Latest news with #TheHeights
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
In The Heights a ‘lively, action-packed' performance by Hamilton Musical Theatre
Tickets: Online via iTicket Reviewed by Cate Prestidge The latest show from Hamilton Musical Theatre is a lively, action-packed performance that takes the audience through a few days in the life of a close-knit Latino community in Washington Heights, New York City. Written by award-winning composer Lin Manuel Miranda (best known for stage sensation Hamilton), it won two Tony awards and a Grammy in 2008. With over 170 ethnicities in Kirikiriroa, there are relatable themes for audiences. These include the challenges of establishing yourself in a new country, ambition, the pull of home and the importance of community and culture. There are also some classic romance plots. One of the many lively dance numbers from In The Heights. Photo / Kerry Blakeney-Williams Mel Martin-Booker's director's statement in the programme gives a clear overview of the importance of diversity in casting this show and is worth a read. The show opens with a spray-filled and energetic entrance by Iosia Tofilau as Graffiti Pete. Tofilau is such a fun performer, and his moves instantly get applause and cheers from the lively audience. Usnavi de la Vega (Sekonaia Faletau) is the owner of a small bodega (store) on one side of the street. Faletau is a terrific, likeable lead and introduces us to matriarch of the community Abuela Claudia (Bobbi Mihi Howard) and de la Vega's cousin Sonny (Brooklyn Lee). Jessica Ruck Nu'u as Vanessa, who dreams of leaving The Heights. Photo / Kerry Blakeney-Williams We also meet his best friend Benny (Marangai Wainohu-Savage) and his bosses Kevin Rosario (Robert Epiha) and Camila Rosario (Julieta Covelli), and their daughter Nina (Kyla Greening). Lively salon owner Daniela (Kalesita Latu), along with Carla (Kyra-Mae Wilson) and budding fashion designer Vanessa (Jessica Ruck-Nu'u), hold court on the other side of the street. In between, Pirague Ro (Michael Kerei) wheels his ice cream trolley touting for sales. A haze over the stage and effective lighting communicates that the weather is stiflingly hot. The strong, grungy set with its walls of billstickers, roller doors over shops and a distant city skyline makes good use of the compact Riverlea stage. There are many highlights of the show, and the musical storytelling contains a lot of well-executed rap as well as solo and ensemble singing. I think vocal director Dan Ieremia has achieved the aim of vitality and connection. There are very strong performances from Faletau as Usnavi and glorious vocals from Howard in Abuela's soulful song, Paciencia y Fe. Greening was excellent as Nina, with strong emotion in her delivery, as was Ruck Nu'u as the restless, ambitious Vanessa. Sekonaia Faletau (centre) in the lead role of Usnavi. Photo / Kerry Blakeney-Williams Wainohu-Savage played the sincere Benny with a lot of focus and skill, including an excellent duet with Greening, and Latu was terrific and full of personality as Daniela, ably supported by Wilson as the more naive Carla. The entire group was strong vocally and especially rousing in the group numbers. The choreography by Shanelle Borlase features a mix of urban dance and more traditional musical theatre styles, and I liked seeing that both Tofilau and Latu were co-creators as captains. The whole show feels dynamic, supportive and fun. There are some very experienced performers on stage, as well as some relative newcomers. A few times the difference in stagecraft shows, but this is minor as the overall energy and heart of this show is a delight. The actors have had to master a lot of Spanish language, and the rapid-fire mix with English can sometimes gallop – but just go with it. As the guy in front of me said, 'I can't understand some of it, but it's great!' I recommend reading the synopsis to help (if you don't mind a spoiler). The preview audience didn't seem to need this, though, and responded to all the reveals in the show fulsomely and appreciatively. The well-executed programme has heaps of info and shows the huge team effort behind the scenes. The audience mingling before the show reflected the cultural diversity on stage, a cool crowd of people and languages from across Kirikiriroa, one of whom I overheard saying 'I've never been here before, this is cool'. Cate Prestidge is a principal academic and co-ordinator of journalism and communication programmes at Wintec. She has been writing theatre reviews for NZME since 2021.
Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Soap star's shock exit after two years accidentally leaked online by co-star
soap shock Soap star's shock exit after two years accidentally leaked online by co-star Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SOAP star's surprising exit after two years appears to have been accidentally leaked online by a co-star. Fans are speculating the actress is bowing out after a "farewell" photo was leaked on social media. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 There is speculation that Home and Away actress Juliet Godwin is leaving the soap Credit: Channel 5 4 She has been playing Dr. Bree Cameron since joining in 2022 Credit: Channel 5 4 A social media post appeared to reveal Juliet's departure from the soap Credit: Facebook Juliet Godwin joined Home and Away back in 2022, playing Dr. Bree Cameron. In an online post, the actress can be seen enjoying a meal with a group including her castmate Matt Evans. Also present was the soap's make-up artist Amy Weems, who was celebrating her birthday. The photo caption read: "Happy birthday @amyweems15 & farewell @julietgodwin_ you beauties." This post was shared to the Home and Away Spoilers and Info Facebook page - and fans were quick to share their thoughts. One claimed Juliet had already filmed her final scenes, while another said: "Yeah she is." Left unconvinced, a third viewer penned: "Fake news." The Sun has contacted Home and Away for comment. Upon arriving in the soap, Bree took over running the hospital's emergency department. The character also developed a relationship with fellow regular Remi Carter (Adam Rowland). Forgotten soap star shows off huge £27million LA mansion after quitting fame and marrying a multimillionaire Before landing her role in Summer Bay, Juliet appeared in an episode of The Heights. Speaking about joining Home and Away, the actress previously shared: 'I was a little bit nervous but as soon as I got in there everyone was so welcoming and so kind that the nerves kind of dispersed. "It was all very surreal; I was like pinch me, I'm here.' It comes as the soap is building towards the exit of a legendary character. Back in February, it was announced that Lynne McGranger, 72, who plays Irene Roberts in the hit Aussie soap, will be leaving the show. She made her initial debut on the Australian drama back in January 1993 and is longest-serving female actor on the show. Now the actress is preparing to say goodbye to the show as she is set to embark on her tragic farewell storyline. At the time of her initial announcement, the 72-year-old explained: "After almost 33 years in my dream role and working everyday with people who I love, respect and whom I now consider family, it's bittersweet to be closing the chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life. "I am forever grateful to the best production crew in the world and to our genius writers – whose doors are always open – for everything they have done for Irene over the past 33-odd years. "And I am so proud of the storyline which will see Irene out of the Bay. "Above all, a massive, heartfelt thank you to the fans for your continued love and support."
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Conor McGregor's fiancee Dee Devlin breaks silence after UFC champ pictured kissing mystery woman on a beach in Florida
CONOR McGregor's fiancee Dee Devlin has spoken out after the former UFC champion was pictured kissing a mystery woman. In yet another scandal for the Irishman, the pair were sighted packing on the PDA in full sight of other beachgoers. 1 Today, McGregor's long-time fiancee shared a post on her Instagram story from a fan account which read: "Happy Birthday to the person who always keeps Dee entertained and makes her smile." Putting on a united front, she posted a series of photos of them beaming together. McGregor has been engaged to Dee Devlin since 2020, and they share four children together. His partner of 16 years loyally stood by his side, even when he was accused of 'brutally raping and battering' a woman. The pair boast a glam life on social media, posting smiling snaps of each other and their kids in matching outfits. The family live in a £2.5million home in Kildare, a 40-minute drive from Dublin. They take holidays in Marbella, where they have a £1.3million villa in the exclusive gated The Heights set on the La Resina country club estate. Their first born was son Conor Jr, who regularly appears on his dad's Instagram page. They have a daughter, Croia, and a second son named Rian. In 2023, they welcomed a third boy they called Mack. Last year, when McGregor left the High Court in Dublin when he