‘In the Heights’ at Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts

Roger Neal, center, joins fellow students in an improvisational dance to loosen up before a dress rehearsal of the musical, “In the Heights.” (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Students perform in a dress rehearsal of “In the Heights.” A professional touring company provided the sets. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Student performers rehearse a number from “In The Heights.” Professional performers provided coaching.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

A student performs in a dress rehearsal of the musical, “In the Heights.” (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Students rehearse a scene from “In the Heights.” (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Student performers Ayla Stackhouse, left, Anna Chavez, Desiree Sennett, seated, and Liana Kleinman rehearse a scene from the musical, “In the Heights.” (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Actress and singer Alejandra Reyes, who performed in the Broadway production of “In the Heights,” films students during a dress rehearsal of the musical. Reyes was on hand to give advice and help students with the production.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Students wait to see a dress rehearsal of the musical “In the Heights.” (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Student performers gather their thoughts backstage before a dress rehearsal of “In the Heights.” (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Liana Kleinman, left, leads student performers in a stretch backstage before a rehearsal of “In the Heights.” (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

As students file out of the theater,Principal Kim Bruno asks them if they liked the preview performance of “In the Heights.”  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)