Thank you Adriane Thank you Adriane Jefferson & the Jefferson & the New Haven Dept. of New Haven Dept. of Arts, Culture, & Tourism Arts, Culture, & Tourism for your support of the for your support of the NHA Drama Program! NHA Drama Program!
New Haven Public Schools supports the arts!
Here at NHA, we acknowledge that indigenous people and nations have for many generation - stewarded the land and waterways of what we know call the state of Connecticut. We honor and respect the long last relationship that exists between the indigenous people their nations and this land. We are now in the un-ceded territory of the Paugusset (pronounced po-gaw-sett) of the Quinnipiac and Wappinger people and nations. We remind ourselves that with this stolen land results in a stolen people and their identity. It will remain our responsibility to make way for the future to know our past.
New Haven Academy provides a rigorous education that prepares all students to succeed in college and become active citizens able to make informed decisions about their lives and their communities. We are building a racially, ethnically, and economically diverse student body, providing individual attention for every student, and guiding students through the difficult transition from middle school to high school. New Haven Academy graduates will be independent thinkers who ask critical questions and who develop and defend their own ideas in order to achieve this vision, New Haven Academy is a learning community in which all members – staff, students, and parents – know each other well.
2023 - 2024 SEASON
MUSIC & LYRICS BY LIN MANUEL MIRANDA PRESENTS
BOOK BY QUIARA ALEGRIA HUDES WITH
JAISONHAYNES ELLIOTBAEZ CHRISTOPHERSAMUELS JAYLAHJONES
TOMITSELAENGEL-HALFKENNY JEREMIAHMCCULLOUGH AZAADMAMOON
SOLIMARQUINTANILLA ALECRUZ SORAMATTA
JAILEENSOWELL
HAZELRIVERA
CRISTIANORTIZ ADRIANGUZMAN MICHELLECOCHRAN JAHLILCOLEMAN
AJANAEJORDAN-PERVIS CHARLESJEFFERY
LILYGONZALEZ
AYANASALAHUDDIN
SCENIC DESIGN BY COSTUMES BY LIGHTING DESIGN BY
CAMERONSILVA
DIRECTION & CHOREOGRAPHY BY AUSTENFAY
SORA MAE MATTA KEIRSTENGENTLES
SOUND DESIGN BY HAIR & MAKE-UP DESIGN BY PROD. STAGE MANAGER
INNANAMAMOON &CAVIYAHMOSS
MUSIC DIRECTION BY KEVINJAMES INTHE
MARIAHBARROSO TY SCURRY
CO-DIRECTION BY JOSIEINGALL
USNAVI DE LA VEGA .........................................................................................
NINA ROSARIO...............................................................................
JAISONHAYNES
TOMITSELAENGEL-HALFKENNY
KEVIN ROSARIO...............................................................................................
CAMILA ROSARIO.......................................................................................
AZAADMAMOON
SOLIMARQUINTANILLA
BENNY...........................................................................................................
JAHLILCOLEMAN
VANESSA.............................................................................................................
ABUELA CLAUDIA................................................................................................
ELLIOTBAEZ
JAYLAHJONES
DANIELA...............................................................................................................
CARLA................................................................................................................
GRAFITTI PETE..................................................................................................
ALECRUZ
SORAMATTA
CRISTIANORTIZ
PIRAGÜERA.........................................................................................................
HAZELRIVERA
SONNY....................................................................................................CHRISTOPHERSAMUELS
ENSEMBLE
JEREMIAHMCCULLOUGH
ADRIANGUZMAN MICHELLECOCHRAN JAILEENSOWELL
LILYGONZALEZ AJANAEJORDAN-PERVIS CHARLESJEFFERY AYANASALAHUDDIN
JEREMIAHMCCULLOUGH
UNDERSTUDIES
CHARLESJEFFERY (PIRAGÜERO) (BENNY) AYANASALAHUDDIN(NINA)
MUSICIANS
KEYBOARD 1/CONDUCTOR KEVINJAMES
GUITAR MIKEBARILE BASS CHRISBROWN DRUMS JUANBOONE
REEDS STEPHENKING TRUMPET TIMOTHYKANE TROMBONE CARLOSFLORES
PERCUSSIONANTHONYSOSCIA
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS
AUSTEN FAY DEMIYAHANTHONY MADELEINEGARLEY-ERB
ONCETHESHOWBEGINS, IFYOUHAVETOLEAVETHETHEATREFORANYREASON,YOUWILLBE RESEATEDATTHE DISCRETIONOFHOUSEMANAGEMENT.
THEACTOFVIDEOTAPING,PHOTOGRAPHINGORMAKINGOFELECTRONICOROTHERAUDIO AND/ORVISUALRECORDINGSOFTHISPRODUCTIONWITHOUTCONSENTISSTRICTLYPROHIBITED AND ACTIONABLEUNDER U.S.COPYRIGHTLAW.
