Central Theatre, of West Morris Central High School (WMCHS) in Chester, has hit the stage in preparation for a new theatre “high” running March 17-19. This spring’s musical is the Tony Award winning show, “In the Heights.” The musical, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, was nominated for 13 Tony Awards in 2008.

The director is theatre/English teacher, Jeff Hogan, with choreography by math teacher, Dana Harrington, and musical direction by music teachers Mark Stingle and Margaret Schaffer. Long Valley residents Susan Thompson and Ron Kadri return to lend their talents in costumes and set construction. With this talented staff leading the way, this production looks to be as smart, savvy, and as thoroughly enjoyable as the previous musicals this dynamic group has produced over the past few years, “Urinetown,” “Evita,” and “Children of Eden.”

On selecting this production, Hogan said, “We are seeking to bring a voice demanding to be heard to our community. This notion—the very idea of bringing voice and engaging human connection—has always been our purpose.”

The show will features 42 cast members from various grades.

“In the Heights” tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams, and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions to take and which ones to leave behind.

Complete with music derived from hip-hop, salsa, merengue, soul, and pop, “In the Heights” sets a new course for the direction of musical theatre, one that is both breath-taking and exhilarating.

“In the Heights” conveys the message that a home is not a physical place, but a place in the heart. What defines a home is not material wealth or possession, but family and the surrounding people. All have goals, all have ambitions, but everything that matters lies within the stories of, and experiences with family and friends.

“In the Heights” has scheduled performances for Thurs., March 17, at 7:30 p.m.; Fri., March 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Sat., March 19 at 2 p.m.; and Sat., March 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices are $15 for reserved seats, $12 for general admission, and $10 for students. Advance ticket reservations may be made by emailing greenchair@comcast.net. Email ticket orders will be held at the door for pick up beginning one hour prior to show time. Tickets may also be purchased at the door prior to each performance.

Central Theatre is WMCHS’s theatre troupe which produces two shows each year, a play in the fall and a musical in the spring. On-stage participation is selected based on auditions and all students are eligible and encouraged to audition.

For general inquiries about Central Theatre, send an email to wmctheatre@gmail.com.