FRIDAY 5 (On Thursday!): Four From STC's IN THE HEIGHTS

Nashville's Street Theatre Company launches its 11th season Friday night, March 4, with Lin Manuel Miranda's Tony Award-winning In The Heights, the smash musical that took Broadway by storm and paved the way for Miranda's new Broadway blockbuster Hamilton. Directed by STC founding artistic director Cathy Sanborn Street, In The Heights will be her farewell production in Nashville as she and her husband, JJ Street - an integral member of the theater's creative team since its beginnings - move to Wilmington, North Carolina in March.

Audiences familiar with Street Theatre's first 10 years as one of Nashville's leading theatre companies will be happy to see that Jason Tucker, Street's successor as STC's new artistic director, chose In The Heights as STC's season opener with the company's mission firmly in mind: "At Street Theatre we're committed to the concepts of diversity and inclusion," Tucker explains.

"I can't think of a stronger way to demonstrate that than with this warm, multicultural story. When choosing shows for the first time as the artistic director, it was important for me to put down my flag, so to speak. In The Heights was an easy choice because it's crowd-pleasing, heart-warming, and smart. And you won't believe the talent of this young cast!"

Today, we introduce you to four cast members from In The Heights - Lipscomb University's Bekah Purifoy, Belmont University's Chris D. Lee and Arik Vega, and one of the newest members of the Nashville theater community, Ashley Wolfe. Purifoy is a 2015 First Night Most Promising Actor, while Lee and Vega are members of the 2016 Class. Wolfe electrified the audience with her performance at Midwinter's First Night in January.

Taking on our Friday 5 questions, the quartet's answers will allow you to get to know them better - yes, we know it's Thursday! - and they'll also let you know why you need to come see In The Heights!

Chris D. Lee (playing Benny in In The Heights)

What's was your first exposure to live theater? I would say my first real on stage theatre experience was in high school. I wasn't into theatre at all. I was definitely a jock. I got dared to audition for Annie at school and I did it. I didn't plan to really do the role of they offered it, but the audition was so fun. It was different from anything I'd ever done. I played Bert Healey the radio show host and it was so much fun!

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? My favorite pre-show ritual is probably a dance party to Stevie Wonder while drinking Throat Coat with a shot of whiskey! And I definitely have to poop. Can't have that on stage!

What's your most memorable "the show must go on" moment? My most memorable "show must go on" moment was this past summer. I was doing The Wiz at GlowLyric as Scarecrow and during a scene where the four friends are almost to Emerald City my microphone just went out. I knew that I was going to be on stage for the rest of the act and had a lot to say as well as a song to sing in, so I improvised my way off stage to switch mics and back on as if Scarecrow was searching for a different route. It was pretty funny.

What's your dream role? My dream role has always been Benny in In The Heights and I've been blessed to be playing it for the second time now. Both times I've had the honor of playing alongside my best friend, my brother Arik Vega who is the most brilliant Usnavi next to Lin-Manuel himself. It is my all-time favorite show and role. But Aaron Burr is running a very close second now!

So who's your theatrical crush? My theatrical crush is without a doubt is Jasmine Cephas Jones. She is currently playing Peggy/Maria Reynolds in Hamilton. Good lord, this woman is drop-dead gorgeous AND her voice is like caramel bath water. She's perfect.

Extra-special Bonus Question: Why should people come see In The Heights? People should come see In The Heights for a couple of reasons. First of all, the show has such heart. It's a show about home and community and what better place than Nashville to put on a show that embodies what I feel makes Nashville and the theatre here so special. In The Heights doesn't just come around as often as many of the other notable shows so if anyone has the opportunity to see it they should take it! The cast and creative team are phenomenal. I wouldn't ask to do this show anywhere else than with Street Theatre and Cathy, who has opened so many doors for me personally and made my theatre experience in Nashville nothing short of amazing. Her vision is perfect and she will be missed when she and her husband move on. At a time when we have a show like Hamilton breaking the barriers of Musical Theatre as we've known it, In The Heights is a great segue into the style of hip-hop/r&b for those who aren't as keen on it! It's an amazing experience. Please come join me and my new friends as we take you "into a day in the life of what it's like in Washington Heights"!

Bekah Purifoy (Nina)

What was your first taste of "live, onstage" theater? Unfortunately, I have to be that cliché musical theatre girl and say Wicked. When I was really young, my family was going to a wedding in LA and that was when Wicked had a sit down in Hollywood so we went and saw the show. It was then that I knew that's what I wanted to do with my life. I always enjoyed singing, but never knew much about theatre. In my defense, it was Eden Espinosa and Megan Hilty...So...It makes up for how cliché I am.