Act1-It'sbeforedawnandthestageisdark
Alarmclockradiosringfromscatteredwindowsannouncingarecord-breakingheatwavetoday, July3rd AsthesunrisesweseethesilhouetteoftheGeorgeWashingtonBridgeabovethe apartmentbuildings WelcometoWashingtonHeights
Intheshadowsayoungmanspraysgraffitiontoabodegaawning,buthisartisticreverieis interruptedwhenthestoreowner,Usnavi,entersandchaseshimaway Usnaviopenshisbodega andsuppliesneighbourswiththeirmorningcoffeeandpapers.WemeetAbuelaClaudia,who raisedUsnavi,andSonny,hisyoungcousinwhohelpswiththestore Everyone'sstoriesand dreamspassthroughthismodeststorefront:hisfriendBennywantsapromotion,theladieswho workatthesalonwantsomegossip,andVanessa,Usnavi'sloveinterest,wantsanapartmentina differentpartoftown Usnavihasadreamofhisown:onedaytoreturntotheislandofhisroots, theDominicanRepublic
AsthemorningrushsubsidesNinaRosarioenters,homeatlastfromherfreshmanyearat Stanford Usnaviisproudofher,andAbuelaClaudiainvitestheneighbourhoodstarinsidefora visit.Butinamomentalone,Ninarevealsthatshestruggledatcollege.
MeanwhileNina'sparentsseekanemergencyloanfromthebanktokeeptheirstrugglingtaxi serviceafloat TheyleaveBenny,ayoungemployee,inchargeofthedispatchforthefirsttime NinaenterslookingforherparentsbutfindsBennyshowingoffhisskillsonthemicrophone. AtthehairsalonacrossthestreetVanessahasfinancialtroublesofherown Hermotherdrank awaythemoneyforthebills,andnowtheirelectricityisshutoff Vanessadreamsofescapingtoa studiointheWestVillage:atthemomentheronlyrespiteisastopbyUsnavi'sbodega Usnavi worksupthecouragetoaskheroutandsheaccepts
NinaishelpingBennyontheswitchboardwhenherparentsreturn.Shebecomesnervousand revealstoherparentsthatshelostheracademicscholarshipanddroppedoutofStanford Her father,Kevin,isdevastatedthathecannotprovidetuitionwithoutthescholarship NinaseekscomfortfromherfriendVanessa,butthesalonowner,Daniela.sitsherdownfora makeoverandgossipsession Danielalamentsthatthisisherlastdayontheblock Duetoarent increasethesalonisrelocatingtotheBronx.Thebest"bochinche"ofthedayisyettocome: someoneboughtawinninglotteryticketfromUsnavi'sbodega Everyoneontheblockdreamsof howthey'dspendthesmallfortune ($96,000)AbuelaClaudiaemergesamidthehubbubtofeed thepigeons.ShereflectsonherchildhoodjourneyfromCubatoNewYorkin1943.remembering thathermotherwouldsay,"Patienceandfaith"alongthejourney Sherevealsthatsheholdsthe winninglotteryticket
Asthesunbeginstoset,NinaandBennyfindthemselvesaloneonthestreet.Ninaadmitsthatshe feltlikeanoutsideratStanford,andBennysaysthatbeingtheonlyAfrican-AmericaninaLatinorunbusinesscanbeintimidating.Thetwotakeatouroftheneighbourhoodlandmarkstheygrew upwith Thestorescloseupfortheeveningasapiraguaguycontinuessellingflavouredice AttheRosariohousehold,Camila(Nina'smother)hasbeencooking Neighboursareenjoyingthe musicandcompanywhenKevinenterslate,butwithanannouncement.HehassoldRosario'sCar ServicetopayforNina'stuition Hisnewsismetwithanger:Bennyhaslosthisjob,Camilahaslost herbusiness.Ninavowsnottoacceptthemoney.NinafollowsBennytoadanceclub.apologising, butheisfuriousaboutKevin'sdecision VanessaandUsnavientertheclubandbegintodance Tensionsriseonthedancefloorwhen,suddenly thepowergoesout VanessaandUsnaviare separatedinthedarkness.Withfireworksexplodinginthesky,NinaandBennyfindeachotherin thechaosandkiss
Act2 -Thenextmorning
ThelightrevealsBennyandNinaonhisfireescapeafterspendingthenighttogether.Downonthe street,Usnavi'sbodegahasbeenlooted Hisawningisrippedandhiscashregistergone Abuela ClaudiaconvincesUsnavithattogethertheyshoulduseherlotterywinningstorelocatetothe DominicanRepublic Usnaviagreestogetridofhiscornerstoreandpursuehisdream Nina'sparentshavebeensearchingforherallnight,andwhentheylearnthatshehasbeenwith Benny.Kevinisfurious.KevinvowsthatBennywillneverbeapartoftheRosariofamilybecausehe isnotLatino ThefamilyisatabreakingpointwhenCamilainstructsthemtogetittogetherbefore it'stoolate.
