Torquay Boys’ Grammar School is reaching for the heights, preparing this year’s musical, In The Heights.
Students from both TBGS and TGGS have joined forces, as is annual tradition, and have been busily preparing the spring spectacular, since September. This year’s show is an upbeat homage to life in Washington Heights, a largely Dominican neighbourhood of modern-day New York.
Imagined by Lin Manuel Miranda, who brought us Hamilton and Encanto, this story is full of toe-tapping Salsa and hip-hop infused rhythms that are sure to be crowd pleasers. The story follows the characters balancing their hopes and dreams against the pull of finding a sense of home and belonging amongst their local community.
The cast have learnt many new skills with adapting to a very different style of music, and the 70 cast have worked really hard on perfecting the choral harmonies that make this show so uplifting, especially when accompanied by the talented 20+ strong orchestra.
The story is narrated by Usnavi (Jono Chant-Stevens), who runs a small bodega with his nephew Sonny (Charlie Baker). The shop sits alongside a cab company run by the Kevin and Camila Rosario (Josh Escott and Chloe Firrell) and Daniella and Carla’s (Grace Williams and Evie Perkins) salon. The community that interact within this small district of shops witnesses the blossoming relationships of Benny (Piran Wills) and Nina (Charlotte Key), and Vanessa (Hermoine Whetton) and Usnavi, alongside the daily struggles of Carla (Evie Perkins), a street seller, Piragua Guy (David Cooper) and local vandal, Graffiti Pete (Fin Gribbin), and all held together by the matriarchal figurehead of Abuela Claudia (Ellie Schaefer Davis).
With so many students involved, this is sure to be a powerful and uplifting production with something for everyone. Tickets are available now: www.tbgs.co.uk/whats-on. The production is often sold out by the end of the week, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.
