Jefferson Performing Arts Society

Jefferson Performing Arts Society

InTheHeightsLogo_website

In the heights

October 7 - 16, 2022

Fri + Sat @ 7:30 pm
Sun @ 2:00 pm

Jefferson Performing Arts Center

6400 Airline Drive | Metairie, LA

Runtime: 2 hours 30 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.

Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Book by Quiara Alegría Hudes
Conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Featuring live music accompaniment by the JPAS Orchestra!

In the Heights is a Tony-Award winning musical with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of Hamilton and the Encanto songwriter) and a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. The story is set over the course of three days, involving characters in the largely Dominican American neighborhood of Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan, New York City.

In the Heights centers on Usnavi, a bodega owner who looks after the aging Cuban lady next door while trying to woo the gorgeous woman working in the neighboring beauty salon, all the while dreaming of winning the lottery and returning to his native Dominican Republic.  When his childhood friend Nina returns to the neighborhood after her first year at college with surprising news, the close-knit residents can feel the changes coming to their community.

This revolutionary and celebratory new musical combines Latin rhythms and dance with hip-hop lyrics to tell a captivating story about what it means to chase your dreams as you cling to your roots.

 

Season Ticket Info

Don't miss a single act by subscribing to our 45th Season (2022-2023). Enjoy a discount off your ticket price, avoid ticketing fees, and keep your seats next season!

Michelle Pietri (Director/Choreographer) received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from UNO and her Masters of Fine Arts from Tulane University. She has performed locally, nationally, and internationally and worked professionally as a director, choreographer and costume designer. Her work has been seen throughout the United States, the Czech Republic, China and Russia. In 2003, Michelle began working for the University of Texas at San Antonio Lyric Theatre program as a choreographer, costumer, and director. In San Antonio, Michelle has worked as a guest artist for Incarnate Word University, Trinity University, St. Philips College, Northwest Vista College, The Woodlawn Theatre, The Playhouse San Antonio, The Sheldon Vexler Theatre, Allegro Theatre Company, Harlequin Dinner Theatre, SRO and Associates, and Fiesta Texas. Michelle has received numerous awards for her creative work and in 2013, she received an award for her contributions to San Antonio theatre. Michelle is excited to return to New Orleans and JPAS where her professional work began. Michelle’s Hispanic (Nicaragua) heritage is a driving force for In the Heights being on her bucket list of shows.

CAST

Click headshot for bio

Alcee Jones

Usnavi

Kelly Laines

Nina

Neal Eli

Benny

Gia Martinez

Vanessa

Elana Polin, AEA

Abuela

Claudio Venancio

Sonny

Skylar Broussard

Daniela

Rachel Carter

Carla

Paul Bello

Kevin

Elizabeth Ulloa Lowry

Camila

Adriel Aviles

Piragua/Ensemble

Clarence Smith

Graffiti Pete

Gabriella Vazquez Harlamert

Ensemble/Dance Captain

Aubry Snipes

Ensemble

Gracelia Gonzales

Ensemble

Aaliyah Thompson

Ensemble

Alejandras Dollis

Ensemble

Shiquita Brooks

Ensemble

Yorkel Ballesteros

Ensemble

David Hidalgo

Ensemble

Cal DeSmith

Ensemble

Fransheska Peña

Ensemble

Joshua "Juice" Hernandez

Ensemble

AJ Hernandez

Ensemble

Aleyla Ybarra

Ensemble

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Community Conversations

Who are the Latinos in NOLA? Exploring the Local Diaspora of our Hispanic Community with Local Latino Leaders and Artists

Panelists:

Lucas Barrios, Professional Photographer who will be featured in our exhibit “In Da Parish/In The Heights” about the local Latino community, opening September 25 at Jefferson Performing Arts Center

Max Ferrera, President of espNOLA & espProductions, specializing in Hispanic Marketing and production of special events

Salvador Longoria, Practicing Attorney; was the Executive Director and Founder of the Nonprofit Puentes New Orleans and former Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Regional Transit Authority

Brenda Melara, Editor in Chief of Que Pasa Newspaper at Hispanic Flavor Productions

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