In the Heights - meet cast member Andres Alejandro Ponce
There are so many things to
talk about and discuss when it comes to In the Heights. I could sit here and
type for two hours, so I'll try ad focus on my experience as Usnavi with the
community. Usnavi grew up learning and adapting to many cultures. His whole
journey is about finding out where and what home is. While he tries to figure
that out he also has to make sure he is making progress in his life. That is a
path I am all too familiar with. I have many homes: Home is with my Mama and
siblings, home is down at JMU with all of my best friends, and more recently I
have found a home at LTA. My definition of home is a place where you can be
yourself and be surrounded by people you love. That's exactly what Usnavi is
looking for (not knowing he's had it all along). Usnavi also struggles with
many financial issues because he does not come from a family of wealth,
education, or experience in America. Everything he knows he's learned from
those around him and his other influence: Hip-Hop. For many Latin Americans it
is hard to succeed because historically we are not as educated and supported as
a culture. Although we have come a long way, many Latin American families
cannot get out of that rut. Usnavi is all about moving forward and using the
resources he has to make better opportunities for himself and the ones he
loves. That is a very personal journey that I completely understand. I am a
first generation Latin American, so many of the things I have learned and
experienced are things that my parents never were able to experience when they
were my age. They put their blood, sweat, and tears into making sure that my
siblings and I have the same opportunities that any other American could have.
Usnavi is an amazing and by far
the most fun character I have ever played. His positive attitude, his love for
his friends and family, determination for progress, and his adorkable demeanor
makes him (in my opinion) one of the most adored characters in musical theatre.
He shows love and kindness to almost everyone he meets. He takes care of his
beloved Abuela, and will do anything to make sure she is comfortable and safe.
He fights to make sure his younger cousin isn't involved in some of the bad
influences that surround Washington Heights. He is kind and respectful to
women, but is also easily swayed by the beautiful women. Playing Usnavi has
allowed me to realize the similarities and differences I have with the
character. He's allowed me to understand what it means to work hard and fight
for what you believe in and never give up. He has a dream that always motivates
his actions. I like to think I do as well, but the drive it gives Usnavi is
something that I hope one day I can have.
I hope audiences will take a
few things away from this magnificent show. Representing Latin American culture
has never been a priority to Broadway. This show does a glorious job of
accurately representing our culture along with the fun and beauty of it. In a
world where people are still discriminated by race, gender, sexual preference,
and identity, In The Heights shows all audience members that no matter
who you are, where you're from, or who you love, you can still belong. In
The Heights has been an amazing experience, because most shows are nothing
like it. There aren't many popular shows that have such a rich cultural
composition. Lin-Manuel Miranda was able to write in Salsa, Merengue, Bachata,
Hip-Hop, R&B, and many other styles of music in this show. It opens the
door to audiences who usually may not come to musical. Another difference that
isn't too common is real sense of community. This is truly an ensemble show
that truly succeeds when all of the cast is one whole and not a bunch of
individuals.
I was born a performer – ask my
parents! I would always love singing, dancing, and performing for anyone who
would watch. I grew up to be a soccer player, but I couldn't escape my love for
performing. My first role was in Oklahoma as Judd
Fry in 8th grade, and from there on I looked for different ways to perform and
different skills to hone. My journey lead me to audition for James Madison
University's Musical Theatre Program which I am now a proud member of. My
wonderful advisor Kate Arecchi has been the best guide I can ask for. She even
turned me to LTA to audition for In The Heights. She has been a
great mentor, teacher, counselor, director, and friend. If I were to give
anyone advice to anyone interesting in working in theatre it would be this:
Know yourself. Know who you are, what you stand for, what you believe in, where
your home is, who you love, and where your home is. As long as you know that no
one's opinion of you should ever affect you. If I've learned anything in the
short time I've been in this game it is that the only opinions that matter are
the ones who are going help you grow. Don't let anyone tell you what you can or
can't be because they don't know you like you know you. Just a year ago,
someone told me I wouldn't be old enough to play Usnavi for another 5 years. I
guess the jokes on them. Thanks for reading I hope you enjoy the show.
Alabanza!
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