Washington Heights is coming to Bristol Riverside Theatre this weekend.
‘In the Heights‘, Lin Manuel Miranda’s genre-bending musical takes the stage March 27, and will run at the creative locale until April 27.
“In the Heights celebrates community, and we feel like we are celebrating our own community by inviting everyone over for a fiesta to celebrate the new theatre and the community that made building it possible,” said Co-Producing Director Ken Kaissar. Kaissar also serves as the show’s producer, and along with his wife, Amy, the duo are presenting the first large-scale production since the newly renovated theater space reopened.
The plot of the show takes place over a three-day period and focuses on Usnavi de la Vega (played by Daniel L. Melo), the neighborhood’s “beloved bodega owner who dreams of a better life while staying grounded by his love for his community.”
As the show’s official description describes, Usnavi’s bodega is the neighborhood’s heartbeat, where the colorful residents cross paths daily. Vanessa (Sonya Hernández), Usnavi’s love interest, dreams of escaping her troubled home life to make it downtown. Meanwhile, Benny (Wesley Hodges), who works for Kevin Rosario’s (Victor Rodríguez, Jr.) car service, fights for Nina’s (Paula Gaudier) love while navigating his place as an outsider in this close-knit community.
‘In the Heights’ debuted in 2007 at 37 Arts Theatre and then made its way to Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in 2008. That same year, the production ended up winning four Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography, and Best Orchestrations. The original cast album later secured a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album in 2009.
Bristol Riverside Theatre‘s production of the hit show will be led by Carlos Armesto with choreography by Luli Brindisi.
‘In the Heights’ is complemented by a Latino Theatre Night (En Español) special event presentation of the musical on April 5. Ticket purchasers are invited to spend the evening celebrating Latino and Hispanic theatre-makers, community, and culture while there. Guests can enjoy light refreshments at a pre-show social mixer and an optional post-show conversation with director Carlos Armesto, community leaders, and the cast.
Other upcoming special dates to look out for with the show include a reception after opening night (March 27), a Friday Festival featuring pre-show drinks from Pat Deon Beverages and Dad’s Hat, desserts by Donna’s Delicious Delights, and pasta provided by Cesare’s Ristorante (March 28), a Wine Down midweek night with pre-show wine courtesy of Innocenti Family Wines and complimentary desserts (April 2), and a Thirsty Thursday event with pre-show beer and snacks courtesy of Broad Street Brewing, Dog & Bull Brew & Music House, Naked Brewing Company, and Philly Style Soft Pretzel (April 10.)
Tickets for ‘In the Heights’ are available by phone at 215-785-0100, online or by visiting the box office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (excluding holidays), Monday through Friday. Bristol Township residents are welcome to $10 tickets (while supplies last, courtesy of Flager & Associates) available with valid proof of residency.
More information on Bristol Riverside Theatre (120 Radcliffe St., Bristol) including a season production schedule, is available at brtstage.org
