TICKETS ON SALE
In The Heights
May 6 - June 5, 2022
Book: Quiara Alegria Hudes | Music and Lyrics: Lin-Manuel Miranda | Conceived: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Director: Carlos Mendoza
Choreographer: Laurie Muñiz
Music Director: Richard Dueñez Morrison
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.
Reviews
REVIEWS & PRESS:
- Pam Kragen from San Diego Union Tribune May 16, 2022
THE BUZZ...
- “"I’ve seen the show four or five times, including on Broadway, but this is the first time I’ve been choked up by the emotional commitment of the actors and story onstage."”- https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/entertainment/theater/story/2022-05-16/review-san-diego-musical-theatres-singers-create-big-in-the-heights-on-a-small-stage
Cast & Creative
CAST
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/lena-ceja-headshot-225x225.jpgLena CajaDanielaSelena Ceja (Daniela) is excited to share this moment of life and connection with you all; She extends her gratitude to the universe, and our live theater supporters, for the opportunity to tell a story of home and representation. Previous credits include: Elle in Legally Blonde, Maria in West Side Story, and Sophie in Mamma Mia (CCT); Nina in In the Heights (California Theater); and Sour Kangaroo in Seussical the Musical (Rialto Theater). Selena wants to extend her love to her mentors and friends for all the countless lessons and endless support. She hopes you enjoy the show!
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/domo-ddante-headshot-scaled-225x225.jpgDomo D'danteDance EnsembleDomo is excited to be making his debut at San Diego Musical Theatre in an amazing show and cast. Domo is a native of Flint, MI. He has his MFA in Musical Theatre from San Diego State University. His favorite roles include: The first regional premiere of The Good War (Private Smalls) directed by Broadway’s Jen Bender, La Cage Aux Folles (Cagelle), Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas), Big River (Jim), The Full Monty (Horse) and Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey 2). Domo would like to thank his family and friends for their continued support to follow his dreams, it means the world to him and hopes you enjoy the show.
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wes-dameron-headshot-225x225.jpegWes DameronDance EnsembleWes Dameron is thrilled to be making his debut with San Diego Musical Theater! A San Diego native, Wes is a recent graduate of UCSB, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. His favorite projects include productions of Newsies (Finch), and A Chorus Line (Ensemble, u/s Richie, Mark), restagings of Jerome Robbins's West Side Story (Shark Ensemble), Shen Wei's Re iii, and George Balanchine's The Four Temperaments (Phlegmatic), as well as original works by Ephrat Asharie All In Forms, and Christopher Pilafian Chanson. Thank You so much for supporting live theater!
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/destiny-denny-headshot-scaled-225x225.jpgDestiny DennyDance EnsembleDestiny Denny is ecstatic to be making her professional debut with SDMT! She is a San Diego native who is currently apart of the Theatre, Television, and Film program at San Diego State University pursing a Bachelors degree. Some of Destiny’s notable works include, Cameron in Bring it On! the musical (SDMT Academy) and #7 in The Wolves (SDSU, Directed by Jesca Prudencio). Destiny is honored to be sharing such an important story with you all!
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/berto-fernandez-headshot-1-225x225.jpegBerto FernándezKevinFavorite credits include: La Cage Aux Folles (Cygnet Theatre and Actors' Playhouse); Rock of Ages (Cygnet Theatre); The Addams Family (Welk Theater); Catch Me If You Can, Sister Act!, Jukebox Hero (San Diego Musical Theatre); Beauty & The Beast: Live! (Disney World); O Wondrous Night (SeaWorld, San Diego); Jesus Christ Superstar, Little Shop of Horrors (Lyric Theatre of Puerto Rico); and Lead Vocalist for various Royal Caribbean Productions. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he has had the honor of sharing the stage with superstars like Ricky Martin and Andrea Bocelli. Thank you for supporting Live Theatre! www.bertoworld.com
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ramiro-garcia-jr-headshot-225x225.jpgRamiro GarciaPiragua GuyRamiro Garcia Jr. (Piragua / Kevin U/S) Is thrilled to be making his debut at SDMT. Some regional credits: Horton in Seussical, Sancho in Man of La Mancha, Featured Performer in Candlelight Jubilee (all three at The Candlelight Pavilion). Oliver Hix in The Music Man (Moonlight Amphitheater) Mickey in Damn Yankees (5 STAR Theatricals) “Gomez” in The Addams Family (RCC MT Guest Artist). Performed with Kristen Chenoweth at her Hollywood Bowl concert. He is a graduate of AMDA with a BFA in Performing Arts. Special thanks to God, his parents, cast, crew and SDMT for this phenomenal opportunity! Instagram: ramiro.sing
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/jamaelya-headshot-scaled-225x225.jpgJamaelyaDance EnsembleJamaelya Hines, originally from Phoenix, Arizona, is excited to make her debut at SDMT for In the Heights. She has been dancing since the age of nine and started singing at the age of 13. She's trained at various studios in Phoenix, Chicago and New York and received her Bachelors of Art in Dance from Marymount Manhattan College. She has performed in various dance shows in multiple states and worked as a dancer for Norwegian Cruise Lines in the productions of Footloose and Elements. Jamaelya is grateful that she has been given the opportunity to perform all around the country.
