In The Heights announces cast changes

The Olivier and Tony Award-winning musical In The Heights has announced cast changes at the King's Cross Theatre where it is booking to 30 October 2016.

Joining the cast from 15 April 2016 will be Christine Allado as Vanessa, Norma Atallah as Abuela, Jonathan Bishop as Graffiti Pete, Kimmy Edwards and Ryan Reid.

They will join continuing cast members David Bedella who received the 2016 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical as Kevin, Josie Benson as Camila, Vas Constanti as Piragua Guy, Lily Frazer as Nina, Sam Mackay as Usnavi, Sarah Naudi as Carla, Joe Aaron Reid as Benny, Cleve September as Sonny, Philippa Stefani as Daniela, Jocasta Almgill, Courtney-Mae Briggs, Michael Cortez, Gabriela Garcia, Reiss Hinds and Spin.

The show transferred from the Southwark Playhouse where it opened at the purpose build King's Cross Theatre on 3 October 2015. It recently won three Olivier Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Music, Best Theatre Choreographer (Drew McOnie) and Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical (David Bedella).

The King's Cross Theatre is a brand new purpose built 1,000-seat venue at King's Cross Station. The venue is also home to The Railway Children which has recently extended its and will continue to play in rep with In The Heights.

The musical originally opened on Broadway in 2008 and was conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also wrote the music and lyrics, along with a book by Quiara Alegria Hudges. The original production ran for 1,184 performances at the Richard Rodgers Theatre and won four Tony Awards, including Best New Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations.

In The Heights is set in the heart of the Washington Heights community of upper Manhattan and follows their daily struggles, dreams, ambitions and family pressures. Miranda's score features a mix of Latin and hip-hop inspired numbers, bringing the traditions of musical theatre and the reality of the Heights to the stage.

The production is directed by Luke Sheppard with choreography by Drew McOnie, set design by takis, lighting by Howard Hudson and sound by Gareth Owen. The show is produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment Ltd and Paul Taylor Mills Ltd.