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? I don't have a crazy, unique pre-show ritual that I do every time. It's mostly just me getting into my zone. I usually will have a playlist for the show that I listen to before and I will spend some time alone getting my mind and spirit ready. I always pray that God blesses the show and keeps everyone safe and that I can give the best performance possible. So nothing too crazy, just getting my head together.

What's your favorite, most memorable, example of "the show must go on"? Well, I have plenty. Once during a performance of Into The Woods (I was Little Red) I got really bad food poisoning. And being Little Red I had to eat throughout the show. And for the song "Hello, Little Girl" I had to enter while eating a cookie, and instead of a cookie I was eating a Tums. Then I did the song and immediately ran to the bathroom and threw up the Tums, grabbed a new Tums and went back onstage.

However, I have a new one now. I was just told by my doctor a couple days ago that I have mono AND a sinus infection. And we open in just a few days for In The Heights! I was told "NO KISSING" (which is obviously impossible when you have a love interest on stage) and that I should probably drop out of the show. But of course, I'm not doing that. The sinus infection is pretty much gone by this point so I'm really just fighting my energy level. But the show must go on! And it will.

What's your dream role? Do I only get one? Christine in Phantom would be a dream come true. I've wanted to play her since I was a kid. And either role in Wicked really. Musical Theatre aside, I would love to play Cecily in Importance of Being Earnest and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. Like I said, I really can't get more cliché.

Who's your theatrical crush? Bryce Pinkham is definitely one of my faves. He was the original Monte in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder on Broadway and he is one beautiful man. And the nicest guy you'll ever meet. Also Taye Diggs.. So gorgeous.

EXTRA-SPECIAL BONUS QUESTION: Why should people come see In The Heights? In the Heights has been such a special experience for me. I've never worked with Street before and this definitely won't be my last time. The show is incredible. The cast has some of the most talented, kind hearted people I've ever worked with. In The Heights is very centered around community and the importance of family, blood relatives or otherwise, and this cast makes it so easy to really bring that to life. The show tells an amazing story and has everything you want in a musical: comedy, drama, love, dancing, singing. It really is the full package and I can't wait to share it with an audience.

Arik Vega (Usnavi)

What was your first taste of "live, onstage" theater? I saw The Velveteen Rabbit on a first grade field trip and was immediately struck by the live, magical quality of theatre. There was a boy who looked my age in the show. I thought, "If he can do it, why can't I?" So I did!

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? A treasured favorite of mine is praying to Jesus that I don't suck on stage or rip my pants!

What's your favorite, most memorable, example of "the show must go on"? During my outdoor theatre summer work with The Lost Colony in Manteo, North Carolina, the swarms of midges got really bad and the 50+ member cast sang songs, projected speeches, and shouted battle cries all while swallowing at LEAST 10 bugs a scene! No lie, we could barely see the audience at one point!

What's your dream role? Usnavi had always been my dream role. Then I heard Hamilton. Now, I must play Alexander Hamilton!

Who's your theatrical crush? Leanne Cope stole my heart in An American in Paris and has had it ever since.

EXTRA-SPECIAL BONUS QUESTION: Why should people come see In The Heights? The incredible music and lyrics of Lin-Manuel Miranda is changing the theatre game. If you want to see how a modern rap flair can dance seamlessly with Latin-driven melodies, you MUST come see this show. Also, Chris Lee, who plays Benny, performs with untouchable musicianship and brilliant charm. He's reason enough to spend your evening in the musical streets of Washington Heights!

Ashley Wolfe (Vanessa)

What was your first taste of "live, onstage" theater? I was no stranger to performing since I had been in dance class and doing recitals since the age of three, but I would say it wasn't until fifth grade that I played my first character on stage. I was cast as the Grandmother in our Christmas program. I remember the day of auditions, my name was called and I immediately snapped into character. I walked up in front of the class slowly and all hunched over talking in my best "old lady" voice. I remember my friends cracking up and I think that's when I knew that I just wanted to entertain people all of the time.

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? One thing I really enjoy doing for each character I play is creating a playlist of songs I feel they would listen to. Music has always been such a big part of my life. So, I have all of these songs that have created this soundtrack that can easily transport me to a very vivid memory. I try to recreate that for the character and try to envision a memory for each song. Pre-show, I can tune into my playlist and really start to take that journey. And if I am lucky enough to have lots of up-tempo songs and a fun group of actors to get ready with, it's a solid recipe for a pre-show dance party!

