Two extended shows of In the Heights now on stage at the Olney Theatre Center are sold out through October 22.
They were announced almost before the show started, yet they are not enough to satisfy demand.
Not to fear.
At the Olney's web page lies a hint that more seats may become available if any are released 48 hours before a show (full price), and tickets may become available 30 minutes before a show if released ($20). You have to check back to find out. (Like, bring a tent and hope Maria doesn't stop by.)
No doubt the playwright's success with Hamilton, now a Broadway smash, is a factor in Heights' popularity, too.
In the Heights was Lin-Manuel Miranda's first New York musical which he drafted when he was only a college sophomore at Wesleyan University. In 2008 when Heights opened on Broadway, it earned 13 Tony nominations, winning four (Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography, and Best Orchestrations).
Heights tells the stories of residents of Mr. Miranda's beloved Hispanic-American neighborhood, Washington Heights, who work to make ends meet, cope, and have a fling or two while, all along, they struggle to advance their stations. It's life!
They sing, they dance, and man do they dance! It's action, action, action all night long with barely a breath to take. That one person (Marcos Santana) both directed and choreographed Heights is astonishing.
In the lead role is Robin de Jesús, Tony nominee, who also starred in the Broadway production. It's rare when he's absent from the stage to lead the cast in its kicks, steps, songs, flashes, and exuberance. Music lovers will enjoy variations from salsa, reggae, hip hop, merengue (a Dominican dance), rap, to traditional sounds and accompanying dance.
Lighting by Cory Pattak is outstanding, and the hidden orchestra under the direction of Christopher Youstra exceeds expectations per usual.
In the Heights is a co-production with Roundhouse Theatre and includes creative team members: Quiara Alegría Hudes, book; Frank Labovitz, costumes; Milagros Ponce de Leon, scenics; Elisabeth Ribar, assistant stage manager; Matt Rowe, sound; Karen Currie, production stage manager; Dennis A. Blackledge, production; and Rebecca Kritzer, assistant choreographer, dance captain, and cast member.
Others in the cast include Scean Aaron, Eunice Bae, Danny Bolero, Sharlane Conner, Mili Diaz, Natascia Diaz, Linedy Genao, Vilma Gil, Rayanne Gonzales, Andre Hinds, Jesse Jones, Ashleigh King, Michael J. Mainwaring, Juan Drigo Ricafort, Melissa Victor, Marquise White, and Tobias A. Young.
Hamilton comes to the Kennedy Center next year.
What: In the Heights
Where: Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832
When: Now through October 22, 2017.
Talkbacks after 2 p.m. Saturday matinees on September 30 and October 7 with cast and crew members.
How much: (Hmmm...) Please go here for more information.
Ages: Appropriate for all. If language is "adult," it's inaudible.
Duration: 2.5 hours with one 15-minute intermission
Refreshments: Available and may be taken to seats
Parking: Free, nearby, and plentiful on-site
For more information and tickets: 301-924-3400 for the box office or 301-924-4485
patricialesli@gmail.com
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