At the Coral Shores High School performing arts center, drama club actors have spent the last several months developing their characters and perfecting their Latin dance moves.
The upbeat and relatable “In the Heights” musical opens to audiences on Friday, Feb. 27. Members of the drama club picked the show and they are pouring their hearts into every scene.
“I wanted them to do something they wanted to do, so they would love it,” said Coral Shores High School drama teacher Caitlin Yong.
“In the Heights” highlights different narratives of the Latino community in Washington Heights, a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood in Upper Manhattan, New York City.
“The overarching story is about community and how family and community comes first,” said Yong.
A cast of 20 onstage performers and 10 support personnel have been working tirelessly to bring the heartfelt story of a vibrant community to light.
Coral Shores seniors Mia Feola and Jayden Angel have never been in a drama club production, but decided to audition and were given parts in the musical.
“It’s really something I never thought I’d do,” said Feola. “It’s definitely out of my comfort zone, so that’s been challenging, but it’s been more rewarding than anything.”
“My family is so happy that I’m doing something that I finally like and that I’m expressing myself in ways I never have before,” said Angel.
“I come from a Hispanic background too, so they’re very excited to watch it,” he said.
The show’s characters are complex and the choreography is challenging. Key Largo’s Spotlight Dance Studio owner Andrea Galvan is helping students find the beat.
“We’ve had to work on getting ourselves feeling the rhythm of the music,” said Coral Shores junior Mallory Hughes. “The Latin part of the dancing is so critical to the show.”
“You’ve got to pay attention, feel the rhythm in your body and just keep going with it,” added Coral Shores sophomore Garrett Gomila.
Senior Karalynn Vaughn said the show hits home with her and she believes it will strike a chord with audiences.
“I think the Latin aspects of the show really do resonate with me. My family is from Puerto Rico and Panama,” said Vaughn. “There are a lot of moments in the show that have commentary on things we may be dealing with today in the world.”
Senior Gavin Milne also believes audiences will connect with “In The Heights” and enjoy themselves at the same time.
“I’m really happy to be here for my senior show,” said Milne. “It’s going to be a great time and inspiring to a lot of people.”
Performances will take place on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27-28 and March 6-7 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, March 1 and March 8 at 2:30 p.m.
All performances will take place at the performing arts center.
Tickets are $10 in advance at keysschools.revtrak.net. Once on the site, select Coral Shores High School, Music, Band and Drama. The tickets are redeemable for any performance and purchasers are asked to put their name in the text box. Tickets at the door will be $15.
