The Gallery Players Serves Brooklyn Flavor ‘In The Heights’
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Did you know there is a creative space in Brooklyn dedicated to presenting and promoting professional-quality and affordable theater? The Gallery Players (TGP) has been providing audiences with amazing theater since founder Bruce Wyatt settled in Brooklyn from New Orleans in 1967.
Most recently TGP presented “In The Heights” at its 99 seat theater in Park Slope at 199 14th Street. From Saturday, April 23rd through Sunday, May 15th 2016, the cast performed for sold out audiences.
It takes heart and cajones too for an Off-Off Broadway, volunteer-run, not-for-profit in Brooklyn, to present one of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-winning musicals. Conceived by Miranda, the creative genius also behind the historic sensation, “Hamilton,” “In The Heights” performances in the Slopes elicited rave reviews.
“Absolutely awesome! I was blown away,” exclaimed Gerri, a delighted TGP theater attendee who had initially seen “In The Heights” on Broadway about eight years ago. She loved the salsa, merengue, hip-hop and soulful numbers and had wanted to see it again; the high price of Broadway tickets made it impossible. Gerri said she jumped at the chance to finally see it again for just $18 – “Paciencia y Fe”.
Calor…calor…calor
Calor…calor…calor
Ay Mama!
The summer’s hottest day!
Paciencia y fe! Paciencia y fe!
Abuela Claudia (Sydia Cedeno) sings this song of patience and faith, with such emotion, the room fills with her sweet Cuban warmth. “In The Heights” takes place on the hottest Summer’s day, in the changing New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights. Usnavi (Ryan Jagru), owner of the corner bodega spits rhymes introducing other characters. He skillfully keeps it flowing throughout the show along with cups of cafe con leche.
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Nina Rosario (Josephine Spada, a Brooklyn-born actor) comes back home to the heights, after dropping out of Stanford University. Benny, (Dan Belnavis) has worked at Nina’s father’s taxi dispatch business for years and sincerely loves Nina. Together, Nina and Benny reminisce, openly show signs of affection, and magically blend their voices while singing, “When You’re Home.” Que amor!
Daniela (Ariana Valdes) the nosy owner of the neighborhood beauty shop is priced out of the heights and is moving to the Bronx. She is a powerhouse who commands the stage as she sings, “tell me something I don’t know; No Me Diga!”
Usnavi’s 16-year-old cousin Sonny (Evelio Sotolongo) energetically scurries around
the set. He is funny and fresh as he offers advice to Usnavi on how to get the girl — Vanessa. Vanessa (Claire Saunders) is sexy, flirtatious, and driven. She wants to get out of the ‘hood’ but has a mother with money ‘malfunctions’.
The stage is comparatively small but under the guidance of director, Michael Bello and choreographer, Justin Boccitto, dancers and cast members move around fluidly and are believable. By the way, all actors, singers, and dancers auditioned for the show. Major kudos to the cast choices!
“The time was right to bring “In the Heights” here. Brooklyn is also going through change because of gentrification. The Gallery Players started in Brooklyn almost 50 years ago and we’ve seen many come and go,” said Jonathan Bruce King, the show’s producer.
When can we expect to see “In The Heights” back at the Gallery? King said he needed investors and donations to make that happen. Click here to make a donation and get involved.
The Gallery Players put on a perfect show. Sorry Lin-Manuel didn’t get to see his musical performed with such care.
It was the best play ever!!!!!!