In The Heights returns to Melbourne ten years after its Australian debut at Chapel Off Chapel.
On the other side of that boring enforced shut-in period we’d all rather forget, it resonates even more deeply.
Heard of Lin-Manuel Miranda? Yep, the mastermind behind Hamilton the musical. Well, In The Heights is his debut musical – how dare he be so great straight out the gates!? Also sung and rapped, In The Heights draws inspo from Washington Heights (Manhattan, New York City) – Miranda’s childhood neighbourhood, typically bursting with salsa and hip-hop rhythms.
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Right from the jump during the titular opening number, Amy Campbell’s lively, inspired choreography pops. Care has been taken to ensure every single step is steeped in meaning and executed so naturally you’d swear the chorey was worked out on these specific bodies. The throwing of balls and brandishing of flags and bandannas further expands visual interest. Our eyelines follow arcs way above the performers’ heads and we feel giddy from the colourful spectacle of it all.
A celebration of culture, belonging and community, this Tony Award-winning musical also explores hiraeth and the pressures faced by first generation university students.
It’s truly an ensemble piece and there are no slouches within this cast. As Kevin Rosario, Alexander Palacio breaks our collective hearts during Inútil (Useless) – opening night’s standout performance. We get teary as this character castigates himself, recalling how he was punished by his father for daring to dream big. Lena Cruz totally embodies the beloved Abuela Claudia character – the lifeblood of this barrio. Reprising the role of Usnavi de la Vega, Ryan González is instantly likable and we’re rooting for his character from the get-go.
Olivia Vásquez reprises the sassy Vanessa role with magnetic flair. Ngali Shaw’s portrayal of Benny is heartfelt and nuanced. Such smooth, soulful vocals! Shaw is a star in the making and we eagerly anticipate his every scene. As Sonny, Steve Costi’s danceability pulls focus on the reg.
Lighting Designer Jasmine Rizk recreates fireworks so accurately that you’d swear they were going off directly above the theatre. Her stunning lighting design illuminates specific features within Mason Browne’s extraordinary set – the graffitied bodega and Rosario’s Car & Limousine service surrounded by stoops, scaffolding and fire escape ladders, with a distant view of the George Washington Bridge in the background.
We’re not gonna give too much away here, but when was the last time you genuinely gasped over a plot twist during a musical? In The Heights made us do so one-and-a-half times; plot twist one even scoring an audible audience gasp.
Floating out of the Comedy Theatre post-show, we feel determined to revive our dreams and chase more of what really matters in life.
In The Heights plays at the Comedy Theatre until 6 Sep.
