Recognizing playwright and Philadelphia native Quiara Alegria Hudes on the Broadway debut of her musical In the Heights.

WHEREAS, Playwright Quiara Alegria Hudes is a proud Philadelphia native and graduate of the Philadelphia public school system; and

WHEREAS, Quiara is the daughter of community activist Virginia Sanchez and stepdaughter of local businessman Mercedes “Sedo” Sanchez and older sister to Gabriella, an aspiring actress who currently attends Philadelphia's Creative and Performing Artist High School; and

WHEREAS, Quiara is happily married to her soulmate, Raymond Beauchamp and together they share a beautiful daughter, Cecilia, and reside in the Northern Liberties section of our City; and

WHEREAS, Quiara's has received much acclaim and has been highlighted in

Latina Magazine

as one of the top young Latinas to watch; and

WHEREAS, Quiara's theatrical work draws heavily on the rich Puerto Rican/Latino heritage of Philadelphia and her experiences growing up in a large extended family in our City; and

WHEREAS, The spirit and energy of Philadelphia's neighborhood are strongly present in her recent play

In the Heights

; and

WHEREAS,

In the Heights

made its Broadway debut at the Richard Rogers Theatre on Sunday March 9, 2008; and

WHEREAS,

In the Heights

has been met with ecstatic audiences and critical acclaim from such papers as the

Philadelphia Inquirer

and

The New York Times

; now therefore

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes and celebrates Quiara Alegria Hudes on her achievement in the arts, and applauds the success of her play

In the Heights

. May her work be an inspiration to young artists in Philadelphia for years to come.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Quiara as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body. Muchas Felicidades!

End