Valery Ortiz Joins IN THE HEIGHTS at Casa 0101 Theater This Weekend

Valery Ortiz, the actress who plays the role of "Raquel" in the new VH1 one-hour scripted series, Hit The Floor, will make cameo appearances in today's December 13th and Saturday, December 14th 8:00 p.m. performances of Casa 0101 Theater's and Teatro Nuevos Horizontes' current critically acclaimed new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, In The Heights, being presented Casa 0101 Theater, 2102 East First Street (at St. Louis Street directly across the street from the Hollenbeck Police Station), Boyle Heights, Calif., through December 22, 2013.

Valery Ortiz will appear in the cameo role of the Town Gossip in this weekend's upcoming performances of In The Heights at Casa 0101 Theater. Rigo Tejeda, the director of the production said: "Valery will appear in the opening scene of the show in Act I in the musical number, In The Heights and 96,000 as well as in scenes in Daniela's Hair Salon and in the big musical number of the show, Carnavale del Barrio, in Act II."

In her series, Hit The Floor on VH1, Ortiz plays "Raquel." The series chronicles pro basketball's hottest dance team as they navigate the success and sacrifices of this high-flying and high stakes world. Upon its premiere, Hit The Floor became the highest-rated freshman scripted cable series among the advertiser-coveted adults 18-49 demographic, where it averages a 1.2 rating. It has been renewed for a second season set to premiere in 2014.

Ortiz is known to millions of young people as cheerleader Madison Duarte, the role she portrayed in the groundbreaking teen drama, South of Nowhere (The N Network). Over three seasons, the series earned a loyal fans and garnered critical praise. The show won the prestigious Humanitas Prize as well as three consecutive GLAAD Media Award nominations for Outstanding Drama Series, and Writer's Guild of America and Teen Choice Award nominations.

After South of Nowhere, the actress traded her popular girl persona and stepped into the role of "Lupe," a struggling mother in Robert Townsend's original web series, Diary of a Single Mom, which aired for three seasons.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ortiz grew up in Orlando, FL. An early love of dancing led to major roles in local theatre productions. Her passion and talent eventually brought her to Los Angeles. As a Television Host she has appeared on American Latino Television, ABC Family Lounge and E! News Now, among others. As an actress she has guest starred on ABC Family's Melissa and Joey and co-starred in CBS' Two And A Half Men.

Ortiz was named one of Maxim Español's "50 Most Beautiful People." When not working, she lends her time to organizations like the Best Friends Org, Special Needs Network, Inc. for Autistic Kids and Eva Longoria's Padres Contra El Cancer.

Performances are being given at Casa 0101 Theater on Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 5:00 p.m. through December 22, 2013. Ticket prices $50 per person, which includes the performance, a Wine & Cheese Reception at intermission and after the show, accompanied by a Meet and Greet with the cast; $25 per person for Students and Seniors with ID and $20 per person for Boyle Heights residents and Groups of 15 or more. For tickets, call the Casa 0101 Theater Box Office at 323-263-7684, E-mail tickets@casa0101.org, or buy online at www.casa0101.org.

Advance reservations are highly recommended. Theatre patrons can get a $2 discount by presenting their Metro Bus Cards at the Box Office when buying tickets. Metro bus stations are located on First Street in Boyle Heights at both Soto Street, and at Boyle Street (Mariachi Plaza), within a short walking distance to the theatre). The running time of the show is 130 minutes. Free Parking is available on several streets surrounding the theatre. Free Parking is also available on Fridays and Saturdays only at the Boyle Heights City Hall Parking Lot located at 2130 East First Street (at Chicago Street) by entering the lot from Chicago Street; the lot is closed on Sundays.

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