Stage Right Presents: In the Heights
In the Heights tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood-a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you and which ones you leave behind. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, he revisits the neighborhood of his youth.
Cricket Pepper, in her directorial debut with Stage Right gives her impressions of this wonderful production. “I am extremely excited to share such an eclectic show with Conroe. In the Heights brings the Latin cultures of Washington Heights to life with fun, powerful music that will have you dancing in your seats and with a story we can all relate to. We will laugh, cry and celebrate together. I hope our patrons leave the theatre energized and inspired.”
Cricket is no stranger to the Crighton Stage. She has served as choreographer for The Addams Family, Cinderella, Peter Pan and Young Frankenstein for which she won a Monty for Best Choreography. She also served as assistant director for Cinderella and Peter Pan. She also worked as choreographer at Concordia Lutheran School for Fiddler on the Roof and director/choreographer for Godspell. Cricket holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance choreography and performance from University of Nevada Las Vegas.
The vibrant characters of In the Heights include Robben Montez as Usnavi. Robben has been at the Crighton Theatre since he could walk. After a long break from the Crighton, he returned as Sonny in Grease. He enjoys every single second he gets to spend on stage no matter how small or big. He states that you should not miss In the Heights opening on February 10! Melisa Arguello who plays Nina Rosario is excited to be performing with Stage Right of Texas at the Crighton Theatre. She has always loved singing and performing. Melisa spends her weekends portraying some of your favorite princesses. She enjoys playing guitar, song writing and going to new coffee shops. In the Heights is one of Melisa’s favorite shows and it is a dream come true to be able to bring this character to life and share Nina’s story with you all.
Lauren Copeland portrays Vanessa. She grew up performing around the world with the Chicago Children’s Choir having the chance to sing with Celine Dion, New Kids on the Block, Yolanda Adams and many more. She has performed with Lookingglass Theater, the Black Ensemble Theater, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and theme parks in the Chicago area.
Benny is played by Korbin East who is excited to be starring in his first musical production with Stage Right. He has performed with Class Act Productions, The Players Theatre Company, and Stageworks. A few favorite roles are Willard Hewitt (Footloose), Bernardo (West Side Story), Clopin Trouillefou (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) Eugene/dance captain (Grease) Beleaguered Greek (Heathers, the Musical) and Papa Ge (Once Upon this Island).
Angelie De Los Santos is portraying Abuela Claudia and is thrilled to be back onstage in Stage Right’s production of In the Heights. She was last seen on stage in Always Patsy Cline as Louise Seger. She has also played Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors at the Owen and in Disenchanted as Mulan and Princess Jasmine with WH Players. You can see her perform in the King’s Feast at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Angelie holds a BA in theatre from the University of Houston. These are just a handful of the very talented cast of In the Heights.
