Led by Michel Alejandro Castillo, left, and Dave J. Abrams, right, the ensemble of Center Rep’s “In The Heights” executes one of choreographer Sara Templeton’s dance numbers. The musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda runs through June 24 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts.
Lots of stimulating dance moves and vibrant rhythms transform the Lesher Theater into New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood as Center Rep presents “In the Heights.”
Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda while still a sophomore at Wesleyan College, the musical is full of Latin rhythms, hip hop, soul and much more as the story of a Latino community on the brink of change unfolds.
Nicholas C. Avila directs an energetic, pulsating production with a wealth of talent led by Michel Alejandro Castillo as Usnavi, owner of the local bodega. A sort of hip-hop narrator, Castillo creates a memorable character with his voice, moves and comedic timing. Laura LeBron, as his love interest Vanessa, commands attention as she flawlessly performs one dance routine after another.
Then there is the incredible voice of Cristina Hernandez as Nina, the pride of the neighborhood who made it into Stanford University. Hernandez can belt out a tune with ease and then pull the softest, most heart-wrenching notes out of ballad. She is well matched by the considerable acting chops and vocal ability of Dave J. Abrams, as her love interest Benny.
Natalie Amaya and Noel Anthony bring their many talents to the role of Nina’s parents with Alex Alvarez adding a nice comedic touch as the Piragua Guy.
Kudos to Avila for adding to the diversity of the characters by partnering Ashley Cowl, who plays the owner of the beauty salon, and Deanalis Arocho Resto, one of her hairdressers, as a couple. With LGBT Pride Month during June, this addition is especially timely as the ensemble pulls out flags for one dance number with Resto displaying a rainbow flag.
Choreographer Sara Templeton creates the energetic dance moves with Nicolas Perez molding the strong vocals as music director. While the nine-piece ensemble made the theater pulsate with the sensuous rhythms, unfortunately, it overpowered the singers at times.
Supporting the talented cast is Leah Ramillano’s highly detailed set well lit by lighting designer Wen-Ling Liao and Courtney Flores-Kerrigan’s colorful costumes.
“In The Heights” runs through June 24 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Call 925-943-7469 or go to lesherartscenter.org for tickets.
Oakland: A thoughtfully produced and beautifully executed production of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” plays through June 18 at Oakland Theater Project, 1501 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland.
Edward Albee’s volatile cocktail party explodes on Dina Zarik’s excellent set, which enhances the action immeasurably. All in white, the multi-layered, three-quarter set features a sunken living room with the all-important bar up a short flight of stairs. The far left and right sides of the backdrop set the tone long before the action begins with large video headshots of Martha (Lisa Ramirez) and George (Adrian Roberts). As the action begins, these projects give way to other “off-stage” actions from the characters.
Especially effective is the mirrored floor and backdrop with its distorted lower half, which literally mirrors the action and adds a unique perspective.
Costume designer Marina Polakoff adds to the overall effect with costumes that say much about the characters, e.g., Martha wearing a bright, red dress with Honey practically blending into the set in a white dress.
Director Michael Socrates Moran and his excellent cast create a palpable tension that keeps audience members riveted throughout the three-hour production with two intermissions.
Ramirez creates an unpredictable Martha who can explode, flirt or become incredibly vulnerable at a moment’s notice, as in the last scene. Roberts’ George is equally mesmerizing as the seemingly patient intellectual pushed beyond his limits. William Hodgson and Wera von Wulfen add their own nuances to the roles of Nick and Honey, creating more complex portraits of these important, but often overlooked characters.
For tickets to this superb production of Albee’s classic, call 510-646-1126 or go to oaklandtheaterproject.org.
Berkeley: Central Works premieres another original work in June. This unique company works with writers to bring a fully produced show to fruition.
The latest creation features Lauren Smerkanich’s “The Dignity Circle,” a mystery wrapped up in a con game.
“I learned about gifting circles a few years ago and was immediately fascinated by the people who both perpetuate and fall for these cons,” said Smerkanich. “In ‘The Dignity Circle,’ I’m interested in exploring the human desire to find an accepting community that offers the immediate rewards of recognition and praise and, in this case, cash.
Gary Graves directs a cast which includes Heather Kellogg Bauman, Dov Hassan, Sierra Marcks, Rebecca Pingree, Kim Ridgeway and Adam Roy.
“The Dignity Circle” runs June 22-July 23 at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley. Call 510-558-1381 or go centralworks.org.
Also in Berkeley: This summer Actors Ensemble of Berkeley brings a new adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel “A Room With a View” to John Hinkle Park Amphitheatre. Adapted by Bay Area playwright Stuart Eugene Bousel, the show runs July 1-16.
Andrew Calabrese directs. For more information, go to aeofberkeley.org.
Sally Hogarty can be reached at [email protected]. Read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.