It'shighnoonandtheneighboursarefrustratedbytheextremeheatandcontinuingpoweroutage Theymusterenoughenergyforonelastcelebrationbeforethebodega,thesalon,andthedispatch shuttheirdoorsforever.ThecelebrationcontinuesontoanotherblockwhenKevinmakesan announcementoverthetaxiradios:AbuelaClaudiahaspassedaway Theneighboursreuniteon thesidewalk,thistimetoholdavigilinhonouroftheblock'smatriarch UsnaviandNinalook throughboxesofAbuelaClaudia'skeepsakes oldlotteryticketsandphotosfromtheblock's history AsNinadiscoversphotographsfromherownhighschoolgraduationshedecidestoaccept herfather'ssacrificeandreturntoStanford.Herparentsagreetosellthebusiness,evenifitmeans Kevinmustreturntobeingamechanic
Acrossthestreet,asDanielacloseshersalonforever,sherevealsonelastbitofjuicynews Shewill cosignonVanessa'sdreamapartmentintheWestVillage,thankstoalittleconvincingfromUsnavi. VanessabringsUsnaviabottleofchampagnetocelebrateandaskshimtostay,buthismindisset ontheDominicanRepublic Sonnylamentsthatthisistheendofanera
BennyreturnshisuniformandcarkeystoKevin Hewillstartplanninghisownbusinessnow But heworriesabouthisrelationshipwithNina:cantheysurvivealongdistancerelationshipwithoutthe blessingofherfather?NinaandBennystandtogetherasthesunsets.
ThenextmorningUsnaviwakesupearlytobeginclosingupshop Heseesthebusinessesaround him Daniela'ssalonisclosed TheRosariósCarServicesignisgone Injustafewweekshe'llbe gonetoo,andtheblockwillbecompletelychanged.ButSonny'snotcontenttoleavewithouta trace HehascommissionedagraffitimuralofAbuelaClaudiaonthebodega'sgrate,andGraffiti Petehasstayedupallnightcompletingtheportrait.Sonnyrollsdownthebodegagrate,revealing thememorial Usnavirealisesthatthisblockiswherehisrootsare,this"island"iswherehewillstay Heishome
SETTING:WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NEW YORK, NY (PRESENT DAY)
SCENE1,WASHINGTONHEIGHTS-SUNRISE
IN THE HEIGHTS........................................................................................USNAVI & COMPANY
SCENE2,ONTHESTREET
BREATHE.....................................................................................................NINA & COMPANY
SCENE3,ROSARIO’SCARSERVICE
BENNY’S DISPATCH...........................................................................................BENNY & NINA
SCENE4,ONTHESTREET
IT WON’T BE LONG NOW..................................................................VANESSA, USNAVI & BENNY
SCENE5,THEDISPATCHBOOTH
INUTIL (USELESS) ..........................................................................................................KEVIN
SCENE6,THESALON
NO ME DIGA.........................................................................DANIELA, CARLA, VANESSA & NINA
SCENE7, INTHEBODEGA,ONTHESTREET
96,000............................................................................................................FULL COMPANY
SCENE8,ABUELA’SSTOOP
PACIENCIA Y FE..........................................................................ABUELA CLAUDIA & COMPANY
SCENE9,ONTHESTREET
WHEN YOU’RE HOME.......................................................................BENNY, NINA & COMPANY
SCENE10, ONTHESTREET-DUSK
PIRAGUA..............................................................................................................PIRAGÜERA
SCENE11,THEROSARIOHOUSE
SIEMPRE (ALWAYS)...........................................................................BOLERO SINGER & CAMILA
SCENE12,THECLUB
THE CLUB.......................................................................................................FULL COMPANY
BLACKOUT.....................................................................................................FULL COMPANY
THEREWILLBEA15MINUTEINTERMISSIONBETWEENACTS
~
SCENE1,BENNY’SFIREESCAPE- SUNDAYMORNING
SUNRISE..........................................................................................NINA, BENNY & COMPANY
SCENE2,OUTSIDETHEBODEGA;THEROSARIOFIREESCAPE
SCENE3,INTERIOROFUSNAVIANDABUELA’SAPARTMENT
HUNDREDS OF STORIES....................................................................ABUELA CLAUDIA & USNAVI
SCENE4,OUTSIDETHEDISPATCHBOOTH
ENOUGH....................................................................................................................CAMILA
SCENE5,THESTREET
CARNAVAL DEL BARRIO............................................................................DANIELA & COMPANY
SCENE6,THEDISPATCHBOOTH
ATENCION....................................................................................................................KEVIN
SETTING:WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NEW YORK, NY (PRESENT DAY)
SCENE7, THESTREET
ALABANZA.......................................................................................USNAVI, NINA & COMPANY
SCENE8,ONTHESTREET - LATERTHATAFTERNOON
EVERYTHING I KNOW......................................................................................................NINA
SCENE9, OUTSIDETHESALON
NO ME DIGA (REPRISE)....................................................................DANIELA, CARLA & VANESSA
SCENE10,ONTHESTREET
PIRAGUA (REPRISE).................................................................................................PIRAGÜERA
SCENE11,THEBODEGA
CHAMPAGNE..............................................................................................USNAVI & VANESSA
SCENE12,THEDISPATCHBOOTH
WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN..............................................................................NINA & BENNY
SCENE13, ASHADYALLEYWAY-LATEATNIGHT
SCENE14,THESTREET-MONDAYMORNING,SUNRISE
FINALE.....................................................................................................USNAVI & COMPANY
JAISON HAYNES as USNAVI
JAISON HAYNES is a senior and is honored to play Usnavi in his first Legacy Studios production. His previous roles include Shrek/Shrek the Musical, Jay/Descendants on Stage, Patrick Star/ The Spongebob Musical, and Schroeder/You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Jaison would like to thank his mom for always supporting him, Ty for believing in him, and the entire cast and crew for being the family he didn’t know he needed but is eternally grateful he found. “Blood, sweat, and respect. The first two you give, the last one you earn.” - Dwayne Johnson
ELLIOT BAEZ as VANESSA
ELLIOT BAEZ is a junior in high school and will be gladly stepping on for his first-ever theatrical production. Elliot would like to thank his friends: they’re his everything, they helped him through something heavy, and this musical was the result of that help. He would also love to thank his parents for showing him that he could achieve something if he just applied himself, and nurturing him to never be anyone but himself. Elliot wants to thank his director the most for pushing him and making it so that every day was a bit more bearable, because he had something to look forward to. “Never be afraid to be yourself. Your greatness shines a light through whatever you do.” - Elliot Baez.
