Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

As the Center has been getting ready for its next Broadway musical In The Heights, December 8-13, I've been asked many times "What's this show about?" A lot of people have heard the name of the show that first opened on Broadway in 2008, but the story is still unfamiliar to most in the Fox Cities. I thought, in response, it might be helpful to post a preshow review from my own experience of In The Heights to give you a little insight into the story.

I was lucky enough to see In The Heights earlier this year in New York, and the impression that I most clearly remember is the energy I seemed to absorb from the performance. In The Heights is a high intensity show, spiced with Latin music that makes you want to stand up and dance, whether you know how to salsa or not (which, as I found out in my first Zumba class – I clearly do not). As I sat, surrounded by strangers, the energy flowed freely from the actors to the audience and back again. It was almost a tangible experience, being drawn into the performance and feeling like I was actually there, walking down the streets of Washington Heights with close friends and a home around the next corner.

In The Heights follows the life of Usnavi, a first generation American caring for his late parents' corner store and his younger cousin, Sonny. It's really Usnavi who tells the story of In The Heights, tying together his friends and neighbors as their lives twist together and fall apart, sometimes simultaneously. Usnavi's infatuated with Vanessa, a young hair stylist saving for a studio apartment far from her troubled mother. His best friend Benny is working for a cab company owned by Nina's father, a stern man disappointed by his daughter's choice in Benny and her lackluster performance at Stanford.

One of the most powerful characters is Abuela Claudia, Usnavi's stand-in grandmother. Her patient, constant and loving presence gracefully grounds the electricity generated by the younger characters and their struggles to define themselves and their futures. The song "Alabanza" captures her spirit, bringing together the entire cast and uplifting the theater in a celebration of life.

Truly, one of the most rewarding aspects of working at the Center is being able to share new theater experiences like In The Heights with the Fox Cities. As I top off my own coffee on the way to work each day, I feel so lucky to play a small role in connecting people in the Fox Cities to art that both reflects and helps define who they are as individuals. I hope your journey with In The Heights is as unforgettable as mine and I look forward to hearing your reactions next week. I welcome you to share your review on our forums at foxcitiespac.com and follow us on Twitter (@FoxCitiesPAC).

Tara B.
Director of Marketing
Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

Grease
June 2-7, 2009
Tue - Fri 7:30 p.m.; Sat 2:00 p.m. / 7:30 p.m.
Sun 1:00 p.m. / 6:30 p.m.

Run time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Time Magazine’s 2007 pick for “#1 musical of the year” is rockin’ across the country starring “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks as “Teen Idol” in this new production direct from Broadway. Take a trip to a simpler time of poodle skirts, drive-ins and T-birds though this musical which celebrates growin’ up, crusin’ with friends and goin’ steady. “Bad boy” Danny and “the girl next door” Sandy fall in love all over again to the tune of your favorite songs: “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’” and “We Go Together” as well as additional songs from the hit movie: “Grease,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “You’re the One That I Want.”

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 27 and start at $44.

The Grease Facebook fan page is here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grease/51446373669

Many performances at the P.A.C. offer student rush tickets, which are available an hour before show time. Cash only. Student ID required.

For more information on student rush tickets: http://www.foxcitiespac.com/EventsTickets/studentrush.html