Lights up on Niko Touros, who plays Usnavi in In The Heights!
What are some of your favorite roles you’ve played?
"Some of my favorite roles I've played have to be Link in Hairspray, Shrek, and definitely Usnavi."
What kind of theatre training do you have?
"I haven't had much vocal or dance training but I've studied acting at Nassau Community College and in the fall I will be pursuing a minor in acting at Queens College."
What does this role mean to you?
"To say this role means a lot to me would be an understatement. In the past year I've lost both of my grandparents on my dad's side. It's been rough, but playing Usnavi has helped me to cope with it. It's also served as my way of honoring and remembering them the way that I know best. Even beyond the role of Usnavi, the show as a whole means the world to me. My entire life I've always longed for a place to call home and people besides blood to call family and I've found that in this show and this cast. I've come to realize that "home" is not a place, it's a feeling you get when you're surrounded by loving company. That's what this show is all about- love, unity, family, community, and most importantly to me: finding the meaning of home."
Come see Niko and the rest of the talented cast of In The Heights- running July 8th through July 31st. Tickets are available for every performance starting at $20 if purchased before Friday performances, or $25 if purchased at the door. Box office opens one hour prior to every performance. Call (516)-694-3330 or visit our website www.culturalartsplayhouse.com for additional information.