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/jordan-markus-headshot-225x225.jpgJordan MarkusBennyJordan Markus is a 21 year old singer, actor, and dancer originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. Jordan has starred in various stage productions such as Bring It On: The Musical, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Five Guys Named Moe, and now San Diego Musical Theater's production of In The Heights! Jordan's hobbies include basketball and playing guitar/piano. Special thanks to my family and SDMT! Enjoy the show! Instagram: @jordanmarkus_
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/adelaida-martinez-headshot-1-scaled-225x225.jpgAdelaida MartinezVocal EnsembleAdelaida is grateful to be performing on the SDMT stage again! She is a 22 year old Puerto Rican actress and one of the co-founders of ABC Theatre Co. (a virtual theatre company). Select credits: Catch Me If You Can (Brenda Strong), SDMT; Into the Woods (Cinderella), Disenchanted (Pochahontas), OB Playhouse; The Mad Ones (Samantha Brown), Into the Woods (Witch), The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Stagehouse Theatre. Gracias a mi familia por todo su apoyo. Te amo mucho.
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/headshot-1-225x225.jpegDaisy MartinezOffstage Singer (Melpomene and Calliope Understudy)Daisy is elated to be returning to the SDMT stage in this exciting production of Xanadu! You may remember her as the headstrong Camila Rosario in SDMT’s 2022 production of In The Heights. She is originally from Miami, FL where her credits include Avenue Q (Christmas Eve), Sweeney Todd (Adolfo Pirreli), You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Sally Brown), Rent (Maureen), and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Rachel Jackson). Daisy is eternally grateful to her family and friends who have become family.
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/sebastian-montenegro-headshot-225x225.jpgSebastian MontenegroUsnavi(he/they) is incredibly grateful, and proud to be playing this dream role and to be telling this beautiful story in this stunning production. Credits include: Performance Riverside’s West Side Story (Bernardo). Moonlight Stage Productions: On Your Feet, In The Heights (Graffiti Pete), Hunchback of Notre Dame, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia, The Little Mermaid, Aida, and Fiddler on the Roof (Fiddler). Other Credits include: Young Frankenstein (SDMT), Posada Magica (Bones - Hispanic Arts Theatre), and Pageant (Miss Industrial North East - OB Playhouse). Eterna gratitud y amor a mi Mami Daneyse, Hermana Angelica, Novio Aaron, y a Carlitos Mendoza. Alabanza! @PrinceSebastian
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/brianna-muniz-headshot-2-225x225.jpegBrianna MuñizDance EnsembleBrianna Nicole Muniz- Dance Ensemble- a native of San Diego, and is currently dancing with Contemporary Arte in Movement, Stage 7 school of dance, and Divine Desi Dance. Stage credits include “Our your feet” “Zoot Suit”, “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, and “King and I” Brianna has trained with artists such as Kathryn Irey from Stage 7 School of dance, Kathy Meyer, Kevin Patterson, and Gloria Lanuza. Brianna is thrilled to be apart of this production, and would like to thank Carlos Mendoza, for the opportunity and her entire family for their love and support and encouraging her to keep on dancing.
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/melba-novoa-headshot-225x225.jpgMelba NovoaVocal EnsembleMelba is an award-winning actor, producer and director. Credits include 14 (MiraCosta College, MCC), Making Tortillas (Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble), The Magic in This Soul (Blindspot Collective for the Fringe Festival), Men on Boats (New Village Arts Theater), Anna in the Tropics (AVO Playhouse), Picnic (Oceanside Theater Company, OTC), Johnny Tenorio (Chronos Theater), The Pitch (Lyceum Theater/Teatro Máscara Mágica), Blood Wedding (MCC), You Can’t Take It With You (OTC), Real Women Have Curves (MCC), The House of the Spirits (Los Angeles Theater Center). Melba graduated with a B.A./M.A. from USC.
