Hopes and dreams of a dynamic migrant community

The hopes and dreams of a spirited immigrant community in Manhattan’s Washington Heights district come to the fore in the Tony Award-winning musical In The Heights which had its Melbourne premiere at the Comedy Theatre on August 7.

Created by Hamilton mastermind Lin-Manuel Miranda, In The Heights premiered on Broadway in 2008, seven years before Hamilton debuted on Broadway and went on to become a global hit.

Washington Heights is a melting pot of Latin American immigrants ranging from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic to Cuba, bringing culture, tradition and Spanish language to New York. While Miranda’s trademark rap music introduces the story in In The Heights, it gives way to a smorgasbord of musical styles including hip hop and Latin American rhythms.

There are ballads and catchy melodies, plus powerful anthems featuring the full ensemble. A highlight is the energetic dance scenes created by choreographer Amy Campbell that keep the hot action moving at a breakneck speed.

The show’s central character is Usnavi, played by experienced stage and film actor Ryan Gonzalez in the role that Miranda introduced to Broadway from 2008-09. Usnavi runs a bodega (a small grocery shop) in tough economic times and is hoping for romance with fiery Vanessa (Olivia Vasquez), an aspiring fashion designer.