was found liable of assaulting a woman, he was flanked by his loyal fiancée. Devlin left court with him after a civil trial heard how McGregor, 36, was accused of 'brutally raping and battering' Nikki Hand in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel in south Dublin in 2018. The MMA fighter said he had consensual sex with Hand, but the jury decided in her favour - with the court awarding the accuser damages of just over £200,000. In a statement on social media, he wrote: "People want to hear from me, I needed time. I know I made mistakes. "I should never have stepped out on the woman I love the most in the world. That's all on me. "I have instructed my legal team to appeal the decision. "I can't go back and I will move forward. I am beyond grateful to my family, friends and supporters all over the world who have stayed by my side. "That's it. No more. Getting back to the gym - the fight game awaits!" Devlin wrote on social media afterwards: "My man and I have created a beautiful life together. I love him I trust him and I BELIEVE HIM! "Our four beautiful children whose smiling faces and happy hearts are testimony to the man he is and who we are! "No one is entitled to comment on our relationship - we trust one another and love one another. "Nothing or nobody will change that. Our family stands strong!" She seems to be staying loyal to her partner, even after he packed on the PDA with another woman. Yesterday, The Sun reported that the former two-division UFC champion - who hasn't fought in nearly four years - cozied up with a dark-haired woman. He then laid down a towel for the woman and wrapped an arm around her shoulders in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Irishman seemed to lap up the attention of other female beachgoers around him.
Washington Post
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Spring 2025 All-Met Players of the Year
The Washington Post has been recognizing the top high school athletes in the D.C. area for more than 100 years. These are the best of the best from the Spring 2025 season. See all of our Player of the Year selections, as well as links to complete teams, below: Ren Devereux, utility, Sr., St. John's | Starring for the area's most dominant team, Devereux helped lead the Cadets to a third straight Washington Catholic Athletic Conference title and ninth in 10 seasons. He allowed only four runs in 42 innings, good for an ERA of 0.67 with 67 strikeouts and an opponent batting average of .119. Devereux went 8-0 despite pitching through a schedule that featured numerous nationally ranked opponents, earning WCAC player of the year and D.C. Gatorade player of the year honors. Also a middle-of-the-order bat frequently playing first base, he hit .360 with a team-best 38 RBI. He signed with Penn State. Baseball first team, second team, honorable mention Claire Radford, P, Sr., Leonardtown | For Leonardtown to defend its Maryland Class 4A title, the Raiders needed a stellar season from their ace. Radford delivered, collecting 252 strikeouts and posting a 0.59 ERA in her final season to lead her team to a second consecutive state championship. The South Carolina Aiken commit shined when it mattered most, fanning 16 batters to clinch a 5-0 win over Churchill in the state final. In a season in which three teams from the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference won championships, Radford led her team to its first SMAC title with an 11-strikeout performance against eventual Class 3A champion Chopticon and was later named conference player of the year. Softball first team, second team, honorable mention Owen James, D, Sr., The Heights | At the beginning of this season, James wasn't necessarily interested in playing college lacrosse. But after a dominant senior season, the Division I offers became hard to ignore. James, who is committed to Navy, scored 28 goals with a long stick and totaled 132 groundballs and 67 forced turnovers. When he was asked to take faceoffs, he won 52 percent of them. James was named the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference player of the year for posting those stats at his position and leading The Heights to a five-win improvement over 2024 and a winning record overall. Boys' lacrosse first team, second team, honorable mention Sophia Stoltz, A, Sr., Stone Ridge | Stoltz earned first-team All-Met honors last season, but the senior upped her game this spring. A four-year varsity starter and four-time all-conference selection, Stoltz led the Gators to a third straight Independent School League championship by scoring 80 goals in 23 games. The North Carolina signee also had 18 assists to finish her