Pioneer Theatre Company brings Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights” back to its stage

By Madeleine Rex, publicity manager, Pioneer Theatre Company

For those who may not have gotten tickets to “Hamilton” at the Eccles, or who can’t get enough of its creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, PTC’s concert production of “In the Heights” provides another way to get their “fix.”

PTC’s 2012 main stage production introduced many in Utah to Miranda before his “Hamilton” success. Miranda won his first set of Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score, with this innovative, uplifting and joyous story depicting life in Washington Heights, New York.

Based on the success of the 2012 run and on Miranda’s continued success with “Hamilton,” Pioneer Theatre Company presents his production, “In the Heights,” running for just three performances, March 16-17, 2018.

In its return to the stage, it takes the slot as one of PTC’s annual concert productions. Since 2014, beginning with the inaugural “The Rocky Horror Show,” the company has produced a concert production of a popular musical each season, running for just three or four performances. Concert productions include the entire show, fully cast, but with minimal set and costumes, scripts-in-hand and an on-stage orchestra.

Artistic director Karen Azenberg, who directs and choreographs the production, told the Deseret News, “I think (the concert version is) a great opportunity to take his work that people may or may not have been familiar with now that he is sort of astronomic in his recognition level and say, ‘Hey, here’s something really cool that he did before.’”

Tickets for “In the Heights” range from $25-$40 ($5 more on the day of show). Call the box office at 801-581-6961 for more information, or visit pioneertheatre.org.

Still seeking those hard-to-find “Hamilton” tickets?

Everyone is jumping on the “Hamilton” bandwagon, even PTC. Because of Azenberg’s close association with the New York theatre community (a native New Yorker, Azenberg’s father, Manny Azenberg is one of Broadway’s noted producers), the theatre was able to acquire a selection of prime “Hamilton” tickets ahead of time and are using their popularity as part of several fund drives for the theatre.

PTC is hosting a “HAM4PTC” opportunity drawing, which means you may be able to snag a pair of “Hamilton” tickets after all. For a suggested ticket price contribution of $20, you can be entered to win a pair of orchestra seats to “Hamilton.” The winner will be announced on opening night of PTC’s upcoming “Twelfth Night,” March 30, 2018. You need not be present to win.

For more information about the opportunity drawing, or to purchase opportunity drawing tickets, contact the box office at 801-581-6961 or go online to pioneertheatre.org/ham4ptc.

Children’s Dance Theatre Presents “The Magic Lake”[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]The University of Utah Tanner Dance Program Children’s Dance Theatre presents “The Magic Lake,” March 23-24, at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre. The young dancers will convey a captivating story for all ages to experience and enjoy.

From the mountains of South America comes “The Magic Lake,” a fantastical tale of courage, adventure and mystery, newly adapted for the stage by the University of Utah Children’s Dance Theatre. High in the Andes, a young llama-herder named Chaska restlessly dreams of visiting faraway lands. When a deadly plague sweeps across the empire and the Emperor’s daughter falls ill, Chaska sets out in search of a cure. Aided by condors, pink dolphins, macaws, and other colorful characters, she seeks a way to reach the dream world where the healing waters of a stolen lake may hold the answer. Come experience CDT’s exciting adaptation of this Andean folktale featuring original dance, costumes and music.

Tickets for “The Magic Lake” are be available online, at ArtTix Box Office locations or by phone at 801-355-ARTS. For more information about the University of Utah Tanner Dance Program, CDT or future events please visit tannerdance.utah.edu or call 801-581-7374.[/bs_col][/bs_row]

Great Salt Lake Artist Talk at UMFA[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]World-renowned contemporary artist Spencer Finch will speak about his work and his site-specific installation, Great Salt Lake and Vicinity, at 7 pm, Friday, March 30 at the UMFA. View the artwork beginning at 6 pm. Refreshments at 6:30 pm. This event is free.

For more information, click here.[/bs_col][/bs_row]