We caught up with Joshua Keith-Gaddy, one of the stars of Walnut Street Theater’s production of In The Heights, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical.

Tell us a little bit about your role in In The Heights.

I am an ensemble member understudying Benny, although I do create a character for the ensemble.

The show was pretty acclaimed throughout its Broadway run.  What about the show appeals to so many people?

This show appeals to such a wide audience, ultimately because it’s not too far from home for any of us. It’s almost a love story in my opinion because the characters are so easy to fall in love with. You can relate to them, their hopes, their dreams, their aspirations, but most importantly their appreciation and love of “home.” No matter what, there’s no place like home, and that we all can relate to. Any minority, any person, any sect of people can relate to the core issues within the lives of these “everyday” and less far-fetched people. You never have to dispel your suspension of belief with the theatre for these characters. They are just that real, and relatable. I am a fan of heightened theatre, but humanity…we live that everyday. This show is the essence of that.

What has it been like performing at Walnut Street Theater?

Performing at The Walnut Street Theater has been such a fulfilling experience. I feel so honored to be apart of such a groundbreaking experience at The Walnut. It is such a contemporary, fresh, and modern body of work for this theatre, which makes this experience even more fulfilling. However, this style of work is not usually the normal for this theatre. Their subscribers are generally treated to traditional Musical Theatre. So to be apart of what I would hope to be a new beginning (which I might add is having a very smooth introduction) is a good thing.

Tell us about your personal background: where did you grow up?  How did you get involved with the performing arts?

I was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I performed recreationally until college where I was truly given the opportunity to train. I am a graduate of Howard University and a working actor.  YAY!

What are some “dream roles” or “dream shows” that you’d love to do in the future?

I would like to create roles; I don’t usually dream about things that have been done before. I am more interested in being stretched and challenged to layering and exploration.

Although I stand by this…If I could play Cassie in A Chorus Line, I’d gladly wear the heels and the red.

In The Heights continues its run through October 20, 2013 at 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia.  For more information, visit the Walnut Street Theater webpage, or call 215-574-3550.