The New Direction of MMT's 'In the Heights'

I've been sitting back, waiting for the right moment to weigh in on the controversy that has faced Roanoke's most significant live professional theatre, and I think the time has come. 

MMT has undergone harsh and often unfair criticism (mostly anonymous and online) for its casting decisions regarding the Latinx Broadway musical "In the Heights," which begins its brief run April 13 on the main stage. The reaction was in reference to the casting of a non-Latinx actress to a part that required a member of that community. The criticism was correct in pointing out that sensitivity to minority communities in the arts should be a requirement.

Hector Flores Jr., Director 

MMT made a mistake in the casting and, fortunately, the young woman who was cast (an Italian) gracefully resigned and opened the part for a woman of the correct ethnicity. MMT's every move since the initial criticism has been equally classy and correct--from admitting the mistake to correcting it as gracefully, completely and quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, as is often the case, correcting a mistake and trying to atone for it, is not enough for some critics. You almost have to kill somebody for some to be satisfied, once the blood is in the water. MMT has done everything right--as those of us who know its people would expect--since the initial mistake. These are good, sensitive, intelligent people, but they are people and people make mistakes.

Now comes news that MMT has hired a director who is perfect for this play. Veteran Hector Flores Jr. has taken over. An MMT release says, "Mill Mountain's production is a turning point in how the national theatrical community will look to produce works by, with and about people of color. The theatre has worked hard to bring in [Latinx] members of the creative team, including Flores, and a cast to tell this important story of community, neighborhood, family and hope."

MMT "has been working closely with a diversity, equity, including and belonging (DEIB) consultant with the cast and will continue to do so following the production ... to ensure cultural sensitivity in all productions. MMT is committed to working with marginalized communities throughout the region."

Flores has performed in several regional productions of "In the Heights." He is "an executive staff member at New York Theatre Barn, an anti-racist non-profit theatre company dedicated to the incubation of culture-shifting musicals, an original Broadway cast member" of the play.

The new creative team includes veterans of the show: Mikey Sylvester, associate director and choreographer; John Daniels as music director; and Eric Montesa as production stage manager.

"In the Heights" begins performances a week later than originally scheduled because of the changes and runs through April 24. Tickets are available at millmountain.org or at 540-342-5740.