The Tony winning Best Musical about home, family and finding where you belong
Winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical, In The Heights is a potent reminder of the importance of chasing one’s dreams and finding where you belong. Featuring a Grammy Award-winning score of hip-hop, rap, jazz, pop, salsa, and merengue that serves as the backdrop for a community with dreams of succeeding in America while at the same time holding onto their culture and heritage.
“Director Nguyen has once again turned the limitations of a confined space into a valuable asset… audiences feel not like observers but neighbors.” — Theater Mania
“What makes the show work is the creative team’s careful casting and how the individual performers get to shine while functioning as an effective ensemble” — San Diego Story
“Director Oanh Nguyen’s staging shows that getting a close-up look at the characters is crucial to our understanding them, empathizing with them and feeling their joys and sorrows.” — Orange County Register
“as fine an intimate staging as any you could hope to see of the Tony-winning Best Musical of 2008, Chance Theater mainstays Oanh Nguyen and Kelly Todd directing and choreographing with their accustomed brilliance, aided and abetted by a sensational young cast.” — StageSceneLA
“A contemporary hit with timeless—and universal—themes that speaks to all ages and cultures” — Bucking Trends
This is the best musical ever. The singing and dancing was unbelievable.
— Tino
We loved the show. The acting was great, the music was energizing and the storyline was meaningful and also very entertaining. Great job and thank you!!!
— Ian & Jody O'Donnell
I loved this energetic and entertaining production of The Heights. I will see it again. I think this is the kind of production that has many layers, and you will discover something new each time you see it. So take advantage of the extended run and join me at the Chance Theater soon.
— Elizabeth Jones
I went to last Fridays performance of “In the Heights” and this would be my third time having seen this show. The cast did an excellent job, really exceeded my expectations overall. The cast member playing “Usnavi” was exceptional and really did well to embody the character. I noticed that there was some difficulty with the roll down on the bodega at the opening and this was handled very well and professionally by the cast. Well done!
— Kyle Ingram
We had an extremely nice evening at the production of “In The Heights”. This was our first time to your theatre and I was interested due to it being a small intimate theatre. We are tired of the huge venues when you sit so far away from the action. We didn’t know what to expect when we arrived since the outside of the theatre is not inviting at all. Very cold and industrial looking. Maybe a large marque with a poster of the production would solve that. But once inside we were quite amazed. Everyone was very friendly, (okay, except for the girl taking our tickets at the entrance to the theater didn’t have anything to say when we greeted her). The chairs were nice and comfortable (not your standard theatre seating). The cast was superb and the production was very well done and extremely professional. It wasn’t our favorite of plays due to the story line but at least it was something new and contemporary. We will definitely be back. Looking forward to getting tickets to “Maple & Vine”. We don’t usually like getting season tickets since we want to pick the productions that fit our interests. But again, looking forward to visiting again.
— Don Lafferty
Spot On. Very upbeat, lively, and enjoyable. Very talented dancers and singers. They conveyed the story and the emotions of the barrio community very well. Only slight negative for me, the rapping was so fast, didn’t quite catch all the words (but that might be my age).
Best of luck to all of the cast. You’re all very talented. Keep on performing.
— Joan Callaghan
This was my second time seeing “In the Heights,” and I’m so delighted I went!! The production was just as wonderful the second time around, and because I knew the arc of the story, I was able to soak up the amazing performances even more deeply. The music and the ensemble dance scenes were even more powerful and lively this time. Thanks for a really great show!!!
— Nora Jacob
In The Heights at The Chance Theater was by far one of my favorite musical productions that I have ever seen. The emotional rollercoaster that the music and the actors took me on was incredibly rewarding. It was also refreshing to see a musical that presented cultural traditions and struggles through the eyes of colored people. I wish the run had been longer… I would have watched it again.
— Sabrina Ferreira-Clifton
Inspiring production. High quality cast. Appreciate this kind of theater being available in Orange County. This was our first time but we will return for other productions.
— Nick Kremer
It was AMAZING!
