REVIEW: In the Heights at The Comedy Theatre
- Natasha Dyson
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
In the Heights has made its home in Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre for the next six weeks, and it’s a carnaval not to be missed. Thursday’s opening night saw the show’s celebration of community reflected in our audience’s raucous standing ovation, so joyous I wondered if there was an encore I didn’t know about.
The highest of the heights was Amy Campbell’s dynamic choreography, met and empowered by the personalities of the cast (which was STACKED with talent.) This barrio of beautiful humans were all afforded their moment to star, and no one went unnoticed. With so many phenomenal dancers in one cast, seeing the complete ensemble come to life in sequences like ‘The Club’ scene was when this production truly shone.
I could single out extraordinary moments in every performance, but why read them all when you should just see it for yourself, if you’re able.
“Oh, SHIT!” - someone sitting behind me reacting in awe to Olivia Vásquez’s godly Vanessa. Vásquez was the vocal pinnacle of the show, her sense of ease unmatched. She commanded our attention and affection in every scene she stepped into; it might as well have been an audience full of Usnavis.
Speaking of Usnavi, Ryan Gonzáles was never in doubt as our narrator and hero. They were lovable and charismatic, believably awkward on their feet yet cleverly given moments to remind us just how masterful their dance physicality remains.
My personal highlight, Steve Costi as Sonny showcased some of the most precise comedic timing you’ll find on stage, complete with the swagger and charm of a dancer who can do it all without breaking a sweat.
I’m not lying when I say all members of this cast deserve their recognition. There’s not a single character in the show the audience isn’t rooting for. I’d be remiss not to mention Malena Searles’ show-stopping dance ability, Ngali Shaw’s engaging Benny, and Richard Valdez’s joy as everyone’s favourite Piragua Guy. We fell in love with everyone.
In an industry of caricature, where often we see unrealistically picturesque representations of everyday life, In the Heights is incredibly human in its pursuit of the imperfect. Life is messiest when we’re only thinking of ourselves, and happiness takes a village.
Look, it is impossible not to consider the sophistication of Hamilton when viewing this show. Largely due to Lin Manuel Miranda’s self-insert leading roles, which are driven by his distinct vocal style and timbre. Although In the Heights excels in so many ways, I believe it could be just as impactful as a shorter musical. Personally I find the constant energy shift between vibrant ensemble numbers and several stand-and-sing expositional ballads a bit jarring, and I felt at times we as an audience were being told how to feel so explicitly that it didn’t have the emotional payoff, even when compared to the abridged movie adaptation. I didn’t leave the show with any questions, and although that’s not necessarily bad, I would’ve liked if there were some things we were left to work out on our own.
The production also wasn’t without technical complications. Periodically, I was taken out of the story by something flashing at the back of the set, and I don’t envy anyone working a Miranda mic plot. Performance wise, a few instances of overly presentational direction and accent slips were noticeable, but on the whole none of these things could turn the power off such an electric show.
Lin Manuel Miranda’s revered homage to Washington Heights and Latin American culture runs the risk of feeling a long way from Melbourne, Australia. But its deeply authentic longing for connection and pride in community is one thing our city knows well. The cohesive cast of versatile performers welcome us into the story with warmth and familiarity. In the Heights is for fans of the feel-good, flawless Latin orchestration, or anyone who understands what it is to choose a family.
See it once, see it twice, see it 96,000 times (too much?). Like returning to a place you’ve ever called home, you might find you see things differently. Alabanza.
