The 2008 Tony Winning (best musical) In The Heights will finally get its Capital Region Premiere at the Cohoes (NY) Music Hall from September 13-23, 2012.
In the Heights is an award-winning musical about life in Washington Heights, a tight-knit community at the foot of the George Washington Bridge in Manhattan where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. A gripping story and incredible dancing, In The Heights is an authentic and exhilarating journey into one of Manhattan’s most vibrant communities.
In the Heights features music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. The story explores three days in the characters’ lives in the New York City Dominican-American neighborhood of Washington Heights.
After productions in Connecticut (2005) and Off-Broadway (2007), the show opened in a Broadway theatre production in March 2008. This production was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards, winning four: Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography (Andy Blankenbuehler), and Best Orchestrations (Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman). It was also a finalist for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
IN THE HEIGHTS
Director: TONY RIVERA
Choreographer: AMANDA TRUSTY
Musical Director: RYAN WISE
MEET THE PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Bones Rodriguez (Usnavi) was born and bred in New York City (close to Washington Heights),
and is most often recognized for his commercial work. He had a running NY Lotto spot seen during the Olympics. He also does a wide range of Improv comedy, and has done several musicals: The Wiz, Chicago, Election Day, Working, as well as plays, a few TV shows, and independent films, all available at: http://www.BonesRodriguez.com. A geek at heart, Bones is the author of “Captain Kirk’s Guide to Women”, published by Simon and Schuster in 2008, as well as a number of other books.
Benjamin Perez (Kevin) is from Hacienda Heights, California. Credits include: IN THE HEIGHTS/Kevin Rosario (2nd National Tour) Regional: ANNIE/Rooster, EVITA/Magaldi,
4 GUYS NAMED JOSE/Jose Dominicano, SWEET CHARITY/Vittorio Vidal, TWICE UPON A TIME/Dr. Patel. He hastraveled the world for many years as a Lead Singer for Princess Cruises. SUNNY SIDE UP/Tom Henderson (web series).
Samantha Taglienti (Nina) earned her BFA from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Some of her favorite roles include Claudia in NINE and Jenny Vivian in the world premiere of THE REALM OF THE UNREAL. She is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful show and production.
Keith Webb (Benny) is very excited to make his debut at Cohoes Music Hall. He is a proud Philadelphia native, and has been performing in shows all throughout the country. Some of Keith’s favorite credits include: Rocky in The Rocky Horror Show, Radames in AIDA, Wickersham Brother in Seussical and Warner in Legally Blonde. The role of Benny is one of Keith’s favorite roles, and is especially excited for the opportunity to be performing it for the first time.
Nick Anastasia (Sonny) is thrilled to be making his Cohoes debut. Nick spent the past year performing with the renowned a’capella show “Voca People”, touring internationally as well as Off-Broadway at New World Stages (Tenoro, Original Cast, Lucille Lortel Award). Regional credits include: Baby: The Musical (Danny), Snow (Kyle, World Premiere), Footloose (Bickle), and Miss Saigon. Other favorites; bare (Jason, Licensed Premiere), RENT (Mark), and Striking 12 (The Man).
Lia Sumerano (Vanessa) is thrilled to be making her Cohoes Music Hall debut with In The Heights! A native New Yorker, Lia recently performed in the national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ted Neeley. Her other regional credits include: Maria Elena in BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story (Alhambra Theatre) DeeDee in SUDS (Hippodrome Theatre) Belle in Beauty & The Beast (Albany Park Playhouse) Yellow Girl in SHOUT (Roxy Theatre) and Little Red in Into the Woods (Waterside Theatre).
Katrina Lauren McGraw (Abuela Claudia) is a graduate of The Pacific Conservatory of The Performing Arts, where she was seen as a Dynamite in Hairspray, and Caroline, or Change, as The Radio. Katrina has also played a Dynamite in Hairspray at Woodminster in Oakland California, and Kate in Zanna, Don’t! at the NCTC Theater in San Francisco.
Tickets and Performance Details
Performances are from September 13-23, Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm and matinees Saturdays & Sundays at 3pm. For tickets visit www.cohoesmusichall.com or call 518-237-5858.
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