Opening night at The Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s (PCPA) latest production was buzzing with excitement even before the show began. The artistic director for the company, Mark Booher, took the stage to introduce PCPA’s first rendition of the groundbreaking music In the Heights, with words and music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose Hamilton is a current Broadway hit.
In the Heights is Miranda’s breakout musical, which Booher said he saw before it even hit Broadway. Now, nine years later, Booher said he’s delighted he was able to bring the show to PCPA and the Central Coast. And once the show got going, it was easy to see why.
The subtle lighting magic by Jennifer Zornow brings a hazy dawn to the set, which towers upward with the brick apartment buildings that epitomize Washington Heights, NY. Scenic designer Jason Bolen carefully crafted the city street—complete with businesses, a pay phone, a grubby trashcan, street lamps, and the rest. The streetscape fills with people. Some are obviously on their way somewhere, others are moving in a smooth street-style dance, and one in particular has just arrived to work.
Usnavi De La Vega (George Walker) introduces himself, the place, and the people there with the opening piece “In the Heights.” He uses rapid-fire rap verse to explain who he is, where he’s from, and what he does. Usnavi owns a small bodega where he serves coffee and food and sells lottery tickets with the help of his cousin Sonny (Matt Cardenas). The two struggle to pay the rent and keep things going, though both are quick to share a free coffee with a friend.
And everyone else who lives and works in the Heights is doing the same. There are the Rosarios, Kevin and Camila (Benjamin Perez and Christina Aranda), who own a limousine and car service and struggle to pay the bills while putting their daughter Nina (Gabriella Perez) through school. Usnavi’s friend Benny (Nathan Andrew Riley) works for the Rosarios, and even learned how to tie his tie from Kevin. Next door to Usnavi’s bodega is a beauty salon, where the owner Daniela (Giana Bommarito) and stylist Carla (Brittney Mack) are considering moving the salon because of a recent rent hike.
A young woman named Vanessa (Anna Bowen) also works at the salon, and has dreams of moving out of the barrio to a better part of town. Usnavi obviously has his eye on Vanessa, and Sonny and Benny clown him mercilessly, pushing Usnavi to ask her out on a date. The elderly and retired Abuela Claudia (Debra Cardona) hints the same to Usnavi, though not as harshly as his cousin and friend.
All of these characters are introduced and fleshed out with steady rap verse, which flows seamlessly into singing. The musical styles are urban, infused with Latin flavors, representing the multicultural neighborhood of Washington Heights. The music was carefully recorded by musical director Matthew R. Meckes, who helped create much of the character of PCPA’s production. Lively salsa, bachata, and tango styles are voiced in the music, and expressed exquisitely in the dance performed by the cast and ensemble, thanks to the choreography of Matt Williams. Dancers like Christopher Marcos, who plays Graffiti Pete, exhibit an incredible facility in urban styles of breakdance. Even Walker has a moment to shine with his breakdancing skills.
Part of what makes In the Heights so charming is the authenticity that comes from the various characters. These characters are real people with real problems, both financial and in their love lives. They stare at their cellphones, play dominoes in their down time, and laugh and talk over cups of coffee. PCPA’s cast and ensemble seems perfectly at home in the skin of these characters, which is reflected in the costume design by Eddy L. Barrows, who assembled wardrobes that any New Yorker would be happy to wear.
The level of shine on this production that was apparent on its opening night illustrates how much every player cares about the groundbreaking show. Director Michael Jenkinson most certainly obsessed over the musical’s every detail and nuance preceding the opening night, making something incredibly special out of it. The first performance honestly felt like the company was already in the middle of a run with a challenging musical, having every beat in synch with their hearts. The production is just another reminder that PCPA can do anything it puts its mind to, from the classics of stage and musical theater, to cutting-edge contemporary work like In the Heights.
Arts Editor Joe Payne can’t wait to see In the Heights a second time. Contact him at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Aug 18-25, 2016.