Porchlight Music Theater’s production of “In the Heights” is receiving high praises from theater critics throughout Chicago and has been extended through December 3rd. The production which was directed and choreographed by Lincolnshire Academy of Dance’s Artistic Director and Owner, Brenda Didier, with Co-Choreographer Chris Carter, is described by the Sun Times as “an overwhelming experience on every level — in the brilliance and endearing warmth of its cast, the passion behind its storytelling, the piercing truth and mastery of its direction, the thrill of its explosive dancing, the magic of its mix of voices, the detail of its design and the instant connection it forges with its audience — that it is difficult to know where to begin when heaping praise on it all.”
With music and lyrics written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the immensely successful and Tony award winning musical “Hamilton”, “In the Heights” offers a glimpse into Washington Heights, a primarily Latino community located in Upper Manhattan and takes place during a time when the community is changing and becoming more gentrified. Performink praises the cast as a whole stating that “The company has a true community feel in this production, which helps underscore the tension between Washington Heights as a nurturing and warm community while also being a place that some may need to leave in order to grow and develop.”
“In the Heights” follows on the heels of Ms. Didier’s last directorial project at Porchlight, “Dreamgirls” which also enjoyed a very successful run. “Dreamgirls” was recently the recipient of 2016 Equity Jeff Awards for Production-Musical (for a midsize theatre), Principal Actress (Donica Lynn), Supporting Actor (Eric Lewis) and Costume Designer (Bill Morey) and received Jeff nominations for Director – Musical and Musical Direction.
If you missed Ms. Didier’s “Dreamgirls” project, be sure to check out the heartfelt and energetic production of “In the Heights”. All performances are at Stage 773 located at 1225 West Belmont Avenue in Chicago. Show times are Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org. To contact Porchlight’s Box Office, call 773-327-5252.
