playbill vip

Notes from the Director

Never in a million years did I think we would really be doing this show. I started helping within the theatre department at Gulf Middle last year, and in doing so I directed two pieces from IN THE HEIGHTS for thespian competition ("When You're Home" and "96,000"). Not only does Gulf Middle School have the demographic to do this show and those songs for competition, but they all seemed to be able to relate to the show as well. The kids were constantly singing the songs in class and loved that there was a musical that had rap music/hip hop in it. So with that, at the end of the year, Mr. Nason and I took one of our many after school trips to Chipotle to discuss plans for the upcoming school year. After seeing how much fun the kids had with thespians and knowing the type of talented students that we have, I jokingly said to him, "We shoud IN THE HEIGHTS next year, since these kids are so good. It may be a stretch, but I thought I should throw the idea out there." And in classic Nason fasion, he took me completley serious and loved the idea. From there we held auditions at the end of the 2018-19 school year and started rehearsing over the summer to make this show came to life. Which brings me to these wonderful kids. Few times have I ever worked with as many hard working and dedicated (when they want to be) young students than this group here. They have devoted countless hours of free time during the summer and after school to rehearsal, and putting on a show of this proportion would not have been remotley possible if these kids didn't put in as much effort as they have. And Nason, thank you for trusting me and giving me the chance to take the reigns and direct my dream show. Without you, none of this would be possible. 

- Chris Cavazza

Notes from the Producer

Nothing makes me prouder than seeing my students shine on stage.  Actually, there is one thing that makes me as proud: Seeing my former students, still enamored with the performing arts years after being in my class, still shining.  And that brings me to Chris Cavazza.  

In 7th grade, Chris was a hockey player who I thought showed a lot of promise on the stage.  I told him that I think he should try out for THE LITTLE MERMAID, the show I was directing at River Ridge Middle that year (2012-2013).  He told me he had to go to hockey; I told him he still could go...but after he auditioned.  He got the part of the Pilot, and he was forever bitten by the performing bug.  The next year he appeared as the lead in two shows I directed--DRACULA and 13: THE MUSICAL.  Throughout high school, he was cast in numerous leading roles, winning several Thespian Critics Choices and even being a nominee for best lead actor in a musical at Broadway Star of the Future.  After his graduation, he came to GMS to help with the Thespians.  He wanted to give back, to help save the kids through the arts, the way he was saved (and the way I was saved).  They connected with him, and I had him co-direct HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL.

His dream show has always been IN THE HEIGHTS, and it seems perfect that he is there to guide these actors, to direct his "dream."  I am extraordinarily proud of the work he and the cast have been doing.  Best of all, Lin-Manuel Miranda would certainly be proud!  It's as if he can hear them say that line Nina sings: "I'll make you proud of everything I know..."

To the parents of our kids and to the staff of GMS, thank you so much for all of your support.  For being there to see this particular show--rarely done on the middle school level--that has been such a big part of our lives these past few months.  I can't wait to see where our GMS Theatre kids wind up in the future.  Who knows?  Maybe they'll pull a "Chris Cavazza" and help direct one of our future shows!  The sky's the limit with this amazingly talented group.  I hope you enjoy this, their gift to the world!   

--Peter Nason

Dedication

IN THE HEIGHTS is dedicated to the following people, may they rest in peace: Betty Worden (Helena Mann's great-grandmother); Angelica Carruth (related to Conor Bailey); Dewy (a friend of Jade Russell's family); Elizabeth McNabb (Taylor Bicknell's great-grandmother); Ray Anthony Faulkner (Riley Faulkner's grandfather); Abuelita De Moca (Marcelle Robles' great-grandmother); and Nancy Vennera & Laura Gorman (Chris Cavazza's great-grandmother & grandmother).