Photo Flash: IN THE HEIGHTS Heats Up Summer At Portland Center Stage

This August In the Heights, the sizzling summer musical from Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) and Quiara Alegría Hudes (Water by the Spoonful), will launch Portland Center Stage at The Armory's 2019-2020 season. Filled with the sounds of salsa, merengue, soul, hip-hop, and R&B, this Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical takes audiences to New York's vibrant Washington Heights neighborhood. It's a community on the brink of change, where a tight-knit group of friends and neighbors struggles to achieve their dreams.

"This production of In the Heights is a celebration of community, and filled with some of the most vibrant, energetic, and soulful performances. We are proud to bring this important story to Portland," said director May Adrales. "Right now, it's urgent and necessary to show that immigrants are an intrinsic part of the fabric and DNA of this country. And they are not faceless entities that are a scourge on our nation. They are our neighbors, friends, and families."

Adrales previously directed this production of In the Heights at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Seattle Repertory Theatre, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. The Seattle Times wrote that it "pulses with human warmth ... It even inspires some people to literally dance out of the theater."

Ryan Alvarado (National Tour: Hamilton: An American Musical) reprises his role as this production's Usnavi for the fourth time, leading a cast that includes Karmine Alers, Yassmin Alers, Courtney Arango, Lillian Castillo, Tony Chiroldes, Henry Gainza, Nicolas Garza, Alexander Gil Cruz, Alyssa V. Gomez, Sophia Macías, Emily Madigan, UJ Mangune, and Eddie Martin Morales.

The Armory will host various free pre- and post-show community events, including discussions with cast, crew, and community guests. Details will be posted at www.pcs.org/heights closer to the show.