— Fred Kinney
“In the Heights” was an outstanding production with an excellent cast. Joshua Lopez was so believable as USNAVI. The tears at the end were all real. I am just sorry the Puente Program at Cypress College did not see this, but look forward for the 30 students there to attend one of your plays this year. As season holders we look forward to the time with the cast after the plays. Thank you for being in our community.
— Dr. Kay Bruce
I really enjoyed this production and the whole Chance Theater experience. Every character was spot on and it was obvious how very hard everyone worked to make this the amazing show happen. GREAT voices, awesome choreography and so much heart from the entire cast. It was particularly enjoyable to have the discussion AFTER the show. Thank you for that opportunity. I drove up twice from San Diego to see Andrew Puente as Usnavi ( go Andrew!!!). Everyone worked so hard to put on this wonderful show, so hats off to cast, crew and band (LOVED the band!). Oh, can’t forget the delicious and potent Cuban Rose cocktail – NICE touch!
Thanks for making live Theater happen – so much work – so much work.
God bless you all!
Truly,
~SK~
— Suzanne Kennedy
VERY ENTHUSIASTIC FROM START TO FINISH. THE PACE WAS ON POINT, WITH HIGHS AND LOWS, PAUSING WHEN NEEDED AND AS A MEMBER OF THE AUDIENCE I WAS ABSORBED IN THE PRODUCTION. WHOEVER DID THE MUSIC SHOULD GET SOME KIND OF RECOGNITION BECAUSE IT WAS INCREDIBLE! I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE MY 11YR OLD DAUGHTER WITH ME AND WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A FEW “DOUBLE X” DANCE MOVES IT WAS ENJOYED BY HER FROM BEGINNING TO END. HUMOR, DRAMA, SADNESS, ELATION, ALL WERE ENTWINED IN THIS PRODUCTION. WE LOVED IT! GREAT JOB TO ALL!!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE INVOLVED . WE DROVE UP FROM SAN DIEGO AND IT WAS WELL WORTH THE DRIVE.
— Greg Ellwood
Where do I start? This was a birthday surprise for me from my lovely wife as she and I have always enjoyed the theater especially our local theaters. She found out a colleague (Fabio Antonio) was in the production and got tickets for Saturday’s show.
I was astounded as to the professionalism, the staging, the sound quality, and most of all the performers and the performance itself!! I thought I was in some little place off Broadway. Blown away by the talented singing voices and the music. Simply breathtaking.
I was moved to tears by Inutil (Useless). As a father of a young woman in her mid 20’s, not only did I identify with what Kevin was saying but could feel every pulse of every disappointment that one goes through as a father trying to provide for his children and sometimes failing. Given that Nina was so close in age to my own daughter I was deeply affected as I said.
The show meant so much more to me there is no room to explain, having grown up on the far South side of Chicago in a neighborhood much like Washington Heights, I felt I was back home and a young man once again.
We left the theater that afternoon with the songs reverberating in our heads, a tear still on my cheek, and a warm place in our hearts for the Chance Theater.
Thank you for moving us in so many emotional directions that we talked about this production for days afterwards with huge smiles and blessings in our hearts all thanks to an outstanding cast and a heartfelt story!
Wow.
— David Smolik
I brought my 7 year old daughter because she and I love theater, and I had a friend let me know that it was a great musical and kid friendly. Although the adult content did go over her head a bit, she loved the singing and dancing and truly enjoyed herself. As for myself, I loved every minute of it. The actors did an amazing job of evoking the right emotions from me, the singing was spectacular , the sets were amazing and I loved every musical number. I have to say that I don’t get over to The Chance as often as I’d like to, but I feel the bar for the caliber of performances rises every time I get a chance to enjoy a play there. Keep up the wonderful work and hopefully I will be able to attend another play very soon.
— Lynda Hicks
Main Performer, the Piragua guy, Abuela did an awesome job for their part. Daniela and Carla needed better help with pronunciation in Spanish as it came out horrible to understand as a fluent speaker in Spanish and English. To me it didn’t seem nothing like Washington Heights with the way they dress and language, but i was opened minded as we are in California and still enjoyed the show.
