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In the Heights
A contemporary, urban musical
It's lights up in Washington Heights, as Shawnigan Lake School pulls off an ambitious and challenging musical production.
In the Heights opens Thursday at Victoria's McPherson Playhouse, as Shawnigan presents an energetic and contemporary show.
The story revolves around a New York neighbourhood facing struggles — struggles with the economy and gentrification, struggles with love and loss, and struggles with power, language and the mid-summer heat.
It's a plot that almost anyone can identify with, and by the end of the production, the characters are familiar and the neighbourhood feels like home.
A diverse cast provides not only strong performances but intimate and touching moments. In the lead role of Usnavi, Kyle M. delivers impeccable raps and drives the narrative constantly forward. Usnavi's love interest, Vanessa, played by Maia C., provides impressive vocals, while the evolving relationship between Benny (Owen C.) and Nina Rosario (Clarisse O.) and her family is compelling and human. From the lead actors to the ensemble, everyone on stage seems to be enjoying themselves, delivering melodies and counter-melodies, commotion and emotion, and sadness and sass.
Though the set is relatively static, the savvy lighting and professional nine-piece orchestra are constantly in flux, giving each scene its own impact and mood.
Featuring a mix of hip hop, Latin and more conventional musical numbers, "In the Heights" offers dynamic dancing that make the urban set busy and alive. While it's not a traditional musical, this show hits all the notes that theatre-goers want; it's funny, provocative and fun.
Running until Jan. 29, Shawnigan's production of In the Heights marks a bold new chapter ideal for a School defined by change.
For tickets and a performance schedule, click here.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
