Learning from every step as we open IN THE HEIGHTS at GALA THEATER

 Language: is the method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way.

For me language has become the character at question during the process of adapting and giving life to this production. Language… what a beautiful thing, it can unite us or separate us, open our souls and our humanity or close it with insecurities

Language = Cultures and yet. There is another language that opens us up to a better state and furthers our possibilities, the language of art. No matter what language you speak tonight you will feel the universal language of dance, be touched by the music, and share the energy of each actor.  These special tools of art make us all better. Thank you for walking into our home to share and celebrate our language, our traditions, and our culture.

In finding the right “slang” language for our GALA production, each and every actor has contributed to the truth of what you will see today. I knew from the audition process of this production that we had a very passionate group but listening to them naturally find the characters in their own language during scenes and the way the conflict of not speaking the language is enhanced it has been fascinating. 

My very first journey with In the Heights was a great explosion of pride. I worked next to Andy Blankenbuehler to enhance the choreographic authenticity for numbers like 'Carnaval' and the 'Club'. Now, in this present time, I am challenged to rediscover the text, to go deeper into the human conflicts of belonging, of being, of accepting one's home. In the Heights is story that must be told at this moment when many are being forced to question their belonging in our American society. 

Directing is a labor of love. We want to hold hands with dreamers who dare to take action and are not afraid to risk. We want to work with people who invest in the process than in the result). I am grateful that GALA Theater is taking the risk of bringing this life changing musical to Washington D.C and that it is our home during this magical production process written by the talented Lin-Manuel Miranda. I will be forever grateful to Hugo Medrano for believing in my work and vision. For daring to explore Amaury Sanchez’s Spanish translation as a way to further inspire our people. It's with the utmost respect that we have taken this journey. 

"With patience and faith, We remain unafraid I’m home!”

Finally, I have to express my deep sense of gratitude to Andy Blankenbuehler for letting me explore his choreographic vision and make it my own. I’m thankful to Lin for his incredible example as it serves as a key of possibility to us all. Thank you to my creative team, my associate director, Valeria Cossu, my associate choreographer, John Alix and my incredible right hand Heather Hogan, you all make the process the dream any director wishes for. The entire production team Elizabeth, Roc, and our MD Walter “Bobby” McCoy, Lena, Amanda, Robert, Chris you are all inspiring artists!

As you see it takes a village and that's what this show is about—the truth of an ensemble, the truth of a community and the truth of people who need each other for, Together our possibilities are endless. This is not about leads, heroes or special features. This is about us all holding our hands respecting language, understanding our “legacies” and walking together with Paciencia y Fe! So, Sit back relax and get to see a day in the life of what is like EN WASHINGTON HEIGHTS!