Contra Costa Civic Theatre presents IN THE HEIGHTS
Before there was Hamilton, there was In the Heights--Lin-Manuel Miranda's exuberant celebration of family and community set to the infectious rhythms of a Washington Heights neighborhood. Directed by Ryan Weible in his company directorial debut, with music direction by Armando Fox and choreography by Allison Paraiso, In the Heights lights up CCCT's Main Stage beginning June 9 and playing through July 16. For tickets and information visit the theatre's website at www.ccct.org or call 510.524.9012.
Winner of the 2008 Tony for Best Musical and the 2009 Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, In the Heights was also a finalist for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize. Charles Isherwood of the New York Times wrote, "when this musical erupts in one of its expressions of collective joy, the energy it gives off could light up the George Washington Bridge for a year or two."
Both director Ryan Weible and music director Armando Fox have first-hand experience of the Washington Heights neighborhood where the play is set. "The first time I entered NYC, I crossed the GWB (a.k.a., the George Washington Bridge), moved into my apartment on the corner of 172nd & Broadway, and immediately fell in love with "The Heights", say Weible. "A month after my arrival, and five minutes after stepping off the A Train, I experienced the "Northeast Blackout of 2003." For 48 hours, in addition to seeing stars the first and only time in six years, I saw the true definition of "community" unravel before my very eyes. Every inhabitant emerged to share food, flashlights, candles, celebration, unity, and camaraderie...and I knew, in that moment, that I was home. It's been almost ten years since I left, and what a blessing it is to be back In The Heights once again."
Fox adds, "I rarely listen to hip-hop or commercial salsa, but I was disarmed by how In the Heights spoke to me when I saw it in Broadway previews. I'm Cuban on both sides but born and raised in New York, and I know lots of angst-filled Ninas caught between cultures and generations, lots of gentle Abuelas dispensing wisdom and serving as the river that runs through those cultures and generations, lots of Kevins and Camilas who would take a bullet for their kids but demand they get ahead through education....I still choke up during rehearsals."
CCCT's production of In the Heights features Rajiv Vijayakumar as Usnavi, Anita Viramontes as Abuela Claudia, Dave Abrams as Benny, India Kawar as Vanessa, Zinah Abraha as Nina, Rockey Basco as Carla, Emily Alvarado as Daniela, Mark Enea as Kevin, Krista Avila as Camila, Jave Hernandez as Sonny, Billy Raphael as Piragua Guy, and Lucas Kiehn-Thilman as Graffiti Pete. Members of the ensemble include Bianca Contreras, Alyssa Fredzess, Ronald James, Jeremiah Poti, Jessica Rager, Chanel Tilghman, Kris Anthony Williams, and Gwendolyn Woodhead.
The design team includes scenic designer Stewart Lyle, costume designer Lisa Danz, lighting designer Courtney Johnson, sound designer Michael Kelly, and props designer Devon LaBelle.
Single tickets for In the Heights are $29 for adults in advance, or $35 at the door; youth tickets for ages 16 and under are $15 in advance, or $20 at the door. Discounts available for groups of 15 or more. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. All performances take place at CCCT's intimate and fully accessible theatre in the Flynn building located at 951 Pomona Avenue (cross street Moeser) in El Cerrito. Free parking is available in the adjoining lot. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ccct.org or by phone at 510.524.9012.
ABOUT CONTRA COSTA CIVIC THEATRE
Contra Costa Civic Theatre, established in 1959 by Louis and Bettianne Flynn and a group of dedicated volunteers and now under the artistic direction of Marilyn Langbehn, is a non-profit community theatre with its permanent home in El Cerrito, CA. Our mission is to provide affordable, high-quality entertainment to residents throughout the East Bay and provide training in performing arts for children and adults. We are proud to be an independent, self-sufficient organization presenting five Main Stage and thirteen youth productions annually in our intimate two hundred-seat theatre.
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