JAHLIL COLEMAN as BENNY
JAHLIL COLEMAN is a senior at Wilbur Cross High School. This is his first year performing with New Haven Academy, but he has been involved with theater for about 7 years and has had a lot of fun doing it. Jahlil would like to thank Wilbur Cross Lights Up Drama Club and all the other theater programs he participated in for helping him become a better actor every day. He would also like to thank his family for inspiring him every day to reach his goals.
TOMITSELA ENGEL-HALFKENNY*as NINA/DANIELA(US)
TOMITSELA ENGEL-HALFKENNY is a Sophomore at New Haven Academy and is incredibly excited to be on stage with Legacy Studios once again. Their past roles include Scarecrow/The Wiz, Kira/Gathering Blue, Feste/Twelfth Night: The Musical, and Woman 1/Songs For A New World, to name a few. Tomi serves as Secretary for the Drama club, and has been in that position for a year! Tomi would like to send a huge thank you to all of their friends, family, and everyone else who has supported and encouraged them throughout their life. “Be kind today, especially to yourself. You, there is no one like you.” - Mandy Gonzalez
ALE CRUZ* as DANIELA/VANESSA(US)
ALEJANDRA CRUZ is a senior and is excited for her last performance as a Legacy Studios veteran. A few previous roles include; Marla McGowan/ Leap of Faith, Willie Mae Superior/ Heart: The Holiday Play, and Man 1 & 2 and Woman 1 & 2/ Songs for a New World. Ale has served as President of the drama club since it was established in her junior year. She would like to thank her family for being so supportive throughout this journey, and Legacy Studios for making her last two years in high school so memorable. She would also like to give a special thanks to Ty for always pushing her to be the best she can be and letting her spend her study halls in his classroom. "Tonight, we're drinking straight from the bottle." - Lin Manuel-Miranda
SORA MATTA as CARLA
SORA (MIKAILA) MATTA is a junior and is thrilled to perform their dream show as Carla in the Legacy Studios production of “In The Heights”. This is Sora’s 4th performance with NHA. They previously starred as Faith/Brooklyn the Musical, Crystal/Little Shop of Horrors, Pumpkin/Paradise Blue, Rosa/The Rose Tattoo, and Estelle/No Exit. Sora would like to say thank you to New Haven Academy for letting them join their family; specifically Ty for being a fantastic director since their freshman year. “Creative is magic. Don’t examine it too closely.” - Edward Albee.
CHRISTOPHER SAMUELS as SONNY
CHRISTOPHER “TOPHER” SAMUELS is a sophomore and is ecstatic to take on the role of Sonny in the Legacy Studios production of “In The Heights”. He previously starred as Blue in Paradise Blue. He is forever grateful for the support and encouragement from those he surrounds himself with. “Sunsets are just reminders that even endings can be beautiful.”
AZAAD MAMOON* as KEVIN
AZAAD MAMOON is a senior and is proud to be in his last Legacy Studios production. His previous roles include Corn/Paradise Blue and Mr. Superior/Heart: The Holiday Play. This is his first musical. Azaad serves as the Senior Rep. for the drama club and has served faithfully for the entire year! Azaad would like to thank his parents for putting up with late-night rehearsals and his friends for encouraging him along the way, and of course to Ty for pushing him to his limits.
"Good morning!" -
Kevin Rosario
SOLIMAR QUINTANILLA as CAMILA/YOLANDA
SOLIMAR QUINTANILLA is a freshman ready to go on stage for her first musical. Previously she appeared in Heart: The Holiday Play as Alisha, and now is acting in In The Heights as Camila. Solimar would like to thank the people who have supported her in this journey and the people who will proceed to support her for all her shows.
“Nothing is GREAT without any effort!” -Solimar Quintanilla
CRISTIAN ORTIZ as GRAFFITI PETE
CRISTIAN ORTIZ is a sophomore and is starring in his first-ever musical production as Graffiti Pete. Although this is his first theatrical performance, he previously worked crew in Paradise Blue for Legacy Studios. Cristian would like to thank all of his family and friends for supporting him.
“You are the music while the music lasts.” - T.S. Eliot
JAYLAH JONES* as ABUELA CLAUDIA
JAYLAH JONES is a senior and is honored to be stepping onto the Legacy Studios stage for the very last time. Her previous roles include; Assist. Stage Manager/Songs for a New World, Production Stage Manager/Paradise Blue, Mama Mabel/Heart: The Holiday Play, and Abuela Claudia/In the Heights. Jaylah serves as Production Stage Manager for the drama club. She would like to thank everyone in the drama club.
