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.

Across the road from the bodega is the salon of hairdresser Daniela (Vanessa Menjivar) and the car service business that Kevin Rosario (Alexander Palacio) has operated for many years. Rosario is struggling to put his daughter Nina (Mariah Gonzalez) through her first year of university, despite the family pride in her being the first member of her family to reach tertiary level.

To complicate matters, one of Rosario’s young drivers, Benny (Ngali Shaw) has fallen in love with Nina, although the boss doesn’t think he’s good enough for her. The matriarch of the Washington Heights community is lovable Abuela

Claudia, played with class by Lena Cruz. Richard Valdez plays Piragua Guy who makes cameo appearances with his portable cart serving Puerto Rican shaved ice dessert and quickly becomes an audience favourite.

The migrant experience resonates through In The Heights, from the tradition of a son following his father in the family business to following your own dreams despite the harsh realities.

There’s plenty of emotion ranging from joy and celebration to anger and sorrow, with a high level of authenticity from the cast, many of whom are of Latin American descent and speak Spanish. For much of the musical there’s a summer carnival atmosphere created by the ensemble members dancing up a storm in numbers such as 96,000, The Club and Blackout.

In the Heights is being staged at the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne until September 6, followed by a season on the Gold Coast at HOTA from September 12-24. Bookings: intheheightsmusical.com