Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

PHILADELPHIA - September 1, 2013 (WPVI) -- September is Hispanic Heritage Month and, in celebration, the Walnut Street Theatre is putting on the Tony award-winning musical, In the Heights.

In the Heights is a show that won Broadway's hearts and highest honors. Set in New York City's Washington Heights, it's the story of a predominantly Dominican neighborhood struggling with gentrification and the hopes, dreams and pressures that change can bring.

The story revolves around a corner bodego where the owner discovers he's sold a winning lottery ticket worth $96,000. As everyone on the block dreams about how they'd spend the money, they discover the importance of family and finding your place in this world.

Sandy Alvarez, Ensemble member," In the Heights" said, "The community is basically going through all those changes.. Parents trying to stick with traditional values and kids saying, " no, mom I want to do it like this."

Danny Bolero plays the role of Kevin, an overprotective father.

"There's a lot of my dad in this character because my dad came over from Mexico. It's always wanting more for your children, wanting to make a better life for them," said Bolero.

Pulitzer Prize winner, and Philadelphia native, Quiara Alegría Hudes wrote the book for In the Heights. The musical won 4 Tony awards, including for Best Musical and Best Score.

Hip-hop, salsa, Merengue and soul are the rhythms of three generations as they grapple with what traditions to keep and which to leave behind.

"It's about, a story about family, where it is you come from and where you're going," added Bolero.

"It's all about hopes and dreams and aspirations, and that's the beauty of the show because that transcends," said Alvarez.

In The Heights opens Tuesday and runs through October 20th.

For tickets and show times, go to Walnut Street Theatre.

Get more 6ABC Loves the Arts »

lifestyle, philadelphia, 6abc loves the arts

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•