PRESS

Director and choreographer Luis Salgado is one of the most visionary artists — and I’m not using hyperbole here — that we have ever seen in St. Louis, among those who come here to put a show together. Last season, he was the driving force behind the award- winning “In the Heights” adaptation.

As Salgado demonstrated directing and choreographing “In the Heights,” he is focused on culture and community. His artistic sensibilities are evident in this show’s lighting, costumes, scenic design and sound. His work staging the ensemble is inspiring, and the energy he harnesses through the Suzuki method — the distinctive swirling motion and fluid movements resembling ballet and martial arts — is a thrill to watch.

Herrick Goldman has designed the lighting for Stages St. Louis’ revival of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, which opened on June 2, 2023 and runs through July 2, 2023. The lighting has been noted as “a stand out amongst design,”

Luis Salgado’s choreography effortlessly references traditional African and Egyptian dance while maintaining an athletic, modern energy, and his direction places focus on ideas of war, slavery and the value of an individual life that underscore contemporary issues.

Luis Salgado will be a 2023 Ambassador Puerto Rican Day Parade. Leading the procession as Grand Marshal will be television personality, actor, and author Giselle Blondet, who is recognized as one of the most iconic figures on Spanish-language television. Joining Blondet in the procession and representing the Puerto Rican communities in both Los Angeles and Chicago, will be actor Justina Machado as Queen.

Lynn & Carl speak to Broadway actor, director and choreographer Luis Salgado, who is directing Stages St. Louis’ production of Aida now through the 25th of June in Kirkwood. They then look at the new releases: the latest Transformers headache, Past Lives and Flamin’ Hot (on Hulu). – plus a huge theater roundup.

“Last year, Luis Salgado directed and choreographed IN THE HEIGHTS at STAGES St. Louis. It was among the most critically acclaimed productions of the year in St. Louis. His production was recognized with 11 St. Louis Critics Circle nominations and six wins including Outstanding Production, Outstanding Ensemble and Outstanding Choreography. This year, Salgado returns to STAGES St. Louis to direct and choreograph AIDA which opens on Wednesday, June 7th in the Ross Family Theatre at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. ” Broadway World St. Louis

At Theatre Washington’s 2023 Helen Hayes Awards ceremony on May 22 at The Anthem on the District Wharf in Washington, the Spanish-language GALA Hispanic Theatre received nine awards, including Outstanding Musical – Helen, for On Your Feet! La historia de Emilio y Gloria Estefan ¡En español!, along with one award each for its productions of Revoltosa (The Troublemaker) and La casa de la laguna (The House on the Lagoon). Company members gave tributes to Hugo Medrano, co-founder and producing artistic director, who passed away earlier in the day.

Stages St. Louis’ “In the Heights,” a jubilant celebration of culture, community, and connection, won six awards, including Outstanding Musical Production, Music Director, Choreography, Set Design, Costume Design (tie) and Ensemble in a Musical, at the St. Louis Theater Circle Awards Monday.

Esta producción, a cargo de la Fundación Arturo Somohano con la dirección de Luis Salgado (”In The Heights”), es otra celebración al talento del País, desde la parte técnica hasta la artística. Tratándose de una historia conocida, con una naturaleza musical tan cercana a la nuestra, fue evidente cómo los actores, actrices, bailarines y músicos, lograron hacerla suya (aún siendo mayormente en inglés), al punto de adentrar a la audiencia en cada emoción representada.