FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Justin Garza High School will begin welcoming audiences to its spring musical this week, and they can expect a touch of Broadway.
Senior Londyn Lacy and Junior Isaac Mora Zuazo have been working on their final rehearsals before opening night.
The two are part of the ensemble performing “In The Heights” by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
It focuses on a close-knit neighborhood in Washington Heights, New York City, as it faces gentrification.
Londyn plays the role of Vanessa.
“She is a hair stylist, but she really wants to get out and see the world and go out on her own,” Londyn said.
Isaac plays Usnavi de la Vega, the local bodega owner.
“He’s a character that I feel, the character that I’m most like, that I’ve ever played,” Isaac said.
As audiences watch, teacher and director Ethel Birrell says they’ll feel like they’re transported to NYC. That’s because the set is straight from Broadway itself.
“You don’t realize that it is a set. It is real life. It looks like real life,” Birrell said.
With support from the Central Unified School District and Wow Productions, the school was able to secure the famous backdrop.
“Rarely do high schools get a chance to work with amazing sets, but much less a set that has been on Broadway that Lin-Manuel Miranda has explored and has played on,” Birrell said.
It took around 50 hours and 10 people to install it.
For students like Isaac, the set is motivation.
“I feel really honored, and I feel excited and just so ready to get up there and perform,” Isaac said.
Fans will have the opportunity to purchase VIP tickets that include a backstage tour and an up-close look at the set.
Londyn says she can’t wait to see the audience’s reaction to their performance, and she knows the set is only going to make it that much better.
“It’s such a privilege to just like, be there. It’s so awesome.” Londyn said. “I just really hope they love it as much as much as we do.”
The show runs March 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 at Central East High School Performing Arts Center.
A matinee performance will be offered on March 7 at 2 pm, and the VIP Access tour will be offered the same day.
Tickets are available by clicking here.
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