HAZEL RIVERA as PIRAGÜERA
HAZEL RIVERA is a sophomore and is honored to be on the Legacy Studios stage for the very first time. This is her first ever musical and she is grateful to have done it with Legacy Studios. Hazel would like to thank her mother, Miss Alfred, Ajanae, Solimar, and Elliot, and the rest of her amazing cast and crew. She loves you all and thanks you for supporting her.
“Change for you and not others.”
JEREMIAH MCCULLOUGH as ENSEMBlE/BENNY(US)
JEREMIAH MCCULLOUGH is a junior and is honored to be stepping onto the Legacy Studios stage for the fourth time. His previous roles include; Pastor Branford Sullivan/Heart:The Holiday Play, P-Sam/Paradise Blue, & Man 2/Songs for a New World. Jeremiah serves as Junior Rep. for the drama club and has served on the committee since his sophomore year. Jeremiah would like to thank his mom, dad, and girlfriend for being so supportive, along with a huge thank you to his director for getting him through this demanding production. "Oh snap, who’s that? Don’t touch me, I’m too hot!" - Lin Manuel-Miranda
AYANA SALAHUDDIN as ENSEMBLE/NINA(US)
AYANA SALAHUDDIN is a senior at New Haven Academy and is excited to be a part of her first-ever Legacy Studios production! Gracing the stage as a member of the ensemble, she is thrilled, because this is also her first-ever musical production! Ayana would love to give great thanks to her parents for their constant support in all of her musical, theatrical, and academic endeavors. She would also like to thank her cast and crew for their immense energy and dedication brought to every rehearsal that translated on stage. "Just make it up as you go — we are improvisando." - Lin-Manuel Miranda
CHARLES JEFFERY as ENSEMBLE/PIRAGÜERO(US)
CHARLES JEFFERY is a junior at New Haven Academy and is proud to be working his first NHA production. Charles has been in many Shakespeare shows including the roles of; Hamlet in Hamlet, Leonato in Much Ado about Nothing, and Brutus in Ceasar. Charles would like to thank his past directors, Ben Curns and Sarah Bowles, for bringing him up in his acting career as well as his parents for being very supportive of his acting. “Dad is quite good?” -Charles J.
ADRIAN GUZMAN as ENSEMBLE
ADRIAN GUZMAN is a junior who is excited to step on to the NHA drama stage for the first time after six years of being a Shakespeare actor. Adrian would like to thank his parents and family for their support during his career as an actor.
“This moment is for now but the memories, the glory is Eternal”
AJANAE JORDAN-PERVIS* as ENSEMBLE
AJANAE JORDAN-PERVIS is a freshman and is ecstatic to be on the stage for the first time. Ajanae serves as the Freshman Rep. for the drama club and has had this role all year. She wants to thank her mother and sister for pushing her to stay in the drama program.
“We are all good enough for someone”- Ajanae Jordan-Pervis
MICHELLE COCHRAN as ENSEMBLE
MICHELLE COCHRAN is a freshman at NHA and this is her third show with Legacy Studios. Her previous roles include Annie/Annie Jr, Silver/Paradise Blue, Willie/Heart: the Holiday Play. Michelle would like to thank the entire cast and crew of In The Heights, and Ty for directing. She would also like to thank her family for their support.
"The blood, sweat and tears were worth it for this moment."
-Michelle CochranLILY GONZALEZ* as ENSEMBLE
LILY GONZALEZ is a junior and is honored to be stepping onto the Legacy Studios stage. Her previous roles include; Ensemble/Songs For a New World and Understudy for Pumpkin/Paradise Blue. Lily serves as Treasurer for the drama club and has served faithfully for the entire year! Lily would like to thank the castmates that pushed her to do the show: “Now I don’t regret doing this with them all.”
“The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.” -Leonard I. Sweet
JAILEEN SOWELL as ENSEMBLE
JAILEEN SOWELL is a sophomore and is thankful to be in this production again. Her previous roles were in Heart as Young Mama Mable. Jaileen would like to thank her parents for giving her the courage for doing these plays.
“Greatness is everything.” - Mr. T.
Ty Scurry , he/him, is an award winning director and educator in the New Haven Public School system. He also has the please to serve on the Board of Directors for Fuse Theatre of CT. Ty is also a skilled professional musician and singer - performing primarily in southern CT. His on stage roles include:"Hairspray" (Seaweed), “FAME” (Tyrone Jackson), “Songs for a New World” (Man 1), and “In The Heights” (Benny) to name a few. As an educator and director, he has been nominated and won numerous awards with the Halo Awards (the CT High School Theatre Awards) and the Sondheim Awards (The CT Regional Awards for the National Musical Theater Awards). Ty’s goal is that through his work and life - young student artists are liberated, edified, and create their own legacy in life.
KEVIN JAMES as MUSIC DIRECTOR
Kevin James is a gospel and jazz pianist hailing from New Haven, CT, yet his repertoire expands the bounds of genres having played for a variety of artists including folk, pop, and r&b. With a passion for music and education, Kevin serves as Barnard Magnet School's band director, inspiring young musicians to follow their dreams, regardless of their circumstances. Kevin James has also served as the musical director for shows like Urinetown, Heathers, The Wiz, Rent, Brklyn, Hairspray, Sister Act, Brooklyn, Little Shop of Horrors, and Rock of Ages.
