As the sun rises on what is set to be another blistering summers day in Washington Heights, bodega owner Usnavi (Ryan Gonzalez -they/them) is getting ready to start work. Chasing away petty vandal Graffiti Pete (Jervis Livelo – he/him), he begins to talk about his life, his world and this little corner of Manhattan he calls The Heights.
With music and lyrics by the incredible Lin-Manuel Miranda, and based on the book by Quiara Alegría Hudes, In the Heights at the Sydney Opera House, follows the lives of a close-knit Latin – American community over the course of three days. We are introduced to Kevin and Camilla Rosario (Alexander Palacio – he/him and Angela Rosero – she/her), who own the local cab company, and Daniela (Janet Dacal – she/her) and Carla (Tamara Foglia Castañeda – she/her), who run the nearby salon.
There is Abuela Claudia (Lena Cruz – she/her), who raised Usnavi after the death of his parents, and who is the matriarch of the community, Vanessa (Olivia Vásquez – she/her), a woman desperate to move away and begin a new life, and the Rosario’s daughter Nina (Olivia Dacal – she/her) who returns from her first year at Stanford University.
As all the characters stories intertwine, we see each of them struggle financially, making difficult decisions while searching for their place in the world. Each begin to question – where is home? Is it the place you come from, the place you live, or the people who surround you? This storytelling is interwoven around catchy musical numbers, salsa, hip hop and Latin beats.
Directed by Luke Joslin (he/him), with musical direction by Victoria Falconer (she/her), this Tony Award-winning show is perfectly cast. Watching these incredible performers was like getting a glimpse into another world. A world of colour, music, hardship, resilience and the enduring bonds of family. In the Heights is a moving insight into the dynamics of family – both the one you are born into, and the one you make for yourself.
Gonzalez is incredible as Usnavi – the centre of his community – whose relationship with his younger cousin Sonny (Steve Costi -he/him) makes for some of the funniest interactions of the show. Secretly (or perhaps, not so secretly) in love with Vanessa, the character of Usnavi is beautifully relatable.
Combining both a strength and softness, Dacal was outstanding as Nina. Delivering one of the most memorable vocal performances of the night, her duet with Benny (Barry Conrad – he/him) singing Sunrise, was flawless. It becomes clear that Nina is the golden child, the ‘one who made it’, the one upon which the neighbourhoods expectations fall. But with expectations comes disappointment.
Choreographed by Amy Campbell (she/her), the sheer stamina of the cast is mind blowing. Delivering so much passion and intensity, it became infectious, with the audience feeling as if they were a part of the fun. With incredible attention to detail, In the Heights embodies Latin culture with honesty and authenticity.
While the music did, at times, drown out the vocals, it is one small gripe in an otherwise sensational production.
Entertainment at its absolute best, In the Heights is a mesmerising display of talent that will have you dancing in your seat.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
In the Heights will perform at the Sydney Opera House until 25 August 2024
For more information and to buy tickets head to the Sydney Opera House website.
Reviewer attended on 24 July 2024.
Photography by Daniel Boud
