The Athens Drive theatre department presented “In the Heights” wednesday 26, thursday 27 and friday 28 April.
The show takes places in the Heights, a hispanic community in New York City. This show, created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, tells the story of its inhabitants. A winning lottery ticket allows them to dream about different lives. The character Nina dream to go back to college that she dropped out of because she did not have enough money. Her friend Vanessa dreams to leave the barrio and start a new life in Downtown, while Usnavi and Abuela dream to go back to Puerto Rico.
Ashlynn Hayes, director of the theatre department, started to work on the show at the end of the last school year.
“There is a lot of reasons why I choose this show. I wanted to challenge the students, I wanted something more modern, I wanted to do something more ethnically diverse than what has been done in the past, to make the other students body feel more inclined to audition,” said Ashlynn Hayes, director.
The auditions were held in January. About 70 students auditioned and 31 were cast. Students who wanted to audition had to prepare several things. First, all the students had learn a dance from the musical. For this, they could attend a dance call or look at the videos posted on Ashlynn Hayes website. Students also had to pick a song and a monologue in relation to the show. Ashlynn Hayes did not work alone on the show. The show was also supervised by Michael Santangelo, new director of the chorus department, and Chasta Hamilton, professional choreographer.
The students had been rehearsing for about four months. Dance and music rehearsal were usually held after school. During this time, the students became very close.
“Theatre at Athens Drive has most definitely became a family,” said Sarah Rappl, cast member.
A crew of students have been also working all along on props and on the set. The National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, Key Club and some parents have also been helping on the set. A large budget had been put into the show; professional light and sound equipments were rented. This year, 20 cast members have been miked against nine in the past years.
The musical production encountered a great success. More than 800 tickets were sold and there was almost a full house on the closing night.
“Sometimes a theatre experience opens your heart to a deeper love. The audience experiences something, together, that is breathtakingly beautiful and rare. Athens Drive High School’s production of “In the Heights” was, tonight, that kind of experience. (…) It is the most loving, life-affirming high school production that I have seen in years. Incredible band, stellar talent and a stage full of heart and soul,” posted Diane Cashwell Petteway on facebook, music director in the Raleigh area.
Every year, students and schools are nominated for the Triangle Rising Stars, part of National Musical Theatre Awards (NHSMTA). Out of 150 students, three Athens students have been nominated for best actor award; Anna Viptil as Vanessa, Averi Zimmerman as Nina and Vishal Kasula as Benny. Moreover, the show as a whole is finalist for best ensemble. This is an immense accomplishment for the Athens Drive Theatre Department.