— Mark Simone
I like the way the piragua guy stood out in car naval del barrio
— Vincent Gutierrez
I loved this show! I saw it twice and have told my friends to see it before it’s gone. The music is great, the performances spot on, the characters and story so believable and involving. I cried during somany songs my husband kept asking what was wrong. It was that kind of show– you feel like you lived it. I’ve seen many shows at the Chance and this is one of the best.
— Kathy Esfahani
I got to see this show free, seeing that I was involved in the Speak Up program here at The Chance Theater. Now looking back at it I would of paid doubled the price of tickets, to see this prepossessing visual performance. This show completely changed my mind on musical theater. We need more musicals like this. I’m surprised that the floor wasn’t cracked when my jaw smashed the floor after curtain call.
— Moses Salazar
Everything about this play was terrific–the cast, the energy, the choreography, the music, and, did we say, the energy! The new space is beautiful and intimate and you feel like all of these amazing performers are in your living room putting on a show for you. We are never surprised at the beautiful performance put on by the Chance Theater. They are all fantastic.
— Anonymous
The play was fabulous. Both my wife and I felt it was the best show we have seen at the Chance and surely one of the best shows we’ve seen anywhere. Keep up the good work and if you haven’t seen it yet, don’t miss it.
— Scott Hunter
Fantastic show! The dancing was especially fabulous and the whole production had a captivating energy to it.
— Anonymous
My daughter and I loved this production of In the Heights! We saw the original on Broadway and felt the same passion from this cast at the Chance. We think the casting was right on and the players were so talented, right down to the ensemble! Bravo and congratulations!
— Anonymous
This production reminded me of all that is great about musical theatre. Such high quality throughout – acting, voices (WOW!) and dancing. Excellent fast-paced direction and perfect casting. The ideal story for a theater like the Chance to tell – perfect size show for this theatre. (BTW-Love all your choices for musicals!) And can we talk about the brave, risk-taking performances?? –I was blown away by the vulnerability of your actors, particularly Usnavi. Thanks so much for letting us as an audience in. Can’t wait for She Loves Me – definitely in my top five and I have NEVER seen a professional production of it. I will probably be there more than once!
— Laurie Hancock
I thought the performance was great. There was not one single weak spot, and I was thoroughly engaged from beginning to end. I have been to several plays over the past two years, and have NEVER been disappointed. I am considering season tickets next season. Thank you for bringing affordable and exceptional theatre to north OC.
— Jacquelyn Beerman
My favorite musical has always been West Side Story…until I saw In The Heights. This performance was perfection. The story was extremely polarizing emotionally for me and I did not expect that. The vocals of the first song by Nina reached me at such a deep level that I could not recover for the entire play. She was amazing and will be one of the greats when it is all said and done. Joshua was phenomenal. His pace was captivating at times where I was on every word. I would highly recommend this production to anyone, even non-theater buffs like myself. I have my girlfriend to thank for inviting me to see one of her favorite stories ever. I wanted it to keep going….
— Tony A
the performance was only good if you really enjoy solid acting, singing and dancing … not to mention music, the set and lighting. so I guess the play was just very, very excellent, in fact it was “most excellent”. we will be seeing it again, as should everyone who enjoys theater (and if you don’t enjoy theater, this will change your thinking).
— the tom
Loved the production! The intimacy of the Chance’s space enhanced this show for me. All of the voices were superb — wonderful music (with a great live band in the background), fantastic high-energy dancing, and an engaging story line. I’m coming back a second time, bringing another friend to see it next week, and I look forward to that experience in a different way — more to savor.
It was very gratifying that every single character, in this large ensemble show, was clearly and distinctly delineated. Great performances all across the board — another excellent hit in the Chance Theater run of contemporary musical theater! Thanks!
— Nora Jacob
“In the Heights” is just wonderful – even more to the point than the original Broadway production, which I also saw.
The dancing is energetic; the acting, right-on. Everyone will enjoy this production. Run to see it.
— Laurie Staude
It was like a glance back in time. I am aware of the family importance of the Hispanic Community but this was a beautiful reminder. I don’t think I have seen such an array of wonderful voices in a long time. I would think that one is the best voice and then it would change. They were all wonderful. The energy of the production never lets down . It is strong to the end.
