Rubicon Theatre Company presents the summer youth production of the inspiring and exhilarating 2008 Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, actor-composer-lyricist of Broadway’s sensational Hamilton. Helmed by Education and Outreach Director Brian McDonald, this hip and uplifting score is performed by the Musical Theatre Intensive students and features an 8-piece orchestra with Musical Direction by John Enrico Douglas and choreography by Carolanne Marano. This vivid but universal story about home and change is set in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. In the Heights opens Friday, August 5 and runs through Saturday, August 13.

Set over the course of three days, the story centers on Usnavi, a bodega owner who looks after an elderly Cuban neighbor and pines the beautiful young woman working in the nearby beauty salon. He dreams of winning the lottery and retiring to the Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, his childhood friend Nina has returned to the tight-knit community after being away for her first year in college, made possible by her parents’ selfless sacrifice, but Nina harbors a surprising secret that could shatter all their dreams for the future. As the neighbors rally together in the face of change, romance and unexpected turns of fortune, the biggest struggle is deciding which traditions to take with you and which ones to leave behind.

The Musical Theatre Intensive is a four-week program designed to challenge serious musical theatre students in a professional setting. The program offers intermediate to advanced training in acting, singing and dancing. With supportive and nurturing guidance, the workshop encourages risk-taking and individual creative expression. The program culminates with two weeks of public performances. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Education and Outreach program at Rubicon Theatre Company, spearheaded by Brian McDonald.

“I’m thrilled to direct In the Heights with this phenomenal cast. Some of the students have been with us since we started the summer programs, and it is so gratifying to see these performers grow and mature as artists.” As to the musical, McDonald adds, “The music is incredible. It makes you want to get up, dance and just move. The story is relatable too. It’s about home and community, but also about hopes and dreams. There’s a real energy to this musical. It’s palpable and contagious.”

Rubicon Theatre Company’s Musical Theatre Intensive presentation of In the Heights runs Friday, August 5 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, August 6 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 7 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 10, Thursday, August 11 and Friday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Performances are at the company’s home at 1006 East Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001. Advance tickets sales are $15 -$20 (Tickets are $5 more at the door.) To purchase by phone, call the Rubicon Box Office 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 7 days a week at (805) 667-2900. To purchase tickets online, go to www.rubicontheatre.org 

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