West Aurora High School to stage ‘In the Heights’

AURORA – West Aurora High School Drama Troupe 2013 will be performing the Tony Award-winning musical "In the Heights" at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23, through Saturday, April 25, in the West Aurora High School auditorium, 1201 W. New York St., Aurora.

The show is set in modern day and centers on a variety of characters living in the neighborhood of Washington Heights on the northern tip of Manhattan. At the center of the show is Usnavi, a bodega owner who looks after his adopted grandmother next door. Usnavi longs for a girl working in the neighboring beauty salon and dreams of winning the lottery in order to escape to the shores of his native Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, Nina, a childhood friend of Usnavi's, has returned to the neighborhood from her first year at college with surprising news for her parents, who have spent their life savings on building a better life for their daughter. Ultimately, Usnavi and the residents of the close-knit neighborhood get a dose of what it means to be home.

The music ranges from hip-hop and rap to ballads and salsa.

The show is directed by Ken Ruffalo, John Proczko and Jen Pauley. The pit is directed by Jon McLear, and the stage crew is headed by Michael Baggesi.

"In the Heights" is rated PG-13 due to some language, and is suitable for ages 8 and older.

Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at sd129tickets.org.