— Anonymous
We enjoyed the show very much. All the performers were highly talented (singing & dancing), and extremely energetic. Would enthusiastically recommend to other theater goers.
— Nathan Gochman
In The Heights was fabulous! It was engrossing from start to finish, with outstanding performances from every member of the cast. Joshua Lopez (Usnavi) was amazing and Chelsea Baldree (Vanessa) was captivating.
Don’t miss this show! The bigger stage of the new Chance works perfectly for the large cast to showcase Kelly Todd’s great choreography and allows for the 8 musicians that perform the accompaniment score.
This is high energy entertainment for the whole family.
— Fran Riggs
A terrific musical. Had a lot of fun. Was very impressed with the talent of all the performers. We are fortunate to have such exceptional entertainment in our neighborhood. Thanks for a great evening!
— Mary Ann Stulz
Loved it. Loved the humor. Great singing and dancing. It was a feel good ending. Made me want to attend the theatre again!
This is the best musical ever. The singing and dancing was unbelievable.
We loved the show. The acting was great, the music was energizing and the storyline was meaningful and also very entertaining. Great job and thank you!!!
I loved this energetic and entertaining production of The Heights. I will see it again. I think this is the kind of production that has many layers, and you will discover something new each time you see it. So take advantage of the extended run and join me at the Chance Theater soon.
I went to last Fridays performance of “In the Heights” and this would be my third time having seen this show. The cast did an excellent job, really exceeded my expectations overall. The cast member playing “Usnavi” was exceptional and really did well to embody the character. I noticed that there was some difficulty with the roll down on the bodega at the opening and this was handled very well and professionally by the cast. Well done!
We had an extremely nice evening at the production of “In The Heights”. This was our first time to your theatre and I was interested due to it being a small intimate theatre. We are tired of the huge venues when you sit so far away from the action. We didn’t know what to expect when we arrived since the outside of the theatre is not inviting at all. Very cold and industrial looking. Maybe a large marque with a poster of the production would solve that. But once inside we were quite amazed. Everyone was very friendly, (okay, except for the girl taking our tickets at the entrance to the theater didn’t have anything to say when we greeted her). The chairs were nice and comfortable (not your standard theatre seating). The cast was superb and the production was very well done and extremely professional. It wasn’t our favorite of plays due to the story line but at least it was something new and contemporary. We will definitely be back. Looking forward to getting tickets to “Maple & Vine”. We don’t usually like getting season tickets since we want to pick the productions that fit our interests. But again, looking forward to visiting again.
Spot On. Very upbeat, lively, and enjoyable. Very talented dancers and singers. They conveyed the story and the emotions of the barrio community very well. Only slight negative for me, the rapping was so fast, didn’t quite catch all the words (but that might be my age).
Best of luck to all of the cast. You’re all very talented. Keep on performing.
This was my second time seeing “In the Heights,” and I’m so delighted I went!! The production was just as wonderful the second time around, and because I knew the arc of the story, I was able to soak up the amazing performances even more deeply. The music and the ensemble dance scenes were even more powerful and lively this time. Thanks for a really great show!!!
In The Heights at The Chance Theater was by far one of my favorite musical productions that I have ever seen. The emotional rollercoaster that the music and the actors took me on was incredibly rewarding. It was also refreshing to see a musical that presented cultural traditions and struggles through the eyes of colored people. I wish the run had been longer… I would have watched it again.
Inspiring production. High quality cast. Appreciate this kind of theater being available in Orange County. This was our first time but we will return for other productions.
It was AMAZING!
“In the Heights” was an outstanding production with an excellent cast. Joshua Lopez was so believable as USNAVI. The tears at the end were all real. I am just sorry the Puente Program at Cypress College did not see this, but look forward for the 30 students there to attend one of your plays this year. As season holders we look forward to the time with the cast after the plays. Thank you for being in our community.
