Michael Sylvester was in Sacramento performing at Broadway Musical Circus during auditions for the Connecticut Stage Company’s widely anticipated new production, running this weekend at New Canaan Library.
The director of “In the Heights,” Sylvester said the team was able to film auditions “so that I could see what people brought into the room.”
“We were looking for artists who not only had the vocal, acting, and dance chops, but who could also bring heart, authenticity, and cultural truth to these roles,” he told NewCanaanite.com. “The turnout was incredible, and we’ve assembled a cast that truly reflects the soul of this story.”
Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “In The Heights” tells the story of a “of a Latino community in New York’s Washington Heights as they navigate societal expectations, immigration, cultural and generational disparities, and complicated relationships,” according to CT Stage Co. co-founder Lorah Haskins, through “rap, hip hop, salsa and traditional musical theatre.”
Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday (sold out) and 2 p.m. Sunday (limited tickets available here).
“We are excited to bring a whole cast of Latino actors to our stage, several of whom are Broadway performers, to tell this incredibly timely story,” Haskins said. “We know that with what’s going on in the world, this show will leave a powerful impression and shed light on a story that needs to be heard.”
With an eye on producing quality theatrical performances with and for the New Canaan community, Haskins and Kate Simone founded the Connecticut Stage Company or ‘CSC’ as a nonprofit organization two years ago. Past productions include “Little Women,” “Hair” and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
Asked about what the organization has learned about local people’s tastes in two years, Simone said, “We’ve learned that though we are in close proximity to New York City, people love the ease and convenience of staying in town to see some fabulous theatre. So many people have said how much they love being able to see Broadway-style performances right in the heart of town.”
Haskins added that “our audiences have also been equally as excited to see work they don’t know yet as they are to see work they do.”
“We love getting to bring them some of their favorites and introduce them to new ones,” she said.
Sylvester described “In the Heights” as “a love letter to the community.”
“It’s a story about dreams — the ones we inherit, the ones we build, and the ones we sometimes have to fight to hold onto,” he said. “It celebrates resilience, family—chosen and blood—and the beauty of everyday people whose stories are often overlooked. At its heart, it’s about home—where we come from, where we are, and where we’re headed.”
After a 2005 tryout in Waterford and a 2007 off-Broadway run, “In the Heights” opened on Broadway in March 2008. It was nominated for 13 Tony Awards and won four, including Best Musical.
Sylvester described “In the Heights” as “an experience.”
“It’s a vibrant celebration of culture, resilience, and community,” he said. “It’s joy, rhythm, and salsa in your soul. For Latino audiences, it’s powerful to see our stories, our language, and our neighborhoods reflected on stage with love and authenticity. And for those who didn’t grow up in this world, it’s an invitation, a chance to step into a story that’s universal at its core: family, dreams, and finding your place in the world. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll recognize pieces of your own life in these characters, and you’ll leave feeling more connected—to each other and to the magic of live theater.”
After “In the Heights,” the CT Stage Co. will produce the Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical “Next to Normal” (May 2 and 3).
For that show, the organization is partnering with New Canaan CARES and The Waverly Group to provide additional programming to patrons “since ‘Next to Normal’ explores some heavy topics,” Simone said. Then, on June 14 (Flag Day), the organization is producing “What the Constitution Means to Me” as a free show thanks to the library, helping to mark the 250th birthday of the United States.
Asked about news from CT Stage Co., Haskins noted that the organization has added four new board members since June “and that has really helped widen our reach and explore new ideas.”
“Also, stay tuned for an announcement about a Broadway Concert Series we’ll be kicking off on March 7, 2026—star to be announced soon,” she said.