Just two weeks after their huge success in the production of “The Addams Family”, the Central Catholic and Oakland Catholic Masque announced that the would be putting on “In the Heights” for their spring musical. The 2008 Broadway musical, with music and lyrics by Lin- Manuel Miranda, is set in a New York neighborhood (Washington Heights), predominantly made up of immigrants from the Dominican Republic. It tells the story of a couple families trying to make it through a blistering hot summer, living paycheck to paycheck, in a lower class community, and deals with important issues such as racism, strained relationships, and family tragedies.

While many were excited to begin auditions, callbacks, and rehearsals for “In the Heights”, there was also many who felt as though this choice was insulting, and even racist. Students and even some teachers from Central and Oakland Catholic were infuriated with the show and complained to the administration of Oakland Catholic that it should be changed. Because Masque does not usually have a culturally diverse cast, many think that it is “not their story to tell.” Some students of Latino descent have spoken out saying that they’re afraid that Masque will not do the musical justice, or may convey the characters incorrectly.

These protests were heard and contemplated, but did not change the outcome. The show will still remain as “In the Heights” and rehearsals have even begun for it. Lin Manuel Miranda, the creator of this show, gave his opinion of casts with a lack of diversity attempting to preform this musical, and he explains that it’s encouraging and educational! He believes it provides a source of cultural awareness, and can only increase students’ knowledge on the topic of Latino heritage.

The music of “In the Heights” is not a conventional “Broadway musical”, and offers an alternative to traditional “show tunes” with a combination of rap and hip hop with a Latino flare. “It’s definitely way different than anything Masque has done in the past,” Ben DeSabato, who plays Graffiti Pete, explains, “but with hard work, long rehearsals, and a great appreciation for what the musical is about, I believe we’ll be able to pull it off, and entertain everyone who comes to see the show.” Masque’s portrayal includes leading actors such as Tucker Helms as Usnavi, Mary Katherine Daigle as Nina, Tom Dougherty as Benny, Nate Valyo as Keven Rosario, Maura Ward as Abuela Claudia, and Johanna Loughran as Vanessa. With many others having supporting roles, and a total of fifty four students making up the cast of “In the Heights” it promises to be a marvelous production on a grand scale.