MARIAH BARROSO as PROD STAGE MANAGER
MARIAHBARROSOisasenioratNHA,andisecstatictobeabletocontributetoLegacyStudiosduringherfinal yearastheProductionStageManager!MariahservesastheHistorianandPRManagerforthedramaclub.She wouldliketothankherfriendsinthedramaclubformakingherfeelwelcomed.Shealsowantstogiveabig“thank you”toherparentsforsupportingherthroughtheprocess,andherboyfriendforhisconstantencouragement.
MADELEINE GARLEY-ERB as ASST STAGE MANAGER
MADELEINEGARLEY-ERBisajuniorandisexcitedtobeapartofthisproductionasanassistantstagemanager, aswellasthephotographer.ShewastheProd.StageManagerfortheAcademicTheaterCompany’s“LittleShop ofHorrors”,andisgratefultobeabletoworkwithTyagain.Shewouldliketocongratulateeveryoneonthehard workthatwentintocreatingthisshow!
AUSTEN FAY as ASST STAGE MANAGER
AUSTENFAYisasophomoreandappreciatestheabilitytoworkbackstage.HispreviousrolesincludedScenic designer/SongsForANewWorld,ScenicDesigner/ParadiseBlue,&ScenicDesigner&StageManager/InThe Heights.Hethankshisfamily,friends,andteachersfortheirsupport!
CAMERON SILVA as SOUND DESIGNER & TECH
CAMERONSILVAisasophomorewhohasbeenapartofeveryNHAdramaproductiontodate.Heservesassound designer,engineer,andcrewleader.He’sbeenamemberofLegacyStudiossincethebeginning,butbegan runningsoundforParadiseBlueinthefallof2023.Cameronisoftenthebuttofmany,MANYjokesinthedrama program,whichatthispointishisjobinandofitself.Cameronwouldliketothankhismomforputtingupwith theselongrehearsalsandMr.Tforputtinghimonsound.
KEIRSTEN GENTLES
KEIRSTENGENTLESisasophomorewhohasbeenpartofLegacyStudiossincethebeginning.Hehasenjoyed beingabletoprogramthelightsforthisproduction,andhewouldliketothankhisfriendCameronforencouraging himtojoinLegacyStudios. as LIGHTING DESIGNER & TECH
JOSEPH PALLO as TICKETS & HOSPITALITY
JOSEPHPALLOisaFreshmanatNewHavenAcademywherehe playsthefluteintheYaleProgramatWoolseyHall.Thisishis firsttimeintechandheisdoingleadhospitalityforInThe Heights.Josephwouldthankhisparentsforraisinghimintoa responsibleperson.
KAYLAH KORNEGAY as TICKETS & HOSPITALITY
KAYLAHKORNEGAYisafreshmanthisisherfirstperformance withNHA.Kaylahwouldliketothankherfamilybecausethey believedinherandsupportedhernomatterwhat.Shewould alsoliketothankherfriendsforbeingtherenomatterwhat.
“Alwaysturnanegativeintoapositive”-MichaelJordan
BRANDON RIDLEY as SPOT OPERATOR
BRANDONRIDLEY,freshmentechcrewmemberishonoredto beapartofthiswonderfulproduction.Althoughhehaslittleto nopreviousexperiencehestillwillbeapartoftechtoday. Brandonwouldliketothankhisteacher,Mr.TyScurry,his classmatesandeveryoneelsewhobelievedinhim.
CAVIYAH MOSS as HAIR/MAKEUP & RUNCREW
CAVIYAHMOSSisafreshmanandishonoredtobecontributing toaLegacyStudiosshowfortheveryfirsttime.Caviyahwould liketothankherparentsfortheirsupportandforpushingherto donewthings.
LAUREN SELLER as RUN CREW
LAURENSELLERisafreshmanthisyearandishonoredtobe workingwithLegacyStudiosfortheveryfirsttime.Laurenwould liketothanktheirparentsandfamilymembersforsupporting them.
VALENTIN REYES as HOSPITALITY
VALENTINREYESisafreshmanhappytobeparticipatinginthis show.HewouldliketothankhisteacherTyandhisclassmatesin hisdramaclassforhelping&supportinghim.Hewouldalsolike togivethankstohisfamilyforalwayshavinghisback. "Bethemoon,‘causethemoonshinesinthedarkesthours"
MARIANNA JOHNSON as TICKETS & HOSPITALITY
MARIANNAJOHNSONisafreshmanatNewHavenAcademywho isexcitedtobehospitalitycrewfortheshowIntheHeights.
KYLEIGH LANGLEY as HOSPITALITY
KYLEIGHLANGLEYisafreshmanandisexcitedtobepartof hospitalitycrew.Kyleighwouldliketothankherparentsfortheir supportandallherbestfriendsforconstantpushtobegreat everyday.“Bealiveyouonlyliveonce”-Kyleigh
KAMARI HARRIS as SPOT OPERATOR
KAMARIHARRISisafreshmanthisyearandishonoredtobe workingwithLegacyStudiosfortheveryfirsttime.Kamariwould liketothankhisparentsandhisotherfamilymembersfor gettinghimplaceswhenneeded.
