This summer, Virginia Rep is opening IN THE HEIGHTS (the hit hip-hop musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton). Virginia Rep Artistic Director Nathaniel Shaw, who’s directing the show, has announced the cast and crew:

 

These actors are making their VaRep debut:

 

Arielle Jacobs returns to role of Vanessa after starring as Nina in the Broadway production and in the first national tour.

 

JJ Caruncho will play Usnavi, a role he has played Off-Broadway.

 

Shea Gomez will play Nina. Recent credits include the National Tour of Joseph … Dreamcoat,

 

Choreographer Karla Garcia comes to Richmond from New York, where she is currently in the Broadway cast of Hamilton.

 

Ben Miller will serve as Music Director. Recent music directing credits include A Christmas Story and The Color Purple for Virginia Rep.

 

They’re remounting the original Broadway design, by Anna Louizos. which was created for the Richard Rodgers Theatre in 2008.

 

Joe Doran will serve as lighting designer. Recent Virginia Rep credits include A Christmas Story and Dreamgirls.

 

Costume Director, Sarah Grady‘s work was last seen in VaRep’s Dreamgirls,.

 

Josh Marin was most recently in Buffalo Soldier, The Color Purple, and Violet, a co-production with Cadence Theatre.

 

Vilma Gill (Beehive and Swingtime Cantina for Virginia Rep) returns in the role of Camilla Rosario.

 

Other cast members include:

Kita Grayson

Melissa Vasquez Cartwright

Yvonne Strumecki

James Schoppe

Fernando Rivadeneira

Roberto Whitaker

LaWanda Raines

Dia Davis

Makenzie Mercer

Diontey Michael

Joshua James Crawford

Alana Thomas

Savannah George

Ira White

Edgar Cavazos

Gabi Campo