Interview: Genny Lis Padilla & David Guzman of North Carolina Theatre's IN THE HEIGHTS

DG: I play Graffiti Pete who is an artist that like to paint where he can. He isn't really a great influence because he doesn't have a job and isn't very smart in most cases.

Going back to the beginning, how did you yourself get started in the theatre?
GLP: I was first introduced to theatre in high school. My junior year I auditioned for my high school play; a production of Merry Murders at Montmarie by Tim Kelly. I was in the drama club and my teacher Mrs. Moore encouraged me to audition. It was then that I first fell in love with theatre. If it had not been for her, I don't think that I would be doing what I do today. She was the person that told me about a theater conservatory that was auditioning here in Raleigh and she thought I should apply. The conservatory was the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA). I had big dreams so my dad and I drove up from Columbia, South Carolina for the audition and thankfully I was accepted. The rest is history. I've toured the country and internationally with hit Broadway musicals and have originated a role on Broadway. It goes to show how influential our teachers are and how important it is to support arts in our schools and communities. It literally can change people's lives, like it did mine.

DG: I actually wasn't really into theater until I booked Newsies on Broadway. I always liked it but never thought that's what I would do professionally. I thought I was going to be a concert dancer.

One of the major numbers in the show is '96,000', where the characters fantasize what they would do if they won the lottery. If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
GLP: Well to quote the character I play, "Esa pregunta es tricky" (That's a tricky question). I would love to do lots of generous things with that money, but honestly the first thing I would do is pay off my student loan! After that, I would go on a vacation to Europe. I have never been and it is my dream to travel Europe. With the rest of the money, I'd look to invest it and donate to some to charitable organizations.

DG: $96,000 isn't a lot of money now a days, so I would probably save it. Then eventually buy a vacation home either north of NYC or in Florida.

In the Heights was of course Lin-Manuel Miranda's big break into the theatre world. It was only several years before the whole world got to know his genius work through Hamilton (In fact, timing couldn't have been more perfect because a couple weeks after this production ends its run, Hamilton will be making a month-long stay at the Durham Performing Arts Center). What's it like getting to work with his score?
GLP: I have performed this show hundreds of times and I never get tired of hearing the music or performing the roles. The lyrics are smart and entertaining. The arrangements and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman are stunningly complex yet deliver the familiar and authentic sounds that you would hear in Washington Heights. Every piece of the puzzle from the lyrics and music to the choreography serves to strengthen the overall piece and to drive the message of family, community and finding where you can call home. To this day, the finale still takes my breath away and I find it hard not to tear up on Usnavi's last line, "Take the train to the top of the world and I'm there, I'm home!" It is just so good!

DG: Lin is amazing and crazy talented! Everything he puts into his shows is fully thought through. I love performing his stuff; it's a lot of fun and the content is so good.

Since there is now a film adaptation of In the Heights in the works at Warner Brothers, what are your thoughts on that?
GLP: I think it is fantastic! I can't wait for a larger audience to get to experience the genius of Lin's first show. I think it is going to be a huge success and I can't wait to see it. Maybe it will inspire a revival....fingers crossed!

DG: I'm excited to see what they do with it! With Anthony Ramos playing Usnavi it will be amazing. I would love to be able to be a part of it in some way. I also think that this story is truly amazing and the more people that are able to see it the better.

In conclusion, why should audiences come to see North Carolina Theatre's production of In the Heights?
GLP: This show is a fun night (or day) of theatre for everyone. The themes are universal no matter where you come from or what age you are. Everyone can relate to the love of family and community and to the personal desire we all have to find that place in this world where you feel loved and accepted. On top of all of that, audiences are going to laugh, maybe cry, but definitely want to get up and dance!

DG: You will not regret coming to see our show. Our cast is amazing and the story will have you laughing, crying, and enjoying every minute.

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Be sure to catch North Carolina Theatre's production of In the Heights at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium from October 16th-21st. For more information, please visit: https://nctheatre.com/shows/in-the-heights

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