Seasoned and talented cast bring the joy to the popular musical
A kaleidoscope of color, a synchrony of song and a dynamo of dance – that describes the production of In the Heights currently playing at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The mostly Hispanic cast was eminently comfortable with both the easy Latin rhythms of the music and the urban rap patter of the barrio. Each member of the age-appropriate cast was a skilled – if not gifted – dancer and an extraordinary singer. The score’s ratio of spoken word to song makes this show almost more operetta than a traditional Broadway musical. This experienced group of performers gathered from around the country are more than able to take it on.
Within the cast, of special nod goes to Marcello Audino as Usnavi, the neighborhood bodega owner and backbone of the community. His personal ease and confidence leads not only the characters in the performance, but the performers themselves. He moves with grace and is a rock-star singer and rap artist. He and the grandmother Abuela Claudia (Johanna Carlisle-Zepeda) bring the heart and soul to this production. Johanna has performed Abuela twice before and has the part ingrained in her DNA. Her obvious affection for her two charges, Usnavi and his cousin, Sonny (Robert Spence Gabriel), her halting gait, and her rich voice bring a special charm to her performance.
Usnavi has a not-so-hidden crush on Vanessa who works at the beauty salon in the Square. Claire Nolasco as Vanessa is a flirty wanna-be Uptown girl. Her goal is to get over the Washington Bridge that looms in the background into a hipper area of New York. Usnavi’s goal is to make where he is better. But maybe the twain can meet somehow in this story.
Photo: Jeff Kearney
Another love story unfolds featuring Nina — who returns to Washington Heights after attempting college — and Benny, a local boy who works for her father. This romance is given sweet life in the hands of Sydney Torres and Shabazz Green, whose characters find each other with the help of a power blackout. Paul Aguirre and Marlene Montes as Nina’s parents are governed by their desire for Nina to finish college and have mixed feelings about this new relationship. Marlene finally has enough of the family bickering and demands “Enough” of her husband and daughter in a thrilling performance that rocks the room.
But the truth is that this is a true ensemble performance. The remainder of the cast who play residents and workers on the block are equally important to the story and the atmosphere generated by their skills and meaningful presence. It wouldn’t be the enjoyable evening it is without their participation. The opportunity is given for each dancer and singer to get a moment in the spotlight, and each creates many a joyful moment for the audience.
All of this drama and fun comes alive in a tiny section of Washington Heights on a set lovingly designed by Rodrigo Hernandez Martinez — with authentic roll-down doors for the three visible workplaces and bright splashes of colors throughout. It makes one wish that the FAC stage was even bigger to provide more room for the dancers of this exuberant company.
The production features wonderful use of light as designed by Maria-Cristina Fuste. Revolving projections are used to insert chaos into various scenes, candles are used to great effect to mourn the death of a loved one, phones come out of pockets during the blackout and a carnival dance is given great color using the lights. The costumes, designed by Oriana Sophia, were colorful and authentic.
Director Elise Santora, a gifted actress herself and Henry Award-winner for her work at FAC last year, has found a way to create a true family out of this group of performers who, while many had done the show before, had never worked together. Their affection for each other on stage reflects the joy they take in bringing Ms. Santora’s vision to light.
Ably assisted by choreographer Julio Agustin — who took a page or two from Andy Blankenbuehler (the original choreographer for the Broadway version) and then added his own unique touches — and Stephanie McGuffin as musical director — who assisted the cast achieve their personal musical perfection — this cast and crew provides an exciting night at the theatre.
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