I really enjoyed this production and the whole Chance Theater experience. Every character was spot on and it was obvious how very hard everyone worked to make this the amazing show happen. GREAT voices, awesome choreography and so much heart from the entire cast. It was particularly enjoyable to have the discussion AFTER the show. Thank you for that opportunity. I drove up twice from San Diego to see Andrew Puente as Usnavi ( go Andrew!!!). Everyone worked so hard to put on this wonderful show, so hats off to cast, crew and band (LOVED the band!). Oh, can’t forget the delicious and potent Cuban Rose cocktail – NICE touch!
Thanks for making live Theater happen – so much work – so much work.
God bless you all!
Truly,
~SK~
VERY ENTHUSIASTIC FROM START TO FINISH. THE PACE WAS ON POINT, WITH HIGHS AND LOWS, PAUSING WHEN NEEDED AND AS A MEMBER OF THE AUDIENCE I WAS ABSORBED IN THE PRODUCTION. WHOEVER DID THE MUSIC SHOULD GET SOME KIND OF RECOGNITION BECAUSE IT WAS INCREDIBLE! I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE MY 11YR OLD DAUGHTER WITH ME AND WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A FEW “DOUBLE X” DANCE MOVES IT WAS ENJOYED BY HER FROM BEGINNING TO END. HUMOR, DRAMA, SADNESS, ELATION, ALL WERE ENTWINED IN THIS PRODUCTION. WE LOVED IT! GREAT JOB TO ALL!!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE INVOLVED . WE DROVE UP FROM SAN DIEGO AND IT WAS WELL WORTH THE DRIVE.
Where do I start? This was a birthday surprise for me from my lovely wife as she and I have always enjoyed the theater especially our local theaters. She found out a colleague (Fabio Antonio) was in the production and got tickets for Saturday’s show.
I was astounded as to the professionalism, the staging, the sound quality, and most of all the performers and the performance itself!! I thought I was in some little place off Broadway. Blown away by the talented singing voices and the music. Simply breathtaking.
I was moved to tears by Inutil (Useless). As a father of a young woman in her mid 20’s, not only did I identify with what Kevin was saying but could feel every pulse of every disappointment that one goes through as a father trying to provide for his children and sometimes failing. Given that Nina was so close in age to my own daughter I was deeply affected as I said.
The show meant so much more to me there is no room to explain, having grown up on the far South side of Chicago in a neighborhood much like Washington Heights, I felt I was back home and a young man once again.
We left the theater that afternoon with the songs reverberating in our heads, a tear still on my cheek, and a warm place in our hearts for the Chance Theater.
Thank you for moving us in so many emotional directions that we talked about this production for days afterwards with huge smiles and blessings in our hearts all thanks to an outstanding cast and a heartfelt story!
Wow.
I brought my 7 year old daughter because she and I love theater, and I had a friend let me know that it was a great musical and kid friendly. Although the adult content did go over her head a bit, she loved the singing and dancing and truly enjoyed herself. As for myself, I loved every minute of it. The actors did an amazing job of evoking the right emotions from me, the singing was spectacular , the sets were amazing and I loved every musical number. I have to say that I don’t get over to The Chance as often as I’d like to, but I feel the bar for the caliber of performances rises every time I get a chance to enjoy a play there. Keep up the wonderful work and hopefully I will be able to attend another play very soon.
Main Performer, the Piragua guy, Abuela did an awesome job for their part. Daniela and Carla needed better help with pronunciation in Spanish as it came out horrible to understand as a fluent speaker in Spanish and English. To me it didn’t seem nothing like Washington Heights with the way they dress and language, but i was opened minded as we are in California and still enjoyed the show.
I like the way the piragua guy stood out in car naval del barrio
I loved this show! I saw it twice and have told my friends to see it before it’s gone. The music is great, the performances spot on, the characters and story so believable and involving. I cried during somany songs my husband kept asking what was wrong. It was that kind of show– you feel like you lived it. I’ve seen many shows at the Chance and this is one of the best.
I got to see this show free, seeing that I was involved in the Speak Up program here at The Chance Theater. Now looking back at it I would of paid doubled the price of tickets, to see this prepossessing visual performance. This show completely changed my mind on musical theater. We need more musicals like this. I’m surprised that the floor wasn’t cracked when my jaw smashed the floor after curtain call.
