By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

Pennsauken Stages is proud to present its performance of the musical, “In The Heights,” March 30 through April 2 at Pennsauken High School. The Tony Award-winning show, created by Lin-Manuel Miranda of “Hamilton” fame, tells the story of people from the Washington Heights neighborhood in New York City. Featuring characters from a largely Dominican American community, the musical is a perfect fit for Pennsauken High School’s cast.

“We have an amazingly diverse population at our school that have an opportunity to see themselves positively represented on stage,” said Kate Guenther, vocal music and theatre director at Pennsauken High School. “This is a celebration of family and a community taking care of each other, leaning on each other when they need to. It’s just a beautiful story of connection between people.”

“I’m Dominican; this play is representing my own culture and how I grew up. I can relate to the scenarios in the musical,” said Nicole Del Rio Cedano, a sophomore that plays the role of Yolanda and is also a student music director for the cast. “It definitely feels like we’re more seen. It’s nice to have a musical that incorporates that culture.”

“Pennsauken has a really unique demographic; it’s rare that the kids get to do a show that really represents their culture,” added David Nikolas, a professional actor and director for over a decade who is not only co-directing “In The Heights,” but is also a substitute teacher at Pennsauken High School. “The kids can see themselves in the characters on stage and this shows them that there are opportunities for them in musical theater.”

“In The Heights” follows bodega owner Usnavi and the colorful characters in his Washington Heights neighborhood during three very hot summer days in New York City. In addition to engaging plot lines and diverse characters, the musical features a mix of hip hop and Latin rhythms, alongside traditional Broadway ballads. And the energetic dance numbers are sure to grab the attention of the audience.

“It’s really fun and a lot different than traditional musicals,” explained sophomore Laila Worley, who plays the role of Graffiti Pete and serves as one of the cast’s dance captains. “There’s hip hop, cultural dances, and some songs have a lyrical contemporary aspect to it. It’s a Lin-Manuel Miranda musical, so the music is really good, and it tells a story.”

In addition to jumping headfirst into the show’s music and choreography, Pennsauken High School’s students are taking a more active role in the production behind the scenes.

“We’ve made a much bigger push to get students to see both the creative and acting side of theatre,” said Guenther. “It’s a very interesting dynamic to see the kids and their buy-in for all of this. There’s more to theatre than just being in the spotlight on stage.”

Sophomore Gabriella Nguyen serves as the assistant stage manager for the musical. “I create rehearsal reports, take attendance, record blocking, and help with costuming. I let the cast know where to go and when to be on stage. It’s taking care of everybody and making sure they have what they need.”

“We are also taking a page out of professional productions. All main roles have swings and standbys, an ensemble member who learns the roles of lead characters,” added Guenther. “Brazil Taylor and Ryan Vu are our female and male swings. Brazil knows every single female role, and Ryan has learned every male role. It’s exciting for us, as directors, to have the kids see all the opportunities in theatre. There’s a spot for you and every role is important, which really echoes the theme of the play.”

And while “In The Heights” is celebrating culture and diversity in a unique way, the story and characters are still very relatable to the audience.

“This is not your typical formal musical experience. ‘In The Heights’ is set in the recent past. It’s a place with characters that we all recognize,” explained Nikolas. “It’s a ‘slice-of-life’ musical that people will identify with immediately. You know these people, this neighborhood.”

“It’s a wonderful show and we can’t wait for the Pennsauken community to come see these extremely talented kids perform,” said Guenther.

Pennsauken Stages’ performances of “In The Heights” will be at Pennsauken High School, 800 Hylton Rd. Show times are March 30 through April 1 at 7:00 p.m., with a matinee on April 2 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and will be available online or at the door. For more information, or to buy tickets in advance, call (856) 662-8500 x5273.