Stonehill International School Students Shine in Spectacular Performance of In the Heights

Bangalore– The stage at Bangalore International Centre came alive as students from Stonehill International School, Bangalore, delivered a stunning performance of In the Heights, a Tony Award-winning musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The production, which ran from 27th February to 1st March, showcased the immense talent and dedication of the school’s middle and high school students, reinforcing Stonehill’s commitment to fostering the performing arts.

The school’s annual musical production provides students with a professional platform to display their acting, singing, and creative skills before a large and diverse audience. This year’s high-energy performance blended hip-hop, salsa, merengue, and soul to bring to life the vibrant Latino community of Washington Heights, New York City. The story follows Usnavi, a bodega owner with dreams of returning to the Dominican Republic, alongside his neighbors as they navigate love, ambition, and identity, all set against the backdrop of a changing community.

The production was the culmination of six months of rigorous rehearsals, late-night practices, and weekend sessions, with students working tirelessly to ensure a seamless performance. Joe Lumsden, Head of School, Stonehill International School, commended their efforts, stating:

“The Stonehill musical production this year was stunning. Our students worked on this production for six months, giving up their evenings and weekends to ensure that the show was as professional as possible. All members of the crew and cast can be immensely proud of the performance that they put on. The audience absolutely loved it.”

Adding to the immersive theatrical experience was a realistic set, designed by students and teachers, that transformed the stage into a bustling New York high street, complete with candy shops and boutique salons. The meticulous attention to detail extended to costumes, props, lighting, makeup, choreography, and music, all conceptualized and executed in-house by the students and faculty.

The production was directed by Jason Gallant, a faculty member at Stonehill International School with an extensive background in theatre. Trained in dance and having performed in theatre from a young age, Gallant has used performance arts as a tool for education. Reflecting on the play’s significance for an international school, he shared:

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“As an international teacher, I feel In the Heights is a perfect choice for this year’s production. It is a story about finding a sense of belonging and creating a community wherever one is—something the diverse student body at Stonehill can truly relate to.”

Gallant, who initially worked as a music and drama programmer at a summer camp for children with physical disabilities, now actively encourages his students to explore drama as a means of building confidence and collaboration skills.

The three-day showcase received resounding applause, with audiences appreciating the passion, professionalism, and storytelling brought to life by the young performers. Stonehill International School’s commitment to the arts continues to empower students to explore creative expression and cultural storytelling, making their annual musical production a highlight of the school’s cultural calendar.