We're Takin' A Flight: Meet IN THE HEIGHTS Ensemble member Angel Alvarez

In New York’s vibrant Washington Heights, hundreds of stories come to life on every block—from bodega owner Usnavi to neighborhood matriarch Abuela Claudia, street artist Graffiti Pete to aspiring stylist Vanessa. Together, they chase their own slice of the American Dream while staying true to where they come from.

An irresistible tale of hopes and dreams, generational change and the value of tradition, the Tony Award-winning musical IN THE HEIGHTS plays in the Jeffers Theatre at HCT from June 21st-29th.

Making her Hickory Community Theatre debut on the Pamela Livingstone Stage, though she's been plenty busy behind the scenes, is Ensemble Member Angel Alvarez.

A Hickory resident and current Sheetz employee, Alvarez enjoys reading, baking, and playing video games in her spare time. A South Caldwell High School graduate, Alvarez is an International Thespian Society member whose numerous credits at SCHS include THE WIZARD OF OZ, SEUSSICAL JR., MACBETH, GRIMMS' FAIRY TALES, ANXIETY IS ORANGE, and POE: MASTER OF THE MACABRE. Alvarez has also chilled and thrilled audiences as a Scare Actor for Lake Hickory Haunts.

At Hickory Community Theatre, Alvarez was previously a member of the technical crew for ANASTASIA, RIDE THE CYCLONE and EATING BLACKBERRIES, and most recently was the Stage Manager for AIRNESS. "It really is a community filled with talented, kind and welcoming people."

For Alvarez, "the actor most likely to have everything you need" in her bag, the move to performing on stage in IN THE HEIGHTS has been one of great personal reward. "I've not been able to be in touch with my heritage, and I thought this would be a good opportunity. And I'm able to do so many fun dances."

Performances of IN THE HEIGHTS are Fridays and Saturdays, June 21st through June 29th at 7:30 PM; Sunday, June 23rd at 2:30 PM; and, Thursday, June 27th at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $16 for adults, $10 for youth and students.

Tickets are available online at hickorytheatre.org, or by phone at 828-328-2283. The theatre box office is open from 12-5 PM Wednesday through Friday, or one half-hour before a performance.

IN THE HEIGHTS is rated PG-13.

IN THE HEIGHTS is produced in association with Alex Lee, Inc. The Hickory Community Theatre’s 75th season is sponsored by Paramount Automotive, SunBelt Xpress and Green Park Dentistry. HCT is a Funded Affiliate of Arts Culture Catawba and receives additional support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

(Photo by Katie Stone)