INNANA MAMOON as HAIR/MAKEUP & RUNCREW
INNANAMAMOONisafreshmanthisyearandishonoredtobe workingwithLegacyStudiosforthesecondtime.Innanawould liketothankherparentsandfamilymembersforsupportingher.
GABRIELLE WALKER as SOUND TECHNICIAN
GABRIELLEWALKERisafreshmanthisyearandishonoredtobe workingwithLegacyStudiosfortheveryfirsttime.Gabbywould liketothanktheirparentsandfamilymembersforsupporting them.
ANTONIO VALAZQUEZ as HOSPITALITY
ANTONIOVALAZQUEZisafreshmanandishonoredtobe steppingintothedramaeraofhishighschoolexperienceforthe veryfirsttime.Antoniowouldliketothankhisteachersfortheir supportalongtheway.
GREG BALDWIN............................................. PRINCIPAL
MEREDITH GAVRIN..........................PROGRAM DIRECTOR
ELLEN MAUST ............................NHPS ARTS SUPERVISOR
DR. MADELINE NEGRÓN.............. NHPS SUPERINTENDENT
JOSEPH PALLO.......................DIRECTOR OF HOSPITALITY
KYLEIGH LANGLEY...............................................USHER
ALHENNY JUARBE................................................USHER
ANTONIO VALAZQUEZ .........................................USHER
KAMARI DIXON ...................................................USHER
VALENTIN REYES... .............................................USHER
KAYLAH KORNEGAY............................................USHER
MARIANNA JOHNSON ..........................................USHER
ROBERT RODRIGUEZ............................................USHER
ANTHONY SMITH ................................................USHER
SEMAJ BATTLE-REED...........................................USHER
TY T. SCURRY.......................PERFORMING ARTS DIRCTOR
ALE CRUZ.....................................................PRESIDENT
JAYLAH JONES................PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
LILY GONZALEZ..............................................TREASUER
AJANAE JORDAN-PERVIS........................FRESHMAN REP.
KIERSTEN GENTLES.............................SOPHOMORE REP.
TOMITSELA ENGEL-HALFKENNY....................SECRETARY
JEREMIAH MCCULLOUGH.............................JUNIOR REP.
AZAAD MAMOON.........................................SENIOR REP.
AMANI DUMBUYA ..........................................RUN CREW
INNANA MAMOON..........................................RUN CREW
CAVIYAH MOSS..............................................RUN CREW
LIBERTY MASSEY............................................RUN CREW
LAUREN SELLERS............................................RUN CREW
TY T. SCURRY....................... CO-DIRECTOR & PRODUCER
JOSIE INGALL...........................................CO-DIRECTOR
KEVIN JAMES.......................................MUSIC DIRECTOR
TY T. SCURRY.......................................CHOREOGRAPHY
AUSTEN FAY.......................................SCENIC DESIGNER
TIMOTHY KANE..........................................SET BUILDER
CAST OF IN THE HEIGHTS..........................SET BUILDERS
CAMERON SILVA...............SOUND DESIGNER & OPERATOR
GABRIELLE WALKER.................SOUND BOARD OPERATOR
KEIRSTEN GENTLES..........................LIGHTING DESIGNER
KEIRSTEN GENTLES..............LIGHTING BOARD OPERATOR
SORAMATTA.................COSTUMEDESIGNERANDSUPERVISOR
TOMITSELAENGEL-HALFKENNY............COSTUMESUPERVISOR
INNANAMAMOON...............MAKE-UPDESIGNER&SUPERVISOR
CAVIYAHMOSS...................................HAIR&MAKEUPARTIST
MADELEINEGARLEY-ERB......................SHOWPHOTOGRAPHER
NEWHAVENACADEMYGYMATORIUM
444ORANGESTREET. NEWHAVEN,CT06511
SCHOOLPHONE: (475)220-7500
BOXOFFICE&INFO: (203)444-7269 WWW.NHADRAMA.ORG
PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY
THETAKINGOFPHOTOGRAPHS/VIDEOGRAPHYOFANY
KINDDURINGANYPERFORMANCEISSTRICTLY PROHIBITED!
WILBURCROSSHIGHSCHOOLAUDITORIUM
181MITCHELLDRIVE. NEWHAVEN,CT06511
SCHOOLPHONE: (475)220-7500
BOXOFFICE&INFO: (203)444-7269 WWW.NHADRAMA.ORG
THEATRECOURTESY
LATECOMERSWILLBESEATEDATTHEDISCRECTIONOF THEAUDIENCESERVICESTAFF.PLEASEFOLLOWTHEIR INSTRUCTIONSORYOUMAYBEASKEDTOLEAVETHE
PREMISESWITHNOREIMBURSEMENT.WEASKTHATFOR YOURSAFETY&OUTOFRESPECTFORTHEACTORSON
STAGETHATYOULEAVEYOURSEATONLYDURING APPLAUSEATTHEENDOFASONG/SCENEORAT INTERMISSION.
CELLPHONES
CELLPHONEUSEISSTRICTLYPROHIBTEDWHILETHE SHOWISINPLACE!
