Birmingham Institute of Theatre Arts has welcomed Cleve September, who will play the role of John Laurens in the much anticipated West End production of Hamilton, as Associate Director of their new production of 'In The Heights'.
He joins West End choreographer, Lindon Barr, to help tell the story that shot composer Lin Manuel- Miranda into the spotlight in 2002. Miranda had further success with Hamilton, a production which Cleve will now star in as Laurens, when the show opens in London in November 2017.
In the Heights centres on characters living in the neighbourhood of Washington Heights, on the northern tip of Manhattan. Usnavi, a bodega owner who looks after the ageing Cuban lady next door, pines for the gorgeous girl working in the neighbouring beauty salon and dreams of winning the lottery and escaping to the shores of his native Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, Nina, a childhood friend of Usnavi’s, has returned to the neighbourhood from her first year at college with surprising news for her parents, who have spent their life savings on building a better life for their daughter. Ultimately, Usnavi and the residents of the close-knit neighbourhood get a dose of what it means to be home.
Young performers aged between 12 and 19 are working incredibly hard to bring this unique piece of musical theatre to life. Birmingham Institute of Theatre Arts will stage their production of 'In The Heights' at The Studio at Birmingham REP on July 14th and 15th 2017. Speaking about his excitement to be part of the show, Cleve said:
"I taught at BITA for the first time last year and instantly fell in love with the vibe and energy that Chris and his team managed to create with the kids that they have attending their school every Sunday. When I found out that they were doing 'In The Heights' as their next show it excited me so much.
"After leaving the show in 2016, any opportunity that I could get to even just hear the music again I'd take. So when Chris asked me to be a part of the creative team I agreed immediately."
Lindon Barr, Choreographer said:
"The students at BITA are a joy to work with, they have so much energy and passion. I'm very excited to see our production develop."
BITA run classes every Sunday during term time, from 2pm-7pm, covering singing, dancing and acting. As well as a multitude of professional staff, the organisation enjoys close relationships with its patrons who visit on a regular basis to run classes and impart their unique knowledge of the industry to their students.
The list includes Kieran Brown (Phantom Of The Opera, Wicked); Lauren Samuels (Grease, We Will Rock You); Siobhan Dillon (Ghost The Musical, Miss Saigon), Matthew Barrow (RENT, Mary Poppins); Stevie Webb (Oliver!, Book Of Mormon) and Dr Ria Keen of The Voice College.
Students are uniquely supported by their teachers and patrons to receive the best possible training and professional experience which, to date, have included a UK Tour with Josh Groban, BBC Songs of Praise with Russell Watson and his current UK Tour. Chris Passey, Principal of BITA said:
"Cleve is a passionate supporter of the correct and realistic training we provide to our young students. It felt only right to invite him to take a step up from active patron and into a creative role within the show.
"His ability to bring the spirit of the show into our rehearsal room is incredible and something that can only be provided by an original cast member and someone who is as talented as Cleve."
'In The Heights' plays at The Studio at Birmingham REP on July 14th and 15th 2017. For more information, or to buy tickets, click here.
