In the Heights has hit Toronto. The musical that took Broadway by storm in 2008 tells the story of a Latino community in New Yorks’ Washington Heights neighbourhood.

Among the stars is Christina Aranda, a lesbian from Texas who plays the character of Abuela Claudia, a community member in her late 60s.

Aranda, who is much younger than her character, talks to Xtra about being an out lesbian actress on Broadway and how her grandmother helped with her coming-out process.

In the Heights plays until Friday, Feb 17 at the Toronto Centre for the Arts.