Q&A with professor Naila Ansari Carbonell Catilo and alumnus Alejandro Gómez in advance of ‘In the Heights’

From November 13-15 in the Warren Enters Theatre, Buffalo State theater students will have the opportunity to perform alongside Broadway actors, Buffalo actors, and area high school students in a staged concert version of Lin Manuel Miranda’s hit musical In the Heights. The production, which will be directed by Matthew B. Cullen with music direction by Buffalo State lecturer Karen Saxon and choreography by Buffalo State associate professor Naila Ansari Carbonell Catilo, is a collaboration among the Buffalo State University Theatre Department, AnsariSaxon Productions (co-founded by Ansari Carbonell Catilo and Saxon), and Starring Buffalo.

In the Heights will feature not only current Buffalo State students and faculty, but also alumnus Alejandro Gómez, ’23, who will play Kevin/Piragua Guy. We caught up with Ansari Carbonell Catilo and Gómez to hear about their relationship to the show and what they’re most looking forward to about working with fellow Bengals.

Buffalo State University: What was your introduction to In the Heights?
Naila Ansari Carbonell Catilo: I saw In the Heights in the early 2000s and fell in love with how Lin Manuel showed how musical theatre can center the stories, rhythms, and experiences of communities that have historically been underrepresented on Broadway. What has always resonated with me is how movement and music are woven into the fabric of the storytelling. Dance is not simply something that happens between scenes; it is an expression of community, identity, celebration, and belonging. As a choreographer, I am particularly drawn to the ways the show invites us to explore cultural traditions while allowing space for individual expression and contemporary interpretations.

Alejandro Gómez: I was first introduced to In The Heights in 2008. I remember my father—also a Buff State theater alum—excitedly waving me over to the computer. He wanted to show me an acceptance speech from the Tony Awards. “This guy just won Best Original Score…and he’s Puerto Rican.” We sat and watched as Lin-Manuel Miranda famously freestyle rapped his acceptance speech, ending it by proclaiming, “This is for Abuelo Wisin, and Puerto Rico!” as he whipped out a small Puerto Rican flag from his suit jacket and held it up high. I remember the explosive laugh my father let out the moment the speech ended; he looked at me through his watery eyes as I took all of it in, mesmerized by Lin’s authenticity. I’d later get the opportunity to see In The Heights when it came to Buffalo for the national tour. My exposure to ITH at such a young age may have heavily influenced my decision to become an actor. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to have played Sonny twice, once at MusicalFare in Buffalo and once at Geva Theater in Rochester. It’s been almost ten years since my last exposure to the show, so I’m excited to re-enter the world.

BSU: This production brings together professional artists and students. Why is a collaboration like this important and exciting?
NACC: One of the most exciting aspects of this collaboration is the opportunity for students to experience the professional creative process firsthand. There is something incredibly valuable about learning alongside working artists, where the rehearsal room becomes a space for mentorship, experimentation, and artistic exchange. I believe these collaborations should be reciprocal. Students bring fresh perspectives, curiosity, and creative instincts that can challenge and inspire professional artists. The goal is not simply to teach students how to perform in a professional production, but also to empower them to recognize themselves as artists who have something meaningful to contribute.

AG: I view the opportunity to collaborate with students as a beautiful responsibility. Often, the relationship between a professional and a student has more of a mentorship dynamic; but while in a production together, we’re all peers, so there’s almost a quiet expectation for us as professionals to set the standard for the room and act as an example for students. It’s a responsibility I take very seriously. 

BSU: What are you most excited about in this process? 
NACC: I am excited to discover how this particular company of artists will bring Washington Heights to life. Every production has its own identity, shaped by the people in the room and the experiences they bring with them. My choreographic process begins with questions rather than steps. I am interested in how movement emerges from character, relationships, and the world of the story. I look forward to exploring those questions collaboratively and creating movement that feel authentic to this ensemble.

AG: I’m excited to play different characters than what I’ve played in past productions. I was 20 years old the last time I was in a production of ITH. Having the chance to approach the show from an adult perspective truly intrigues me. 

BSU: What does it mean be able to work with fellow Bengals?
NACC: There is something special about creating alongside the Buffalo State community. As a faculty member, I have the privilege of watching students develop their artistic voices in the classroom but seeing them step into a professional rehearsal environment is an entirely different experience. Working with fellow faculty, alumni, and students also demonstrates the strength of the artistic community we are building. Our students are not simply preparing to enter the profession someday; they are already contributing to it. Productions like this create meaningful connections between education and professional practice while reminding us of the extraordinary talent within our own community. In the Heights is a story about home, family, dreams, and the communities that shape who we become. Those themes resonate far beyond Washington Heights. I hope audiences leave not only entertained by the music and movement, but also reflecting on their own communities, the people who have supported their dreams, and what it means to belong.

AG: Having so many Bengals involved in this production adds an extra layer of pride to the whole experience. Collectively, we understand the importance of representing our school and program well. I’m looking forward to collaborating with that shared mindset.

In the Heights Presented in Concert by Starring Buffalo, AnsariSaxon, and Buffalo State University
November 13-15
Warren Enters Theatre (Upton Hall)
To purchase tickets, please visit the website.