In the Heights a moving portrait of moving…and coming home

by Ruth Isenberg

In the Heights is about movement—and about moving. The annual musical performance at the PA Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University is always popular, always fun, and always a showcase for talented singers and dancers. In the Heights checked all those boxes, with energetic dancers at the top of the list.

Co-written by Hamilton creator LinManuel Miranda and Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegría Hudes, In the Heights is set over a Fourth of July weekend in New York’s Washington Heights. The plot isn’t the point, exactly. Every character is an immigrant, or the son or daughter of an immigrant, and every character faces challenges and opportunities in the vibrant city neighborhood that is their home.

The cast is multi-ethnic, reflecting the makeup of the part of Queens they portray. The set is stark, at first glimpse, but more complex as the action unfolds, and reflects the colorful mix of people.

Usnavi, played by Ryan

Reyes, is the center that holds the show together. His corner bodega is a hub for the community, and the center of the action. He is an alumnus of the DeSales University theatre program and PSF’s Young Company, and says it is a role he relates to, “not only with my Boricua roots, but also growing up knowing the struggles of running a business alongside my parents and siblings.”

Danny Bolero plays the other main male role, the taxi company owner Kevin Rosario. Bolero has a long history with the show having played the replacement role of Kevin Rosario in the original Broadway production and originating the role in the 1st National Tour. “It’s very seldom that there’s a musical that speaks to Latinos,” Bolero says. “My parents, who were Mexican, came here with very little education, my dad worked three jobs, and together my parents worked to get us a house and put us through private school. It’s that same immigrant story that’s in the show. I had to be a part of it.”

The whole cast is outstanding, with special mention of a few of the female roles— Ariana Valdes as hair salon owner Daniela has a strong voice and is given some great songs to show it off, and Tauren

Hagans’ number where she runs out of patience with her husband Kevin and her daughter brought spontaneous applause on opening night because of its spot-on delivery.

The mix of dance and music, the colors, the energy, all combine to create a joyful explosion of storytelling. The tale is one of change, of growth, and of finding home.

Performances continue through July 2 at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of DeSales University. Tickets are available at pashakespeare.org, or by calling 610.282.WILL [9455].

Congratulations, Class of 2023

Alvernia University

Kayla Renode of Jim Thorpe earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in English. Madeline Ruff of Jim Thorpe earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a majorin Criminal Justice and minors in Political Science and Pre-Law.

Cedar Crest College

On Saturday, May 13, Cedar Crest College held its 153rd Commencement Ceremony at the PPL Center in Allentown. Among the graduates were Marissa Andrews of Jim Thorpe, Evelyn Hydock of Jim Thorpe, Alexandra Uzar of Albrightsville

East Stroudsburg U.

Over 1,200 students received degrees from East Stroudsburg University. Among them is Jasmine Aue of Jim Thorpe.

University of Scranton

More than 500 graduates earned undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees at The University of Scranton.

Asyaa K. Dixon of Albrightsvlle earned a Master of Accountancy in accountancy.

Jillian H. Saltz of Albrightsville earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy.

Muhlenberg College

Jim Thorpe resident Seth Paluck graduated with a B.A. - Bachelor of Arts Degree in the Finance Major and a Business Administration Minor.

Albrightsville resident Sarah Rosenberger graduated with a B.S.Bachelor of Science Degree in the Environmental Science Major.

St. Lawrence U.

Nathan Rosahac of Jim Thorpe majored in biology. He attended Jim Thorpe Senior High School.

Wilkes University

Wilkes University awarded over 650 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at its 76th spring commencement ceremonies on May 20. Jacob Paluck of Jim Thorpe earned the Doctor of Pharmacy in Pharmacy. Jeremy Vanauken of Albrightsville earned the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

Joclyn Day of Jim Thorpe earned the Doctor of Pharmacy in Pharmacy.

Jocilyn Steigerwalt of Jim Thorpe earned the Doctor of Pharmacy in Pharmacy.