Palm Canyon Theatre Brings Lin-Manuel Miranda’s "In The Heights" to Life

PALM DESERT, CA - From the desk of Palm Canyon Theatre: Broadway was beaming this year about Hamilton, but before that sensation, Lin-Manuel Miranda had another Broadway hit: In the Heights. The musical began on Broadway in 2008, winning Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Choreography, Best Original Score and Best Orchestration. A Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album followed in 2009. The Palm Canyon Theatre will present its production of In the Heights July 7-16.

Director Shafik Wahhab is bringing in a cast of amazing talent, including a member of the second national tour, Benjamin Perez, who played Kevin under the direction of the original creative team, including Miranda, who wrote the original music and lyrics; Thomas Kail, director; Andy Blankenbuehler, choreographer; and Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman, conductors. Perez will reprise this role at the Palm Canyon Theatre along with many company favorites including Kate Antonov, Scott Clinkscales, Jacqueline LeBlanc, Jacob Samples, Joey Wahhab and Suzie Wourms.

In the Heights, book by Quiara Alegría Hudes, centers on a variety of characters living in the neighborhood of Washington Heights of Manhattan. Usnavi, played by PCT company member Matt Sambrano, is a bodega owner who cares for Abuela Claudia — the beloved neighborhood matriarch who practically raised him as a young orphan. He pines for the gorgeous girl working in the neighboring beauty salon – Vanessa, played by PCT company member Allegra Angelo. Usnavi dreams of winning the lottery and escaping to the shores of his native Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, Nina, played by Megan Van Dyke, is Usnavi’s childhood friend who returns to the neighborhood from her first year at college with surprising news for her parents, who have spent their life savings on building a better life for their daughter. Ultimately, Usnavi and the residents of the close-knit neighborhood get a dose of what it means to be home.

Beyond casting and directing the PCT show, Wahhab is the production’s set designer, along with Ross Hawkins. LeBlanc is choreographing. Scott Smith is musical director. Derik Shopinski is the show’s costume designer. Lighting designs are by J.W. Layne, co-artistic director of PCT, who will have a new light board to work with, courtesy of the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. Also new: two air conditioning units, purchased with funds raised through a recent Go Fund Me campaign and installed by Blair Heating and Air.

In the Heights opens at the Palm Canyon Theatre on Friday, July 7, and runs through Sunday, July 16. Regular show times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. Tickets are $32-$36. Student tickets are $15, with valid ID; student tickets must be purchased at the Box Office.

For tickets or more information, call the Palm Canyon Theatre Box Office at 760-323-5123 or order online: PalmCanyonTheatre.org. The Palm Canyon Theatre is located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, at the corner of Alejo Road and Palm Canyon Drive. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Image via Palm Canyon Theatre