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_1250-2-225x225.jpgCharlie OrozcoSonnyCharlie Orozco is an actor, born in Rancho Mirage, California and based in Los Angeles. Some past credits include Newsies (Romeo/Spot Conlon), Little Women (Laurie), and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble). Film: Con Esperanza (2019). “So blessed to get to bring this powerful story back to life. To all of my family and close friends, I can’t thank you enough for your support. This one's for you! Much love."
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vanessa-orozco-headshot-225x225.jpegVanessa OrozcoNina"Vanessa is thrilled to be making her SDMT debut! She recently graduated with a B.S. in Biology and Spanish from Santa Clara University and currently works as Lab Support with Novo Brazil Brewing. She would like to thank Carlos and Richard for embarking on this journey with her again and her Mom, Dad, Adrian, Andrea, and Alex for encouraging her to audition and providing their unconditional love and support throughout the process. In her free time, she loves making cocktails, reading, and adventuring outdoors. Su actuación de esta noche está dedicada a sus abuelos, Jose, Lulu, Juanita y Julio."
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/brian-osuna-headshot-scaled-225x225.jpgBrian OsunaDance EnsembleThis is Brian's debut performance with SDMT and he is elated to go to the barrio! Credits include On Your Feet (Moonlight), Mr. Green in Clue the Musical, and The Music Man (Temecula Valley Community Theater). He also sings and dances with the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus. Off-stage, Brian is a Senior Marketing Manager for T-Mobile and serves on the Moonlight Cultural Foundation Board of Directors. He would like to thank his husband (Max), son (Noah), parents (Jimmy & Janey), in-laws (Guy & Amy), the Brinkers, and his chosen family for their never-ending support in pursuing his passion.
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/tina-robin-headshot-225x225.jpgTina RobinVocal EnsembleTina is so excited to be in this production of In the Heights with San Diego Musical Theater. This show has a special place in her heart as it reminds her of the daily ups and downs both of her parents went through as they immigrated to the United States over 20 years ago. She would like to thank her family and friends for being so supportive as she re-enters the world of musical theatre after a 2 year break, and she would also like to thank the creative team for giving her this amazing opportunity.
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/edwin-rodriguez-225x225.jpegEdwin RodriguezDance EnsembleThrilled to debut with San Diego Musical Theatre. His performance credits include: American Idiot (Mayan Theater); Alice in Wonderland Rebooted (San Diego Civic Theatre); A Christmas Carol A.K.A. Twisted (Awaken Theater); and Cinderella (Teatro California). He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Dance. Edwin has choreographed for Southwestern College’s Spring Dance concerts. Additionally, he has danced for several Latin dance companies based in San Diego. Edwin was trained in music at the Boys & Girls Club Arts Academy in Los Angeles. As a first generation Mexican American, he is exhilarated to represent his Latin culture in this production.
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/liliana-rodriguez-headshot-225x225.jpgLiliana RodriquezCarlaLiliana Rodriguez is thrilled to be returning to SDMT! Liliana is a Chicago native currently studying at Grossmont for her AA in Musical Theatre. Regional credits include: On Your Feet! (Moonlight), Catch Me If You Can, All Shook Up, Man of La Mancha (SDMT), I Too Sing America and 1968: Revolution Remastered (Goodman Theatre). Some other favorite credits include: Chicago (Velma) at BAM Theatre, Swan Lake, and La Fille Mal Gardee. Special thanks to the entire cast and crew, her dogs, and most importantly her family for always supporting her! IG: @lilianarodriguez_10
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/analia-romero-headshot-225x225.jpgAnalia RomeroAbuela ClaudiaAnalía Romero received her M.M. in Afro-Latin music at Cal State LA. She has a B.A. in Music and minored in Arts and Cultural Management in 2018 at Northern Arizona University. She is a private music instructor and a world music educator for City Heights Music School. She has played the roles of The Beggar Woman in CAL State LA theater's production of Sweeny Todd, Penelope Pennywise in Arts Off Broadway’s productions of Urinetown, and Fruma Sara in Fiddler on the Roof. She has sung with the San Diego Opera Chorus, SACRA/PROFANA, and La Jolla Symphony Chorus.
