No, Really - Come See 'In The Heights'

Saturday marked what I'm told is the halfway point for our performances of In The Heights.

I can't even think about it, I love everyone involved so much, and I love being on stage. I don't want it to be over. I know that's not realistic, but I am having more fun than I can adequately express. And not just fun, it's . . . well, it's really special.

photo courtesy of Dalene Rowley 

After the shows we have a Meet & Greet outside of the theater's lobby. One of my very favorite things is when people exit the theater smiling and saying they had never even heard of the show, but they loved it. Some even say it's the best show they've ever seen, at HCTO or otherwise.

Ideally, everyone I love would come see this show. What I don't want is to hear from people that, Shooooot, they couldn't get tickets. So this is my call: PLEASE GET YOUR TICKETS NOW. Like I said, as of October 26th the show's run is half over, but back on October 15th the show was reported to be 55% sold out. Please don't wait. Please come see the show.

photo courtesy of Dalene Rowley

While you're there, in the audience, feel free to share your emotion. Often in shows people don't know whether or not they should clap or cheer, so I'll just let you know: this is a high-energy show and we love when the audience is interactive. (But if you feel like crying and being quiet, hey -- it's cool.)

photo courtesy of Dalene Rowley

After you've seen the show, tell your friends! Tell Hale Center Theater Orem what you thought (on their facebook page, via twitter, use #HCTO). Tell them what and who you loved in the show. And if you feel so inclined, please come back and see it again (you won't be alone in doing that, I promise you).

I want to share this with you, something our director (Chris Clark, who earlier this year was awarded a national award from the Kennedy Center for Outstanding Direction) shared with us. In his words:

I have never received so much positive feedback on a show. Literally, I get emails or messages every day. I'm so excited for this show and the way it's touching people. I wanted to share an email I got this morning. It's from a professor at UVU that I barely know:

'Wow. I am blown away by your production of In the Heights at HCTO. Several words come to mind. Outstanding. Flawless. Down to the minute details. The music was awesome. Sound. Casting. costumes. Lighting. Acting. This is possibly the best play I've been to. ummm, maybe period. I drove home with tears in my eyes. .... and I normally despise musicals.... Very tastefully done. Gutsy. tight. Intense. Amazing. Just Amazing. 
Thank You.'

I love that.

Know what else I love?

This:

video courtesy of Shannon Hodson

What a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of this. I hope to see you there.

*EDITED TO ADD:

Here's an official preview trailer: