(CRANFORD, NJ) -- The final production of CDC Theatre's 104th season, In the Heights, is currently running weekends from to May 20. The musical tells the story of three days in the vibrant community in Manhattan's Washington Heights – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

Washington Heights is a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures; where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.

In The Heights was Lin Manuel Miranda’s first Broadway show and it burst onto the stage in 2008. The show was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Book and Score, as well as for Direction and Choreography. Of those thirteen nominations, it won four awards, including Best Musical, Original Score, Choreography and Orchestration.

“We are excited to at last be able to produce this show. Circumstances and pandemic restrictions caused it to have been postponed, but we were committed to having the chance to present it.” said Joe Leo, the show Producer. “Once we were able to add it to this season, we had one of the biggest audition turnouts ever at the theatre and have assembled a wonderful cast from throughout the state!”

The music of In The Heights takes its cues from the diverse Latin community it represents, infusing hip-hop, salsa, merengue and soul music into the score with lyrics about life, love, community and the American dream. There are eight shows, including two matinees. For best ticket prices and selections visit cdctheatre.org.

Edgar Hidalgo directs the production, along with Musical Director, Dan Wells, and the Choreographer, Angela Cusumano Perez. The cast includes: Gerson Checo (Usnavi De La Vega); Gail Cevallos (Nina Rosario); Karina Munoz (Abuela Claudia); Jordan Owens (Benny); Carly DelValle (Vanessa Morales); Kori Caicedo (Sonny); Jose Figueroa (Kevin Rosario); Dania Davie (Camila Rosario); Sabrina Acosta (Daniela); Sam Estrella (Carla); David Rivera (Graffiti Pete); and Gabriel Angel Valle (Piragua Guy). 

The Ensemble includes Roxie Billups, Ashley Figueredo, Abigail Armstead, Kristin Aguero, Cenera Moore, Karen Carratura, Lori Travers, Carla Breton, Tyzhe Boyd, Alex Ocho, Jonathan Guy, Hector Martinez, Nathaniel Tapia, and Scarlett Davie. The production also features special guest appearances by Dana Dispoto as Myra and Susan Hagen as Joan from Venezuela.

Here are more photos from the production.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. For more than 15 years, John has photographed live events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions. Currently, John has spent the last 3 years concentrating on photographing almost 200 theatre productions for over 70 different theatres. Click here for John's website.