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/tommy-headshot-225x225.jpgTommy TranDance EnsembleTommy Tran is a San Diego local, their favorite credits include Roger, Rent (SDMT Academy), Ash Williams, Evil Dead: the Musical (Tenth Avenue Arts Center); Texas, Trash! the Musical (Playwrights Project, 2019); Man 1, Working (Miracosta Community College). Just happy to be here!
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shantal-vella-headshot-225x225.jpgShantal VellaDance EnsembleShantal Vella grew up in San Diego as a competitive figure skater, singer, dancer, and musician. My life has been full of artistic education building talent and discipline. At the age of 16 I started a swimwear line with my mom and we have scaled it together ever since. At 17 I signed my first record deal as a recording artist and proceeded to sign to my first agency in Los Angeles. As I’ve grown I am now an independent artist studying audio engineering, producing and writing my own records, producing my own music videos, and growing more and more as an actress, singer, figure skater and dancer. I have amassed half a million listeners so far in my music career and filmed my first movie Jan 2022. I am now 23 and living this dream of a journey!
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/arianna-vila-headshot-225x225.jpgArianna VilaVanessaArianna is thrilled to be making her SDMT debut in her all-time favorite musical that brings her Latinx culture to the stage. Favorite past roles include Nina in In the Heights, Rosalia in West Side Story, Diana in A Chorus Line and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Arianna is currently a first year student at UC San Diego majoring in Linguistics, while also pursuing a career in professional theatre and performance. She is grateful to her parents, family and friends for always supporting her and her dreams!
CREATIVE
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/carlos-mendoza-headshot-scaled-225x225.jpgCarlos MendozaDirectorCarlos was born in Davis, CA, but spent his early years in Colombia, South America. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Musical Theatre at the United States International University in San Diego, CA. Carlos is the founder of the Hispanic Arts Theatre, an innovative theatre company that promotes Hispanic cultural awareness. Carlos has an extensive resume as a director, choreographer, and producer. He has won several awards: Mary Jane Teal Award for his production of In the Heights at Music Theatre Wichita, San Diego Critics Circle Awards for his productions of West Side Story, Ragtime and In the Heights for the Moonlight Stage Productions & Starlight Musical Theatre; the 2014 BRAVO (San Diego) award for body of work, Inland Theatre League Award for Choreography for his production of In the Heights at Performance Riverside and nominated for San Diego Critics Circle for SDMT’s production of In the Heights. When not working in the theatre, Carlos can be seen at Cygnet Theatre as their Education and Outreach Director.
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/laurie-muniz-headshot-225x225.jpegLaurie MunizChoreographyIs the Artistic Director of Contemporary Arte In Movement and is the Musical Theater Dance Instructor at The San Gabriel California School Of The Arts and the Modern Dance Instructor at Every Body Dance Gabriella Foundation. Stage credits include: National Tour“ Selena Forever” (Dance Capitan), “Veteranos”: The Legacy of Valor directed by Enrique Castillo, The 25th Anniversary of “Zoot Suit” (Dance Capitan) with “El Teatro Campesino” and" In The Heights" with Performance Riverside and Moonlight Amphitheater Assistant Choreographer, Dancer). Choreography Credits include: "In The Heights" Associate Choreographer with Music Theater Wichita, “Veteranos" The Legacy of Valor directed by Enrique Castillo, “ Corridos Remix” with “El Teatro Campesino”, "Guys and Dolls" Candlelight Pavilion Theater," Peter Pan "Moonlight Amphitheater (Assistant Choreographer )"In The Heights"( CO-Choreographer) with Pasadena City College. "In The Heights" ( As associate Choreographer) Lewis Family Playhouse.
- https://www.sdmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/richard-duenez-morrison-headshot-color-1-225x225.jpegRichard Dueñez MorrisonMusic DirectorRichard Dueñez Morrison is a San Diego-based music director, voice teacher, and theater educator. He holds a master’s degree in musical theater from San Diego State University and a bachelor’s degree in stage management from Webster University. Locally, he has worked with The Old Globe, San Diego Opera, Cygnet Theatre, Moonlight Stage Productions, Diversionary Theatre, San Diego Civic Light Opera, Coronado Playhouse, San Diego Junior Theatre, and San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (alumnus), among others. Nationally, he has worked with Radio City Productions, Goodspeed Musicals, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, New York University, and Indiana University, among others. Favorite musicals include Sweeney Todd, Nine, Andrew Lippa’s A Little Princess, The Will Rogers Follies, and Caroline, or Change. Thanks to husband Kurt and parents Renee and Dennis for the constant support, and to you for supporting the performing arts.
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