IN THE HEIGHTS Breaks Record for Fastest Selling Show at Geva Theatre Center

Geva Theatre Center's production of In the Heights, with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, book by Quiara Alegría Hudes, conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda and directed by Melissa Rain Anderson was a huge hit for the 45-year old, not-for-profit theatre. Over 20,000 people attended the production, crafted in Rochester, for Rochester over a five-week period with 40 performances. It was the fastest-selling production in Geva history with performances selling out prior to the very first preview on September 5. The theatre intentionally maintained low ticket prices for this production to ensure that as many people from the Rochester community as possible were able to see this critically-acclaimed musical, resulting in a much younger and diverse audience than Geva has seen in the past. Two weeks before the final performance on October 8, Geva's box office announced that the production was 'Sold Out' for the remainder of the run, with only standby tickets available.

On September 20, Hurricane Maria tragically decimated Puerto Rico. The cast of In the Heights(many of whom have family in the ravaged US territory) and the theatre responded quickly, organizing a post-show donation drive after every performance from September 21. Over $71,000 was raised which will be sent to hispanicfederation.org, Lin-Manuel Miranda's chosen relief fund. Geva thanks Rochester's generous audiences for helping with this effort.

Over 11,000 people from all over the Greater Rochester region have subscribed to Geva's 2017-2018 Season - a testament to the shows, quality of productions and service that Geva offers. As a proud member of the Rochester community, Geva partners regularly with other area organizations. Geva would like to thank their community partner for In the Heights, Rochester Latino Theatre Company (RLTC). RLTC made our artists feel at home from the very beginning and were an integral part of the success of this production. The number of Geva subscribers exceeds those of any Rochester-based sports teams or arts organizations. Geva's subscription base ranks in the top 25 in the nation, serving the 51st largest metro area.

Productions at Geva are created right here in Rochester for Rochester - the theatre employs 51 full-time and over 200 part time staff and artists. Geva retains casting directors in New York City and, as with all its productions, auditions were held there and in Rochester this past spring. The nineteen-strong cast of In the Heights began rehearsals at Geva on August 15 with seventeen cast members from outside of Rochester (housed in Geva-owned, loft-style apartments located steps from the theatre) and two locally-based actors. Throughout the past two months of rehearsals and performances, out-of-town cast members have been enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of Rochester including visiting local landmarks, shopping in our stores and dining at area restaurants.

The 2017-2018 Wilson Stage Series is sponsored by ESL Federal Credit Union and Rochester Regional Health. The Honorary Wilson Stage Series Sponsor is Dr. Dawn Lipson. In the Heights is produced with support from the Scale the Heights Producing Group; Lead Co-ProducerBuckingham Properties; Co-Producer Harter Secrest & Emery LLP; and Media Sponsors Fox TV, WDKX and WXXI.