‘Heights’ musical celebrates power of community

When the Theater Department at Santa Rosa Junior College announced last year that the school's 2017 season would include Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'In the Heights,' theater artists across the college knew at once that they had to be in the show.

'In the Heights,' which appeared on Broadway in 2008, is set in New York City's Washington Heights neighborhood, and tells the stories of a multi-cultural community that is largely Dominican American. Its creator, Miranda, would go on to create and appear in the mega-hit 'Hamilton,' and to write songs for Disney's animated film 'Moana.'

''In the Heights' is 'West Side Story' for the current generation,' says John Shillington, a longtime SRJC theater instructor, and the director of the current show. 'We've deliberately made the ensemble big,' he says, acknowledging that there are 33 performers in the cast. 'It works well,' he says, 'because this is about a large, vibrant neighborhood.'

The story takes place over the Fourth of July weekend, and pivots on a winning lottery ticket that may-or-may-not have been purchased by someone in the neighborhood. There are numerous characters, all working to balance survival and their dreams of a better life.

Many cast members have strong personal reasons for being in 'In the Heights.'

'The main reason I want to be in this show,' said cast member Gustavo Ceron-Mendoza, 'is for my parents. Like some of the characters in the show, my parents' main dream is for their children to have a better life. As an immigrant from Mexico, giving them a chance to see me, on stage, in this show, is just such a very special thing. Because I get to celebrate my heritage — with the rest of the cast, with my community, and with my parents.'

Email David at david.templeton@arguscourier.com.