education in the arts, and that our youth are crucial to the development of our industry and communal success.

In the upcoming years IOA Theatricals will grant five (5) annual $20,000 academic scholarships to candidates planning to attend an accredited college or university. The recipients will be selected based upon academic achievement and extracurricular activities.

IOA Theatricals would also like to present what we call IOA Theatricals' Act Of Kindness. We are dedicated to taking an active role in our local communities through direct giving, volunteering, and community collaborations. While encouraging others to volunteer by providing inspiration, resources, and incentives, we believe being a good citizen means using our resources to make a positive change in the communities in which we live, work and do business. We will collaborate with local organizations and engage the time and talent of our staff to provide inspiration and opportunities for children and families to enhance their local communities.

Giving back to communities is one of IOA's founding principles. IOA's giving will support the well-being of children and families through charitable contributions to organizations focused on arts and creativity, volunteerism, children's hospitals, military families, and disaster relief.

That is why at every opening night of an IOA Theatricals production, we will designate an amount of the proceeds to various organizations in support of our outreach.

For more information, visit: Ioatheatricals.com.