Arielle Jacobs, Perry Young to Lead IN THE HEIGHTS at Westchester Broadway Theatre- Full Cast Announced!

Opening on February 7th at the Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford, the 2008 Tony Award winning musical In the Heights takes a local stage for the first time. Directed by Westchester's own John Fanelli and presented by his Standing Ovation Studios, the production features a blend of talent and crew from Broadway and the national tour with regional performers.

Arielle Jacobs returns to the role of Nina after starring in the national tour and on Broadway where she followed Jordan Sparks through the close of the show. Perry Young will star as Usnavi, Christina Aranda as Abuela Claudia, Dancer Michael Fielder, also from the tour and Broadway cast, comes to Westchester performing under the direction of tour choreographer Morgan Marcell, and assistant/dance captain, Antoine "Magic" Raimone. The show features the original Broadway choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler for which he won the Tony. Regional talents include FaTye of Dobbs Ferry in the role of Benny, Joey Sanzaro of Pleasantville as Piragua, and Shelton Becton, vocal coach based in Pomona and musical director on numerous Broadway productions.

The Cast features Ryan Alvarado, Christina Aranda, Devon Buchanan, Sarita Colon, FaTye, Michael Fielder, Greer Gisy, Lauren Guerra, Alannah Halliday, Arielle Jacobs, Gizel Jimenez, Greg Laucella, Nina V. Negron, Benjamin Perez, Antuan Raimone, Joey Sanzaro, Nicole Paloma Sarro, Gabriella Sorrentino, Ariana Valdes, Voltaire Wade-Greene, Timothy Wilson and Perry Young.

Directed by John Fanelli, Musical Direction is by Shelton Becton, Morgan Marcell is the Choreographer, Victor Lukas will be the PSM. Set Design is by Steve Loftus, Sound Design by Mark Cantore, Costumes by Maria Castaldo and Props by Grumpy's Props.

"Assembling this combination of talent and energy from the Broadway and national productions with local rising stars is a rare and wonderful happening for Westchester," notes John Fanelli. Having fostered a "bridge to Broadway" model through his drama coaching and direction for the past seven years through his Lighthouse Youth Theatre, Fanelli is expanding the program with a new name and brand new state-of-the-art studio in Armonk under the new name, Standing Ovation Studios. He sees this production of In the Heights as both an example of the plans for Standing Ovation Studios and an extension of the concept, "bridge to Broadway and back."

A vibrant and heartwarming story about the importance of home, family and finding where you belong, In the Heights weaves a tale about three days in the life of the tight knit community in Washington Heights. Winner of four Tony Awards in 2008 including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography, and Best Orchestrations and the Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, the exhilarating score and dance span three generations of music, from rap to moving ballads to salsa, appealing to all ages and backgrounds.

In the Heights runs February 7th through March 17th, Thursday through Sunday evenings and Thursday and Sunday matinees. A special ticket price of $59 plus tax is offered for all performances with additional discounts for seniors, children and groups on some performances. Tickets include the show, a three-course meal and parking. Students with a student ID may also purchase a student rush ticket 15 minutes prior to curtain time for $20, if seats are available. Student rush tickets are for the performance only, do not include lunch/dinner, and calling the theater for availability is advised.

Located at One Broadway Plaza in Elmsford, the Westchester Broadway Theatre is minutes from I-287, the Saw Mill Parkway and the Sprain Brook Parkway. For more information about In the Heights, visit www.InTheHeightsWestchester.com or call 914-592-2222.

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