The board of Countryside Community Theatre knew it was taking a risk last year when it announced plans to stage Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony-winning “In the Heights.”
In addition to challenging music and high-energy dance numbers, the show also requires a diverse cast. Set in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City, Miranda based characters on his mostly Hispanic neighbors. When auditions for the show were held last winter, the director and producers weren’t sure what to expect.
Taking a risk paid off though. Of the 25-member cast, 22 are people of color, including 13 Hispanic actors.
Director Kris Doss said “In the Heights” is primarily about community. And he’s pleased that this production was able to become its own community.
“We’ve got such a great Latinx community that we were able to bring together here. I think it’s great that we were able to represent that with this production and really give it that authenticity that Lin-Manuel was looking for.
“The fact that we were not only able to cast this show, but cast it true to what is needs to be and what it was written to be, was also a goal of mine. As you’ll see in photos of me, I’m a white dude. But I fought and clawed and wanted to make sure that we had as much Latinx representation as possible, and we cast these roles appropriately. Otherwise, I wasn’t going to be a part of it. Countryside was like, absolutely, that’s what we want, that’s the mindset we need.”
Cindy Ramos, who plays Abuela Claudia, said it is important for CCT to present shows that are representative of the community. Ramos is also CCT’s board president this year.
She said her “In the Heights” experience has been fulfilling.
“We realized we really wanted to have shows that reflected the community we live in. And that was part of the reason we wanted to do this. The Quad Cities has a very strong Latino population. We wanted to show what our audience really looks like. They’ve been so embracing of this.”
Actor Jacob Johnson, who plays Usnavi, the character originated by Miranda, said “In the Heights” is “a show with a lot of heart and a love letter to the Hispanic community.”
He also said he hopes the production subverts some expectations casual audiences might have.
“I know throughout the process of this show, people sometimes expect one thing when you hear a name or look at a face. But you never really know the full story until you reach out. My mom is a first-generation Puerto Rican immigrant. My papi and abuela (grandpa and grandma), they came to New York and then came to Illinois and settled down. They separated, and my abuela is back in Puerto Rico.
“I have family reaching all over the place, tias and tios (aunts and uncles) that are in Florida, still in Puerto Rico, some in Iowa. It’s great to connect with that part of myself, something that I don’t really feel as connected to, being from the Quad Cities area. And this show has really helped with that.”
Ramos said doing this show, and playing Abuela Claudia in particular, has long been a dream of hers. She feels that’s true for many of the cast.
“You always hear, ‘This is my dream show.’ However, for many, many of these cast members, this is their dream. We’re all living it together, and we all have this feeling of, we never thought this would happen. No one ever thought this show would happen, and here we are.”
Doss agreed that this show has been a “bucket list show” for him. The drama and speech director at Northeast High School in Goose Lake, he’s also been thrilled to work with this cast.
“There are so many people who are just true triple threats, who are just able to dance, sing and act. So that helps make my job easier, and I can talk about what I call the more fun stuff. Like, what are you trying to achieve here, what is your goal, why does your character exist?
“But it’s also really cool, because we have some people who are less experienced. That’s been really special for me, because whether this is their first couple times in theatre – we do have a couple who are first timers, this is their first show. They just decided to go on a whim. That’s amazing. Being able to be a part of that and see if this could maybe continue that journey is just as special for me as seeing some of these young, talented high school students grow. We’ve got all kinds of experiences, but I’m lucky to have the opportunity.”
“In the Heights” is the story of Usnavi, a bodega owner with big goals, and his friends and neighbors, all of whom are grappling with their own hopes, dreams and challenges. The show premiered on Broadway in 2008 and won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Seven years later, Miranda created the musical phenomenon “Hamilton.”
Doss said he’s excited to bring the show to a brand-new audience.
“I’m excited to see how audiences take to the show. We really think they’re going to fall in love with the story, maybe even more than they would ‘Hamilton,’ they just don’t know it yet. That could certainly be the case here.
“I’m excited to see that sense of hope. For everyone to see what every character’s little dream is, their sueñito. And to kind of be ready to go on a really cool journey and a really beautiful story of hardship and triumph.”
The cast includes: Jacob Johnson (Usnavi); Mia Roldan (Vanessa); Abi Jensen (Nina); Keith Wright (Benny); Cindy Ramos (Abuela Claudia); Micah Roldan (Sonny); Scott Rasso (Kevin); Harmoni Eiland (Camilla); Violeta Jensen (Daniella); Lillian Scodeller (Carla/Dance Captain); Antonio Martinez (Piragua Guy); Rebekah Riewerts (Graffiti Pete); Audrey Seneli (Young Abuela). The ensemble includes: Antonio Casas, Maxwell Johnson, Emilene Leone, Amaya McNeal, Meecheeca McNeal, Lexi Pelzer, John Rowe, Audrey Seneli, Cameron Shumpert, Heather Simmons, Charleigh Weatherspoon, Maddox Smith and Charlee Snider.
“In the Heights” is directed by Kris Doss, assisted by Courtney Cooper. Vocal director is Chase Shoemaker, and choreography is by Emma Logas. Stage manager is Courtney Cooper. The orchestra is directed by George Behnke. The show is produced by Anthony Dexter. Executive producer is Jen Lineback, and assistant producer is Janeen Mack.
Technical director is Ryan Stickler. Lighting design is by Sam Bevans, and sound design is by Maddie Sierk. Costumer designers are Sue Boedeker and Becky Esbaum. Scenic design is by Kevin Hurley. Props master is Haidyn Koberg. Music and lyrics are by Lin-Manuel Miranda, with book by Quiara Alegria Hudes.
The show will be presented in the North Scott Fine Arts Auditorium. Performances are June 28 and 29 and July 5 and 6 at 7 p.m., and June 30 and July 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 and may be purchased at the door or at countryside.booktix.com.
“In the Heights” is presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
This show contains some strong language and references to adult situations. Viewer discretion is advised.