In The Heights Celebrates Community, Conversations, and Representation
The Fullerton College Campus Theatre will be transformed into Washington Heights for the musical production of In The Heights. Three public performances will run from March 9 to 11 at 7:30 p.m. in addition to a special performance for the High School Theatre Festival participants and a Theatre Arts Alumni and Friends Reception on March 18.
With concept, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, In The Heights is a fast-paced masterpiece, that even casual fans of Miranda can spot as an artistic precursor to the genre-smashing Hamilton. By infusing hip-hop, salsa, merengue and soul, the musical tells the story of a predominantly Dominican American neighborhood of Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan, New York City, through the eyes of several residents over the course of three days.
Audience members will understand gentrification more deeply as it is explored throughout the musical along with other central themes, including love, family, community, and the American story of immigration through the lens of the Latinx community.
Director Corey Wright, a new adjunct faculty member in the Theatre Arts Department, not only brings his professional expertise to the Campus Theatre stage, but his personal connection to the musical’s setting having lived in Washington Heights. The award-winning director/choreographer has worked in both educational and professional arenas and filled a dual role as director and choreographer for In The Heights.
The show’s story is personal to Wright, who has witnessed firsthand the neighborhood’s gentrification. Washington Heights evolved and changed so much in just the mere five years Wright lived there, that he can draw on those personal observations as he directs the Fullerton College cast.
The story and how it’s told has been inspiring to the cast. For most of the students in the production, this is a show they have been dreaming and thinking about for years because it showcases people of color not as token characters but as main characters who have agency and a story to tell, Wright said. With more than 50 percent of Fullerton College students identifying as Latinx, the performances will help students feel seen and valued at the college, he said. Parallels of gentrification have also impacted the cast with one student’s family having been displaced from a Hollywood neighborhood.
“This group of people have become more in touch with the way that they feel as human beings, who are being honest with themselves about where they are, who are not afraid to ask tough questions,” Wright said. “Plus, they are individuals who like to have fun, which is always good.”
When asked what audience members can expect from the musical, Wright said a lot of heart, spirit, salsa dancing, and catalysts for change. But more than anything, he added, “I think they should expect to see a group of very talented students living their dream.”
Tickets: Tickets are available, starting at $16 presale and $19 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, over the phone, or online. Online ticket sales will incur an additional fee per ticket.
Theatre Arts Alumni and Friends Reception information is available on Eventbrite.
Location: The Campus Theatre is located next to FC’s Staff Parking Lot C West, off North Lemon St, in Building 1300. The lobby and entrance are located on the south side of Building 1300 through a series of exterior glass doors.
Parking: Public parking is available in the Lemon Street Parking Structure, and day parking passes are available for purchase. For additional information, visit the Theatre Arts Department website or call the Box Office at 714-992-7150.