RESTROOMS
RESTROOMSARELOCATEDATTHEFRONTOFTHE AUDITORIUM.PLEASEUSETHERESTROOMTHATBESTS FITSYOURGENDERIDENITYOREXPRESSION.
ACCESSIBILITY CONCESSIONS
THENEWHAVENACADEMYGYMNATORIUMANDWILBUR CROSSAUDITORIUMISWHEELCHAIRACCESSIBLEWITH WHEELCHAIRACCESSIBLESEATING.
FEELFREETOENJOYANYOFOURDELICIOUSSNACKS& TREATSBEFORETHESHOWORATINTERMISSIONATTHE CONCESSIONTABLE!
AUDIENCESERVICES
NEEDHELPFINDINGYOURSEAT?CAN'TFINDTHE BATHROOM?WANTANEXTRAPROGRAM?OURAUDIENCE SERVICETEAMISHEREFORYOU!
BOXOFFICEHOURS
NON-PERFORMANCEDAYS
MONDAY-FRIDAY10AM-12PM|4PM-7PM
PERFORMANCEDAYS
BOXOFFICEOPENSONEHOURBEFORECURTAIN
THEBOXOFFICEDOESNOTACCEPTCALLSDURINGTHE ONEHOURPRIORTOCURTAIN.TICKETSAREALSO AVAILABLE7DAYSAWEEK,24HOURSADAYONOUR WEBSITEATWWW.NHADRAMA.ORG.
THE “CRITICAL” CIRCLE
$25+
KAITLYN DRENZEK ELIZABETH TREJO JUDITH WILSON PAULETTE BROOKS
JESSICA ROMAN TRACY BADEN
STACEY KROOP KENDRA ROSENBLATT
JINEANE MCMINN ALIDA ENGEL
KAREN PRESSMAN CATHERINE DIANE MOORE
ALEXIS SMITH
SEAN & TRISTAN LYNETTE E. JONES
HEATHER COCHRAN PATRICIA FARAONE NOGELO
HILLARY COX JEN GURKA
ELIZABETH SANTAUS POLLY HALFKENNY
GINA NAVARRA NODELLA S JORDAN
KAITLYN DRENZEK KRISTIN MARIANO
DONNA L. GOLDEN KRISTIN MARIANO
AMAAR AL-HAYDER MITCHELL PASCAL
CHERIAN STENNETT CHRISTOPHER STENNETT KARROL-ANN BROWN GRANT UNDERWOOD
ELIZABETH CURTISS
ANTHONY BARROSO
JOSHUA SMITH
WARREN J. LEFTRIDGE SR.
TACOS EL AZTECA OSCAR M. PAINTING LLC. LIBERTY BANK
THE “RESPONSIBLE” CIRCLE
$500+
THE CRUZ FAMILY NEW HAVEN DEPARTMENT OF ARTS, CULTURE & TOURISM
THE “INVOLVED” CIRCLE DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE
LEGACY CIRCLE
ALARGEANDSIGNIFICANTPORTIONOFLEGACYSTUDIOSPRODUCTIONEXPENSESARE DEFRAYEDBYADSANDSPONSORSHIPSINOURPROGRAMSFOROURPRODUCTIONS THROUGHOUTTHEYEAR
WEHOPEYOUWILLCONSIDERPURCHASINGANADAND/ORMAKINGADONATIONTOAPPLAUD THEWORKOFOURNEWHAVENACADEMYTHEATRESTUDENTSORTOPROMOTEYOURLOCAL BUSINESS
WEVERYMUCHAPPRECIATEYOURCONTINUEDINTERESTANDSUPPORT,ANDHOPE TOSEEYOUATOURSHOW!
WEARENOWACCEPTINGSPONSORSHIPSANDADSFOROUR2024/2025PRODUCTIONSEASON. FORMOREINFORMATIONORTOBECOMEASPONSOR,PLEASECONTACT MEDIA NHADRAMA@GMAIL COMORCALLUSAT2034447269
LET’SKEEPCREATINGBEAUTIFULLEGACIESTOGETHER!
Greetings to all,
Welcome to the illustrious New Haven Academy, home of the Legacy Studios Drama Club. It is an honor and a privilege to be the Performing Arts Teacher and Director here at NHA.
We are continuing to make history not only as we present our third and final show in our first ever season of shows, but we also get to do something super cool which is present a piece of work that students are enthused about.
We’ve been working so hard to continue the work that we started back in September. By now I believe my students have realized that there was a reason behind my mantra: #CreateYourLegacy. It becomes our anthem and we march to that song faithfully, allowing it to develop us as actors, artists, and as people! If you don’t leave with anything else, look at the students on the stage: understand that to do what they do takes passion, dedication, determination, resilience, perseverance, and faith. My students have gone above and beyond what I have asked and I’m truly grateful for them! Thank you to EVERYONE that has helped or had their hand in developing this program into what it is becoming! I appreciate everything that you have done for the program. Always remember that ensuring that the arts are available to all students should not be a choice but a necessity!
~ Mr. T Performing Arts Teacher and Director
ALE C.
AZAAD M.
AYANNA S.
JAHLIL C.
JAYLAH J.
JAISON H.
MARIAH B.
Studios Drama Club is proud to be part of the
