Community Arts Alumni

Alumni, students, faculty, and community members bring hit musical “In the Heights” to life for first time in Pittsburg

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Three male students stand at the front of the stage; the center student points and sings upward while the full ensemble performs behind them.

For the first time in this region, audiences will have the chance to see Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical “In the Heights” on stage in Pittsburg, thanks to a partnership by Triple Threat Threeatrics and the Hispanic Music Festival at Pittsburg State University and the efforts of many students, alumni, faculty, and community members.  

Manuel-Miranda is the mastermind behind the longrunning Broadway hit "Hamilton."

"In the Heights" is planned for 7 p.m. Oct. 15 and 16 and 2 p.m. on Oct. 18 at Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are on sale and rehearsals are underway. (Please note: There will be no Oct. 17 performance as previously advertised; that performance conflicted with Pitt State Homecoming activities).

Purchase tickets here while they are still available: memorialauditorium.ludus.com

In the Heights - denim Jacket gesturing   

“In the Heights” celebrates the vibrant community of Washington Heights in New York City, where neighbors become family, dreams take flight, and music brings people together. Filled with infectious music, energetic dance, humor, and heart, the production explores themes of culture, identity, family, belonging, and the power of community.  

In the Heights - Olivia singing

The two partnering organizations have a shared passion for celebrating culture and the arts: 

  • The Hispanic Music Festival is a month-long celebration of Hispanic culture through music and community engagement. It is co-directed by Isaac Hernandez (‘23), an adjunct instructor in the Pittsburg State University Music Department, and Frida Herrera (‘26), an academic advisor for the university. 
 
  • Triple Threat Threeatrics is directed by Breana Clark (‘10, ‘22), who also has directed the award-winning theater program at Pittsburg High School for several years; shows produced by PHS regularly qualify for the State Thespian Festival and earn Jester Awards.  

In the Heights - Director watching

Music direction for this production is by Assistant Professor of Music Ramiro Miranda (‘11), who has assembled some of the most talented musicians in the area. Choreography design and instruction is by Assistant Instructional Professor Elizabeth Smith (‘23), and current Dance minor Sophia Zacharias (‘27), and Dance minor alum Cristian Paxtor (‘25).  

In the Heights - Solo Female

The cast, crew, and live pit orchestra also include Pitt State alumni, faculty, and current students, as well as a variety of community members and experienced performers from throughout the Four State region.  

“This show is about so much more than music and dancing,” Clark said. “It’s about finding your people, celebrating where you come from, and building a community together. Partnering with the Hispanic Music Festival makes this production even more meaningful.”  

Audiences can expect an energetic theatrical experience filled with vibrant music and the unforgettable characters of Washington Heights.  

In the Heights - center of circle

Tickets

Ticket sales have begun through the Memorial Auditorium Box Office. They can be purchased online at memorialauditorium.ludus.com, by calling the box office at 620-231-7827, or by visiting the box office in person at 503 N. Pine in Pittsburg. Tickets will be sold at the door starting one hour before each show based on availability.  

About Triple Threat Threeatrics  

Triple Threat Threeatrics is dedicated to providing high-quality theatrical productions while fostering creativity, confidence, and collaboration among performers of all ages. Through productions, workshops, and community partnerships, Triple Threat Threeatrics works to create meaningful opportunities for people to experience and participate in the performing arts.  

About the Hispanic Music Festival  

The Hispanic Music Festival at Pittsburg State University, now in its third year, celebrates Hispanic culture and community through music, performance, and cultural engagement and coincides annually with Hispanic Heritage Month. Details: pittstate.edu/hispanicmusicfestival  

Purchase tickets here while they are still available: memorialauditorium.ludus.com