'A Chorus Line' and 'In The Heights' to take the stage at Aurora Theatre, Harbor Playhouse
Aurora Arts Theatre and Harbor Playhouse will put on musical productions for the community starting Friday and continuing through August.
The theaters will present "A Chorus Line" and "In The Heights," respectively.
Debra Aguilar directed "A Chorus Line" in 2016 and returned the title at Aurora this year.
The musical, one of the longest-running productions in Broadway history, premiered in 1975 and tells the story of 17 hopeful Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line. One by one, each performer shares events that shaped their lives and decisions to become dancers.
Aguilar said there are two things she hopes the community gets from watching her production: the talent in Corpus Christi and being able to identify with the characters in the show.
"We have awesome talent in Corpus," Aguilar said. "Not just actors and backstage people, but musicians and everyone who helps.
"I also hope (attendees) understand these people aren't just doing an audition and interview; they're telling the worst part of their lives on stage. The most intimate parts. We all have those things that we hide. We all have these stories we decide to share or not."
Ricky Martinez is playing Mike, an aggressive dancer who learned to tap dance at an early age. He said the musical is a landmark in theater and the theater is a great form of escape.
"Since COVID and everything going on with politics, stepping into a different universe is necessary," Martinez said. "Here, you get to evade from your everyday life."
Desiree Cantu is no stranger to directing shows, but not for a local theater. She has directed plays for elementary schools, high schools and drag shows, but "In The Heights" is her first step in moving from acting in community productions to running the show.
The musical debuted in 2005 and was created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The play explores characters' lives in a New York City Latino neighborhood over three days.
Cantu said people should see the show because of the Latino representation.
"A lot of it is a reflection of our community in Corpus," Cantu said. "There's a lot of Latinx influence in it with Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban representation. In this show, you're going to see your best friend, your parents, your abuelo, your tia — all that good family stuff."
Playing Abuela Claudia, Alexis Torres said she's been in theater for the past seven years and loves the welcoming community of the arts.
"We are very passionate about our local community and we create what feels like a family," Torres said. "We are the type of people to encourage you and not discourage. Failing is never a problem; it's all about improving and getting better. If you're looking for a community to belong to, audition. We can be your family."
If you go
WHAT: "A Chorus Line"
WHEN: Friday through Sunday, Aug. 28; Friday and Saturday evenings with Sunday matinees
WHERE: Aurora Arts Theatre, 5635 Everhart Road
COST: $20, auroraartstheatre.com
WHAT: "In The Heights"
WHEN: Friday through Sunday, Aug. 21; Friday and Saturday evenings with Sunday matinees
WHERE: Harbor Playhouse, 1802 N. Chaparral St.
COST: $10-$20, harborplayhouse.com
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Harbor Playhouse, Aurora Arts Theatre to hold productions for summer