What's your favorite, most memorable, example of "the show must go on"? A couple of years back, while living in Chicago, I was playing Suzy in a production of The Marvelous Wonderettes at Metropolis Performing Arts Center. We had just wrapped the opening number for Act 2 - "Heat Wave" by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. During that song, my character comes bursting out late into the number and VERY pregnant. We had barely made it into the scene following when the smoke alarm went off. The entire theatre had to evacuate. We wanted to get ahead of the crowd and make our way around to the rear entrance to the theatre. So we started leading the charge all while staying in character. The girls were rushing me out and I kept saying "I think I'm going into labor!" Turns out there was no fire. We finally got back in and after getting everyone reseated, I remember one of the other girls just joking, "As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted..." and we carried on.

What's your dream role? I have to pick just one? This is really tough! I would have to say it would be a dream to play Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. The film adaptation with Barbara Streisand is one of my all-time favorites and an absolute go to when I am feeling down. Who doesn't love an underdog tale? I always loved Fanny for pushing on no matter who told her she wasn't going to make it. As a kid I really admired the fact that the goofy girl no one thought had the looks to make it stayed very true to herself and succeeded. It felt very relatable. When you asked me to sing at Midwinter's First Night, I already knew I had to sing "I'm The Greatest Star." So, thank you for making part of the dream come to life!

Who's your theatrical crush? Christine Ebersole. Easiest question so far! Years back I was cast in Grey Gardens: The Musical as both Big Edie and Little Edie. The same roles she played in the original staging. After watching the Grey Gardens documentary, my research moved to footage of the Musical and the next thing I know I was watching every youtube suggested video of Christine Ebersole. After the clips of her on Saturday Night Live started rolling in (another love of mine), I was hooked. I became a complete fan.

EXTRA-SPECIAL BONUS QUESTION: Why should people come see In The Heights? Honestly, even if I wasn't in this show, I would be urging everyone to see it! There is so much talent packed into this cast and I am so incredibly honored that I get to be a member. I am very thankful that I get to work with Cathy Street before she heads off on her new and exciting adventure and Jason Tucker has so much energy coming in as the new artistic director. It's such a special time to be working with Street Theatre.

On top of all of that, the message of the show is very relevant to Nashville right now. In the Heights tells a story of a community in the neighborhood of Washington Heights, New York that is being bought out and taken over by developers. This place they have called home for so long is rapidly changing and you get to see how each of these characters is affected by that. I think we can all see this happening around Nashville. Neighborhoods are changing and condos are going up right and left. I have seen some of my favorite little places be bought out and knocked down to make room for something "bigger and better." Change can be difficult and this show really hits on that.

About Street Theatre Company's In The Heights: Widely performed throughout the United States, Central and South America - and in London's West End - In The Heights tells the timeless story of a vibrant Latin-American community living in the New York City's Washington Heights neighborhood. The musical fuses the classic styles of musical theater showtunes with hip-hop and Latin rhythms to tell the heart-warming and universal story of family and belonging.

With music and lyrics by MacArthur Genius Grant Award-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, In The Heights opened on Broadway in 2008 and won Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Original Score, while winning the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. In addition, In The Heights was nominated for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Cathy Street directs STC's first show of the 2016 season, joined by Randy Craft as music director and Tosha Pendergrast as choreographer.

"What speaks to me about this show, and why I have fallen in love with it, is the universal story of 'home' and what that means for each of us," says Cathy Street, a 2011 First Night Star Award winner.

"Everyone in this show, and many of us, often has a struggle with or question about what home is for them. Is it where you grew up? Is it where you live now? Is it where your family is from? Add in the layers of being the younger generation from immigrants and that question becomes even more challenging. All of the characters in the show work so hard to make their way; they are admirable, and their struggles are real, as is their love for each other and the community. Then layer on this amazing modern rap/Cuban-infused music that is unlike any other Broadway musical you have ever seen and you have a pretty unbelievable show."

In The Heights is onstage at Street Theatre Company's current home - Bailey Middle School in East Nashville - March 9-20. Curtain is at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday shows at 5 p.m., along with one 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, March 12. Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for students and seniors, and are available by contacting the Box Office at (615) 554-7414, or by visiting www.streettheatrecompany.org. All tickets are pay-what-you-can on Sundays.