CL teens to perform in TCHS ‘In the Heights’

Canyon Lake students Adrian Alvaraz, Chistian Paternostro, Anderson Myers and Marielle Dumlao will act in the Temescal Canyon High School musical In the Heights now through Feb. 29.

The play is directed by teacher Tara Abell and will be performed in the school’s Jeanie Corral Performing Arts Centre.

The Canyon Lake students in the play and their characters are Adrian Alvarez as Usnavi de la Vega, Christian Paternostro as Graffiti Pete, Anderson Myers as Piraguero/Piragua Guy and Marielle Dumlao in Ensemble.

Adrian is a sophomore and is new to the stage, but has the lead in In the Heights, playing the role of Usnavi de la Vega. Last year, Adrian took Beginning Drama, and this year he is in a leading role.

“I have enjoyed every minute of this experience,” Adrian said. “I hope to continue my career as an actor.”

Anderson is a sophomore and plays the supporting role of Piraguero. Anderson said he enjoys playing the part of “exotic Piraguero.”. He said he is very happy to be in the play because they have the original set from the Broadway play. This is his first time performing in high school.

Marielle is a senior and is part of the ensemble. “Even though it’s my first time being involved with theatre arts,” she said, “I’m thrilled to be a part of a production that gives so much insight to the lives of people who migrated to the country.”

In the Heights takes place in Washington Heights, on the island of Manhattan over the hottest part of the year, the 4th of July weekend. The play spans over the course of three days, during which the audience gets to know the neighborhood and the people in it.

“With only six students in the show having ever performed in a TCHS production, the majority of this diverse cast will be making their stage debut with this production,” said Tara, the play’s director. “Despite all of the newcomers, it’s one of the most talented casts I have ever worked with – ever. These kids were born to play these roles.

“We are also extremely excited to have the original set and props, designed by Anna Louizos, from the original Broadway and National Tour.”

By 2008, In the Heights was a Broadway production and had been nominated for 13 Tony Awards, winning for Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestration. It also won a Grammy and was nominated for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It played on Broadway for nearly three years and had over 1,100 performances.

In the Heights will play February 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 at Temescal Canyon High School. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students. Pre-sale tickets are also available to students through the TCHS bookkeeper during school hours.