Axelrod To Produce Lin Manuel Miranda’s “In The Heights”
Original Cast Member Luis Salgado Signs on To Direct and Choreograph
“Hamilton” made Lin-Manuel Miranda a household name but it was his first musical “In The Heights” that catapulted the New York native into critical acclaim; winning Tony Awards for Best Musical, Score, Choreography, and Orchestrations.
In March, Axelrod Performing Arts Center [APAC] will produce the 2008 Broadway smash locally, under the direction and choreography of Luis Salgado, a member of the original cast and the show’s Latin dance choreographer.
“APAC will be the first theater on the Jersey Shore to produce “In The Heights,” and by securing director-choreographer Luis Salgado, the company believes it is can capture the true spirit of the work,” Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco said. “Mr Salgado brings not only his boundless talent and his Broadway experience to this production, but also a unique passion and vision to bring integrity to this beautiful Latino American story.”
Salgado [at right], who portrayed Jose in the original production, is currently in the midst of auditions for the local show as well as performing in Gloria and Emilio Estefan Broadway musical “On Your Feet.”
“For me, ‘In The Heights’ has always been a project of the heart,” he said via a written statement. “My very first journey with this show was an explosion of pride through its movement as I worked next to Andy Blankenbuehler [Tony winning choreographer], enhancing the choreographic authenticity.”
A Puerto Rican American, Salgado appeared on Broadway in “Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” with Patti Lupone, Laura Benanti and Brian Stokes Mitchell and helped to bring “Peter and the Starcatcher” and the recent “Godspell” revival to Broadway.
But it’s clear his affinity lies with “In the Heights” and its message.
“It elevates my spirit to know that a show honors my Latino community in a pure celebration of the people and heritage,” he said. “[It is] a show that doesn’t need to rely or limit itself with the stereotypical ‘conflict’ of drugs or violence to make great theatre.”
His own Salgado Productions was formed to produce art with a purpose through a nurturing and collaborative creative process, he said. Having brought theatrical works to Puerto Rico, Brazil, Peru and across the U.S., Salgado said the focus is on a development of new artists and material – plays, concerts, musicals, films and events.
Auditions for the March “In the Heights” local production were held in New York and New Jersey, with Salgado and his production team meeting with over 100 performers.
“I am ready to rediscover the text, to go deep into a human conflict of belonging, of being, of accepting home,” he said. “I am grateful that Axelrod theater will be the home to this magical production written by my friend, the young, talented musical theater icon Lin-Manuel Miranda. It’s with the utmost respect that I take this journey and hope you all can come enjoy it with us….”
“In the Heights” opens on Saturday, March 11 and will run weekends through March 26. Tickets are $38, available at www.axelrodartscenter.com.
APAC is located at 100 Grant Avenue in Deal Park. Its box office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and can be reached via 732-531- 9106, ext 14.
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