senior year with nearly 100 points. She tallied three goals in the ISL championship win against St. Stephen's/St. Agnes. Girls' lacrosse first team, second team, honorable mention Quincy Wilson, Jr., Bullis | Wilson continued shattering records en route to his fourth consecutive Athlete of the Year award between the indoor and outdoor seasons. Wilson won the 400 meters again at New Balance Nationals Outdoor and anchored the Bulldogs' 4x400 relay team to another victory. In April, he ran the fastest 400 split in Penn Relays history (43.99 seconds) and anchored the lineup that broke a 40-year-old national 4x400 record. The gold medalist's best open 400 time was 45.27 seconds, the second fastest in the country during the outdoor season. Boys' track and field first team, relays, honorable mention Sydney Sutton, Sr., Bullis | A repeat Athlete of the Year selection from the indoor season, Sutton dominated the track once more to cap an illustrious Bulldogs career. Her 200-meter time of 22.70 seconds was the third fastest in the country this season. At New Balance Nationals Outdoor, she placed second in the 400 (51.23) and 400 hurdles (56.04), with both times beating the previous meet record. Sutton was also a member of Bullis's 4x400 relay, which was the fastest in the country, and the best local 4x100 and 4x200 relays. Bullis won all three relays at New Balance. She will run at Florida. Girls' track and field first team, relays, honorable mention John Balkey, MF, Sr., Riverside | The engine of a team that sat on top of The Washington Post's local rankings for nearly the entire spring, Balkey scored 13 goals and added 12 assists while helping the Rams hold opponents to just six goals all season. Behind his leadership, the Rams marched to another state tournament before falling in a Class 5 semifinal. After years spent as a linchpin for one of the area's top public programs, he will take his talents to George Mason. Boys' soccer first team, second team, honorable mention Lilli Lubic, MF, Sr., Independence | Lubic did it all in her senior year for the Tigers, racking up 32 goals and 20 assists to lift Independence to its second Virginia Class 5 title in three seasons. The Delaware signee scored two goals in the state final and totaled a whopping 75 goals and 55 assists in her four years at Independence. Girls' soccer first team, second team, honorable mention Cyrus Zia, Sr., St. Albans | After four years spent dominating local competition, Zia leaves the Bulldogs' program with a sterling legacy. He closed out his high school career in style this spring, earning a fourth straight D.C. State Athletic Association singles title. The Georgetown commit finished with a 17-1 record, including several massive wins over the Interstate Athletic Conference's best, cementing himself as one of the most decorated high school tennis players the area has seen in years. Boys' tennis first team, honorable mention Ruhika Bhat, Sr., Poolesville | Bhat was undeterred in her quest for a Maryland Class 2A singles title. The Falcons' top singles player didn't yield more than one game in any set this season, posting a 20-0 record en route to county, region and state titles. Her dominance helped Poolesville earn its fourth straight state title, extending the Montgomery County program's reign over its classification. She is committed to Georgetown. Girls' tennis first team, honorable mention Madi Bell, Sr., Lake Braddock | Bell dominated competition throughout her high school career, earning this award for the third time. The Pittsburgh signee won the all-around competition at the district, regional and state meets. She also finished first on beam (9.750) and bars (9.925) at states, leading Lake Braddock to a fourth straight Virginia Class 6 championship. In the state all-around competition, the 0.7 difference in score between Bell and the second-place finisher was bigger than any other gap among the top 20. Gymnastics first team, second team, honorable mention Logan Reilly, Sr., Bishop O'Connell | Reilly proved himself one of the best golfers in the area this year — both in the high school ranks and beyond. The senior excelled in every match he played, including his 1-under-par 36-hole round at Woodmont Country Club this month that left him just two strokes short of qualifying for the U.S. Open. For O'Connell, Reilly averaged a staggering 33 shots per nine holes, went undefeated in match play and was the low individual scorer at the Washington Metro tournament. He is committed to Auburn. Golf first team, second team, honorable mention Boys' rowing first team, best boats, honorable mention Girls' rowing first team, best boats, honorable mention
