Director's Note 'In The Heights'

Our vibrant and energetic production of "In The Heights," was created by the immensely talented Lin-Manuel Miranda. We were thrilled to bring this dynamic story to life on the Braeburn stage, and we are proud to present a musical that celebrates the power of community, dreams, and the rich cultural tapestry of Washington Heights.

"In The Heights" is a tale that resonates deeply with our own lives. It's about the dreams we hold close to our hearts, the importance of cultural identity, and the power of unity within a community. Through the streets of Washington Heights, we embark on a journey filled with hope, love, and the pursuit of a better future.

As we, the cast and crew, have delved into the world of "In The Heights," we've discovered the universal themes that connect us all: the desire to belong, the aspiration to achieve our dreams, and the strength that emerges from supporting one another. In this production, we aim to highlight the significance of finding our own voices, honouring our heritage, and embracing the unique threads of our diverse backgrounds.

This show would not be possible without the incredible dedication and talent of our students. They have worked tirelessly to bring the characters of the Heights to life and to share their stories with all of you. Our actors, musicians, dancers, and technical crew have poured their hearts and souls into this production, and I am incredibly proud of their unwavering commitment to the craft.

In the spirit of Lin-Manuel Miranda's work, our production celebrates the power of storytelling through music and dance, and the importance of embracing the rhythms of life. We encourage you to listen to the beats, feel the emotions, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our vibrant community.

I want to thank our dedicated production team for making the challenge of Broadway seem possible. Jazz Moll our Movement Director for approaching every piece of choreo with positivity and focus, Michelle Monks for bringing the seasoning to every song, Ana Low for her salsa and focusing on contextual understanding, language and being a Sound Wizard, Pierce Williams for always being a wonderful Assistant Director and being thrown in as a Sound Technician, Grace Nangabo for going with me when I said I wanted to tackle a Lin-Manuel Miranda production, Riki Gathariki for being an amazing vocal coach, Sarah Burn and James Mungai for creating the world of Washington Heights, and Leigh Hill for always being so much more than a Backstage Manager.

I also wish to thank our supportive school community for their tireless efforts in making this show possible. "In The Heights" is a testament to what can be achieved when we come together as a community. Particular thanks go to our wonderfully supportive senior leadership team; Liz Borwell, Simon Welch and Maddy Jackson for looking out for everyone in the production team. Andy Hill for his continuous problem solving and support. Joanna Garner and Chris Childs for supporting us in another ambitious set design, Kelly Bell for always working her magic and supporting the production, Jakki Kinjangui for feeding the cast and crew through endless rehearsals, Duncan, Edward and Onyango for always saying yes and making behind the scenes flow with ease (no matter how heavy the set), Benard and Lawrence for looking after us when we started our rehearsals in the deeps of the workshop and Victor to being calm in the face of microphone feedback.

As you watch the characters of Washington Heights share their dreams, love, and struggles, we hope you will reflect on your own aspirations and the value of unity within our diverse and unique community. Enjoy the performance, and may it inspire you to chase your dreams and celebrate the richness of life.

Thank you for joining us on this musical journey through "In The Heights." Thank you also to the parents for your constant support through all the rehearsals and encouraging your children in theatre.

With gratitude and excitement,

Alice Coleman

Director/Head of Drama