“In the Heights” Presented by NBHS

An all New Britain High School student cast will perform the award-winning musical “In the Heights,” which, NBHS says, “brings a slice of New York City to our stage.”

“In the Heights,” tells a story of aspirations, frustrations, romance, loss and friendship in a close-knit neighborhood in Washington Heights, New York.

The play, NBHS’s 14th Annual Musical Production will have three performances on March 22nd and 23rd, 2019.

The play’s director, Jason Ferrandino of New Britain, writes that the play,

Based on an original idea by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the Broadway smash sensation “Hamilton”, the show tells the story of three days in the lives of the residents of a close-knit Washington Heights neighborhood.

Manuel Benitez plays the main character of the play, Usnavi de la Vega, the owner of a small bodega in Washington Heights. Angel de los Santos plays Usnavi’s cousin, Sonny.

Local cab company owners, Kevin and Camila Rosario are played by Nicholas Giantonio and Claire Palin. Leah Gaffney plays their daughter, Nina, who shares a relationship with the character, Benny, played by Dylan Washington.

The owner of a local salon, Daniela, is played alternately by Genesis Brown and Haylie Matias, while salon workers, Vanessa and Carla, are played by Sara Colapietro and Ariana Soto.

The neighborhood’s matriarch, Abuela Claudia, is played by Naylea Blanco, and the local Piragua Guy is played by Miguel Pagan.

Ferrandino is the play’s Director and Music Director, and Jasmine Colapietro and Joseph Foran, both of New Britain, are the Assistant Directors. Stage Management is also by Foran

Choreography by Christine Kuzia. Set design and construction and lighting and sound design are by Robert Smedley of New Britain and the NBHS Stage Crew. Mr. Matthew Sbalcio conducts the Pit Orchestra.

Costume coordination and makeup for the play is by Rob Williamson and by Jasmine Colapietro of New Britain, while photography and poster design is by Ferrandino.

In the Heights

Tickets for the play are $10 and are available online at www.NBHSshows.org.

The play will be performed at New Britain High School at 110 Mill Street.