Center Repertory Company’s “In the Heights” Offers a Blast of Spice, Sunshine, and Jubilation

     Center Repertory Company’s adaptation of Lin-Manuel Mireanda’s 2005 musical bursts on to the stage at The Lesher Theater in Walnut Creek, CA. like a blast of sunshine, hope and jubilation.  This stage play is a socially engaged drama that offers both sparkle and pizzazz. Set during a record-breaking New York City heat wave, “In the Heights” features a Latinx Washington Heights community and how it deals with neighborhood unity – and change. This vibrant stage adaptation pulsates with musical numbers that blend hip-hop, Latin rhythms, rap, jazz, pop and salsa!

     Michel Alejandro Castillo, who plays the role of Usnavi, is a particular delight. A bodega worker who dreams of returning to his parents’ Dominican Republic homeland, at the end he decides that his ties to Washington Heights take precedent.

     Usnavi can’t seem to connect with women, in particular the lovely Vanessa (Laura Lebron), unlike his good friend, Benny (Dave J. Abrams). The woman Benny loves is Nina (Cristina Hernandez); her parents run the gypsy cab company where Benny works as a driver. The play is heavy with plot, but one quickly tunes out the mechanics of it for the charms of the awe-inspiring singing and dancing.

     The stage is amply stocked with appealing actors whose performances offer a blend of sugar and spice. Those who deserve a shout-out of accolades include Ashley Cowl and Deanalis Arocho Resto, who play Daniela and Carla, each of whom work at the salon with Vanessa; Tony Wooldridge, who plays Graffiti Pete, a graffiti artist who hangs out with Sonny; Alex Alvarez,  who plays the Piragua Guy, who sells shaved ice to the neighborhood.     

     The zesty choreography by Sara Templeton is outstanding, as are the flashy costumes offered by costume designer Courtney Flores-Kerrigan.

     “In the Heights” will perform through June 24, 2023 at the Lesher Center for the Arts (1601 Civic Dr.) in Walnut Creek. For tickets or more information please visit LesherArtsCenter.or or phone (925) 943-7469.

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Photo caption: Usnavi (Míchel Alejandro Castillo), Benny (Dave Abrams), and the citizens of Washington Heights dance in the streets in Center Repertory Company's "In the Heights," currently performing through June 24 at Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. (Photo Credit: Kevin Berne)