This production was dedicated to Susan & Budd Zupp.

Promotional artwork designed by Douglas Merk.

Read the Review: Dayton Most Metro Watch the Preview: Spectrum News 1 Watch the Preview: ABC 22/Fox 45/Dayton 24/7 Now Read the Preview: Dayton Daily News In The Heights/Project YOUsnavi – Recorded and mixed by Quinn Bennett Study Guide

Lin-Manuel Miranda and movie team send emotional messages to Muse cast

Lin-Manuel Miranda tweeted “All I want for Christmas is for you to post footage of your reactions when you watch the In The Heights movie trailer…” So here we are, the young Dayton cast of Muse Machine’s In The Heights, watching the trailer… and reacting with all our hearts:

Jon Chu (director of the In The Heights movie and Crazy Rich Asians) shared the Muse Machine reaction video, saying, “Good morning! Wow yesterday was surreal. I’m still shaking. Here’s one of my favorite reactions to the trailer of the In The Heights movie. THIS is why I’ve wanted to make movies since I was a kid in a class just like this one.”

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who conceived In The Heights and Hamilton, commented on the Muse Machine cast, “Jon sent this to the movie cast group chat and everyone is crying. To be in a high school musical again…” Miranda then sent a loving video message to the Muse cast:

Quiara Alegria Hudes, who wrote the book of the In The Heights stage musical and the screenplay of the movie, said, ”Young Dayton Ohio cast of In The Heights reacts to In The Heights movie and my heart overfloweth.”

Olga Merediz (principal cast member in Orange Is The New Black, the In The Heights movie and Tony nominated for In The Heights on Broadway), commenting on Muse Machine’s reaction, “This. This made me cry!”

Melissa Barrera (singer and principal cast member of the In The Heights movie) responded to Muse with, “Bawling (with crying and heart emojis).”

Stephanie Beatriz (cast member of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and the In The Heights movie) reacted to Muse through emojis as well, with tears and hearts.

The official In The Heights movie tweeted, “BRB SOBBING We love you Muse Machine, Dayton Ohio!”

Muse Machine’s story was retweeted by Leslie Grace (singer/songwriter and principal cast member of the In The Heights movie) and the story was covered by Broadway World.

With over 43,000 views across platforms, as well as kind reactions coming in from across the globe, we are overwhelmed by the outpouring. Nothing could make us happier than to express our love for this story to the creators who bring it to life. The loving responses from Lin-Manuel and the movie team have infused our project with excitement and emotion.

Joining the creative process

When Muse musical director Rufus Bonds Jr. was invited to teach at Syracuse University, people were curious who will direct Muse’s next show. We are thrilled to introduce our new director, along with a few other new faces who will help to shape our production of In The Heights.

Muse welcomes Jeffrey Polk as the director of In The Heights. Jeffrey is an actor (television, Broadway, national tours), director and choreographer with a powerful international reputation (our Muse conversations began while he completed a directing project in Japan this summer). As a resident of a largely Hispanic American community on the West Coast, Jeffrey is excited to join the Muse family and to tell this particular story.

Choreographer Lula Elzy returns from New Orleans to Muse for her 21st season, and this time combines forces with two visiting choreographers. A collaborator on past Muse summer performances, dancer, choreographer and teacher Armando Silva returns to Muse Machine from Houston, where his students are predominantly new arrivals to the U.S. and/or first generation Americans from Mexico, Latin America, South America and the Philippines.

Tyson Randolph, a dancer and choreographer based in New Orleans, returns to Muse after contributing to our production of Hairspray several years ago. Most of our cast experienced his unparalleled energies during their auditions and he will collaborate on the creation of selected dances for our version of the show.

Yvonne Wathen from The Puerto Rican, American and Caribbean Organization (PACO) will speak to the group about Hispanic cultures and community, as well as reflecting on the students’ performances.

Each new production is an opportunity to grow the creative skills and life skills of more than 100 students who work together to make something wonderful. Some shows open additional doors to educate students and audiences alike about other periods, places and cultures. The new contributors to this creative process, alongside returning team members and our students, are eager to explore and celebrate the culture and people around which this story is based!