Weekend pick: ‘In the Heights’ at Madera Theatre Project

By Donald Munro

Rodolfo Robles Cruz is a proud theater child of the Valley. Now studying for a graduate degree at UT Austin, he returns for his summer break to direct “In the Heights” at Madera Theatre Project. For Cruz, it’s a homecoming that gives him a chance to put his new skills to use — and to give something back to a new theater generation.

I interview Cruz and one of the stars of the show, Jenna Roza-Cabello, in the latest episode of “The Munro Review on CMAC.”  We talk about the sense of community that creator Lin-Manuel Miranda was able to achieve in this sprawling, heartfelt musical. Even though it is specifically set in a very particular New York neighborhood, the show has a universal appeal no matter where you live — particularly for Latinos in the Valley. Here’s the episode:

Photo at top: It’s a long story, but Cruz got roped into using one of the cameras to help capture the beautiful performance by Roza-Cabello of the song “Breathe” from the show. (Sorry, Rodolfo, no extra pay.)

“In the Heights” opens Thursday, July 24 and continues for a short run through Aug, 2.