Everything about this play was terrific–the cast, the energy, the choreography, the music, and, did we say, the energy! The new space is beautiful and intimate and you feel like all of these amazing performers are in your living room putting on a show for you. We are never surprised at the beautiful performance put on by the Chance Theater. They are all fantastic.
The play was fabulous. Both my wife and I felt it was the best show we have seen at the Chance and surely one of the best shows we’ve seen anywhere. Keep up the good work and if you haven’t seen it yet, don’t miss it.
Fantastic show! The dancing was especially fabulous and the whole production had a captivating energy to it.
My daughter and I loved this production of In the Heights! We saw the original on Broadway and felt the same passion from this cast at the Chance. We think the casting was right on and the players were so talented, right down to the ensemble! Bravo and congratulations!
This production reminded me of all that is great about musical theatre. Such high quality throughout – acting, voices (WOW!) and dancing. Excellent fast-paced direction and perfect casting. The ideal story for a theater like the Chance to tell – perfect size show for this theatre. (BTW-Love all your choices for musicals!) And can we talk about the brave, risk-taking performances?? –I was blown away by the vulnerability of your actors, particularly Usnavi. Thanks so much for letting us as an audience in. Can’t wait for She Loves Me – definitely in my top five and I have NEVER seen a professional production of it. I will probably be there more than once!
I thought the performance was great. There was not one single weak spot, and I was thoroughly engaged from beginning to end. I have been to several plays over the past two years, and have NEVER been disappointed. I am considering season tickets next season. Thank you for bringing affordable and exceptional theatre to north OC.
My favorite musical has always been West Side Story…until I saw In The Heights. This performance was perfection. The story was extremely polarizing emotionally for me and I did not expect that. The vocals of the first song by Nina reached me at such a deep level that I could not recover for the entire play. She was amazing and will be one of the greats when it is all said and done. Joshua was phenomenal. His pace was captivating at times where I was on every word. I would highly recommend this production to anyone, even non-theater buffs like myself. I have my girlfriend to thank for inviting me to see one of her favorite stories ever. I wanted it to keep going….
the performance was only good if you really enjoy solid acting, singing and dancing … not to mention music, the set and lighting. so I guess the play was just very, very excellent, in fact it was “most excellent”. we will be seeing it again, as should everyone who enjoys theater (and if you don’t enjoy theater, this will change your thinking).
Loved the production! The intimacy of the Chance’s space enhanced this show for me. All of the voices were superb — wonderful music (with a great live band in the background), fantastic high-energy dancing, and an engaging story line. I’m coming back a second time, bringing another friend to see it next week, and I look forward to that experience in a different way — more to savor.
It was very gratifying that every single character, in this large ensemble show, was clearly and distinctly delineated. Great performances all across the board — another excellent hit in the Chance Theater run of contemporary musical theater! Thanks!
“In the Heights” is just wonderful – even more to the point than the original Broadway production, which I also saw.
The dancing is energetic; the acting, right-on. Everyone will enjoy this production. Run to see it.
It was like a glance back in time. I am aware of the family importance of the Hispanic Community but this was a beautiful reminder. I don’t think I have seen such an array of wonderful voices in a long time. I would think that one is the best voice and then it would change. They were all wonderful. The energy of the production never lets down . It is strong to the end.
We enjoyed the show very much. All the performers were highly talented (singing & dancing), and extremely energetic. Would enthusiastically recommend to other theater goers.
In The Heights was fabulous! It was engrossing from start to finish, with outstanding performances from every member of the cast. Joshua Lopez (Usnavi) was amazing and Chelsea Baldree (Vanessa) was captivating.
Don’t miss this show! The bigger stage of the new Chance works perfectly for the large cast to showcase Kelly Todd’s great choreography and allows for the 8 musicians that perform the accompaniment score.
This is high energy entertainment for the whole family.
A terrific musical. Had a lot of fun. Was very impressed with the talent of all the performers. We are fortunate to have such exceptional entertainment in our neighborhood. Thanks for a great evening!
Loved it. Loved the humor. Great singing and dancing. It was a feel good ending. Made me want to attend the theatre again!