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Penrith Local Irene Toro Takes Centre Stage as Abuela in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s "In The Heights"

Sydney is in for a treat as Irene Toro, a local dance sensation, steps into the spotlight as Abuela in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical “In The Heights” at Chatswood Concourse.

For those familiar with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s work, such as the groundbreaking “Hamilton” and the enchanting scores of Disney’s animated films “Encanto” and “Moana,” “In The Heights” promises a similar magic. Miranda’s signature style of blending rich cultural narratives with modern musical genres has made him a household name, with “In The Heights” being a testament to his ability to captivate audiences with compelling storytelling and infectious music achieving the 2008 Tony for Best Musical.

 

 

Irene Toro’s dance journey began early, spanning jazz, tap, and singing in her youth. As an adult, she embraced ballroom, Latin dance, and belly dance. In 2001, Irene made history by opening one of Western Sydney’s first Salsa schools, teaching street Latin dance forms. Her influence grew as she became a Zumba instructor in 2008, sharing her infectious energy at various gyms and earning the Outstanding Achievement award in 2009 for her contributions to the Australian Latin Dance community.

An integral part of the Sydney Salsa Congress since 2003, Irene extended her impact beyond the dance floor. In 2012, she entered the world of musical theatre, participating in 14 shows with 6 different societies, showcasing her versatility as an ensemble member, featured artist, and choreographer.

“In The Heights” holds special significance for Irene, marking her third participation in this transformative production. The show mirrors her experiences as a first-generation Australian, reflecting on the challenges her parents faced as migrants. Irene invites you to witness the magic at Chatswood Concourse from February 2nd to February 11th, 2024, as she brings Abuela to life with authenticity and passion.

PACA acknowledges the traditions and culture of the first nations peoples from the lands on which we rehearse and perform. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.

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