SoCal production of 'In the Heights' needs to raise funds ASAP

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Will the show go on when half of the promised money doesn't show? You've seen this situation in the movies that always have a happy ending. In real life, we know there are plenty of unhappily ever afters. Can the Los Angeles theater community help out IOA Theatricals' production of "In the Heights"?

Below is how James Saucedo, artistic director of IOA Theatricals explains the situation:

With its cast of Broadway vets and talented young Southern California performers ready to take the next step in their careers, IOA Theatricals’ West Coast Premiere of Lin Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights” is poised to be something very special indeed.

Recognizing the vast talent pool right in our own back yard, IOA Theatricals’ “In the Heights”- L.A. will provide a rare opportunity for California-based performers to shine. Unlike many other professional production companies in Southern California, IOA Theatricals will give local performers the chance to star in a truly Broadway-caliber production alongside elite Broadway talent, thereby enabling them to make crucial connections necessary to kick start their careers.

Unfortunately, IOA Theatricals received news on Friday February 7, 2013 that the private investor who had agreed to furnish half of production cost for “In the Heights” was dropping out of the deal and leaving IOA with a $150,000 shortfall.

Since the production has already made major arrangements to feature the original Broadway set and costumes and for original cast members to return for this short engagement, canceling the production is simply not an option. We are, therefore, asking for the theatrical community’s support to help make this production a success. In addition to providing the Southern California arts community with the opportunity to shine, IOA has plans to give back to the community beyond the performing arts.

Solid commitments have been made and production has already begun, however none of this will happen without the community’s support.

For more information about IOA and how to contribute please visit: http://bit.ly/IOAKickStarter or www.ioatheatricals.com

About the production:

Winner of the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations, “In the Heights” (music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and book by Quiara Alegría Hudes) 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 you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.IOA Theatricals’s Professional Regional Premiere will feature the full Broadway orchestrations accompanied by a lavish 13-piece orchestra, and for the first time since the Broadway production, the gorgeous national touring set designed by Tony nominee Anna Louizos & original costumes by Paul Tazewell.

Direct from the national touring production of “In the Heights”, IOA Theatricals is delighted to welcome Perry Young back as Usnavi, reprising his dream role in “In the Height”-Los Angeles!”

Accompanying Perry will be several original cast members of the national touring and Broadway productions reprising their original roles.

The award-winning production team is made up of Director James Saucedo, Co- Director/Creative consultant Michael Balderrama, Choreographer/Associate Director Director Chris Dupre, and Associate Choreographer Dominque Kelley. Music will be under the direction of Dean Mora.

IOA Theatricals, a groundbreaking new production company under the direction of James Saucedo, has as its mission to develop, produce the very finest in Broadway-caliber musicals and family entertainment in L.A. while showcasing some of our incredible, undiscovered young talent. It is these valuable opportunities that will set us apart from other L.A.-area production companies.