Get ready for vibrant rhythms and heartfelt stories as the Coral Shores High School Drama Club presents In the Heights, a heartfelt musical celebrating community and life in Washington Heights. This spring production promises to be an unforgettable showcase of talent, heart, and cultural pride.
In the Heights tells the interwoven stories of residents in Washington Heights during a summer blackout in July 2008. Unlike traditional musicals that follow a single protagonist, this show explores multiple narratives, as characters navigate their dreams, struggles, and the bonds that hold their community together. The story pulses with energy as characters band together, proving that community and family come above everything else.
For the Coral Shores High School community, this production holds special significance. “Though set in Bronx, this show mirrors a lot of Keys culture,” explains Ms. Caitlin Yong, the theater teacher who guides the program. With many Keys residents hailing from the Caribbean, the immigrant narratives and cultural themes resonate deeply with local audiences. Yong herself felt a personal connection to the material, having grown up learning Spanish and about Cuban culture from her Cuban grandparents.
This year marks a new chapter for the CSHS Drama Club. For the first time, students took ownership of selecting their spring show, choosing In the Heights from a few options presented at the beginning of the year. The decision reflects their commitment to telling stories that matter.
Leading the cast are Jackson Garcia as Usnavi De La Vega, Troy Register as Benny, Karalynn Vaughn as Vanessa, and Mallory Hughes as Nina Rosario. The ensemble brings incredible energy to the stage, supported by music that’s as fun as it is moving, and choreography that captures the vibrant spirit of the neighborhood.
“It has been a tremendous amount of work, maybe even more than Mamma Mia!,” Yong notes, “and the kids have been showing up and putting in the effort. They love the story, choreography, and costuming.” Audiences can expect authentic street wear costuming from the 2008 era, cool club scene outfits, and a production full of life, laughter, and authentic emotion.
Behind the scenes, the production has been elevated by dedicated volunteers. Set designer Kaya McCoy has served as the main architect and driving force behind the set design, donating her time and skills to create an immersive Washington Heights. Andrea Galvan, owner of Spotlight Studios, created authentic choreography and Wood Campbell, the Performing Arts Center Manager, has been instrumental in managing the technical aspects of the production.
Guiding these students is Ms. Caitlin Yong, who graduated from Coral Shores High School in 2018. Her love for theater began right here under the mentorship of the well-loved Ms. Z, ultimately leading her to study opera at Florida State University. After graduating in 2022, she returned home to give back to the program that sparked her passion for the arts. Based on Ms. Yong’s highly dedicated students, the legacy continues to grow.
Come experience the music and the community spirit of In the Heights at CSHS Performing Arts Center on March 1st 2:30pm, March 6 & 7th 7:30pm, and March 8th 2:30pm. Presale Tickets are $10, At-the-Door Tickets are $15. Purchase physical tickets with cash through actors or at Nautical, or buy digital tickets via RevTrak QR code. CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
Cast
Usnavi De La Vega – Jackson Garcia
Benny – Troy Register
Vanessa – Karalynn Vaughn
Nina Rosario – Mallory Hughes
Sonny – Garrett Gomila
Abuela Claudia – Kioki Algaze
Daniella – Angelina Ravelo Gonzalez
Kevin Rosario – Gavin Milne
Camila Rosario – Shelly Gonzalez
Piraguero – Jayden Angel
Graffiti Pete – Mia Feola
Vanessa – Shelly Gonzalez
Nina – Olivia Gonzalez
Daniella – Karalynn Vaughn
Understudy Cast
Usnavi – Garrett Gomila
Sonny – Aiden Ferraro
Abuela Claudia – Emily Hurt
Graffiti Pete – Sebastian McCoy
Camila – Briana Benitez
Carla – Mattie Lopez
