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GTA's 'In the Heights' highlights Latin community

By Staff
Posted 8:47AM on Saturday 28th February 2015 ( 10 years ago )
GAINESVILLE - While Atlanta theaters have cited lack of Hispanic actors in shying away from staging the award-winning, Latin-influenced musical "In the Heights," the Gainesville Theatre Alliance (GTA) just finished a successful run that included several University of North Georgia (UNG) students.

Jim Hammond, GTA director and head of UNG's Department of Theater, spoke at a special closing night reception about the theater program, which is a collaboration between UNG, Brenau University, theatre professionals, and the Northeast Georgia community.

"There were a lot of theater professionals in Atlanta who were wondering 'How are you going to produce that show? Where are you going to find the actors?' because they tell me Atlanta doesn't have the Hispanic casting pool to do this show," Hammond said. "So I said, 'Come on up and see it' because the cast all just appeared and they are brilliant. There are 24 in the cast and four are professionals
Ricardo Aponte, who played the role of Usnavi and choreographed the GTA production of "In the Heights," has worked as both a choreographer and actor for several Atlanta theatres. (Photo courtesy UNG)
Jim Hammond, GTA director and head of UNG's Department of Theater, spoke at a special closing night reception about the theater program.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/2/285740

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