If you caught the production of In The Heights at the Hayes Theatre last year, you’re a lucky devil. If you missed out, don’t despair! It’s back for a short time only at Sydney Opera House as part of the Sydney Festival line up.
The venue change allows Blue Saint Production’s production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s (Moana, Hamilton) New York City musical to be seen, felt and heard from almost all sides in the cavernous Sydney Opera House Concert hall. Everything has been upscaled, but thankfully the creative team helmed by director Luke Joslin have managed to retain the infectious energy and dynamism of the show.
Simon Greer’s original set has been expanded by Matt Ryan to fill out the stage, and while it’s an impressive feat, we do lament the intimacy that the tiny Hayes space affords. Bigger stage means longer travel time, and the pace dips ever so slightly between scenes while we wait for the actors to traverse the set. Lucky it’s such a high-energy show. The best thing about the bigger space are the dance numbers. Choreographer Amy Campbell utilises the entire set, creating truly spectacular numbers.
Miranda’s musical pays homage to the area of NYC he grew up in, Washington Heights, and the people who made it home. This Opera House version sees the lead role of Usnavi played by Steven Lopez (Ryan Gonzalez took on the role at Hayes) and Joe Kalou as Benny (Tim ‘Timomatic’ Omaji at Hayes), plus additional ensemble members have been inserted to create more atmosphere in the big scenes.
Lopez is endearing as hardworking Usnavi, dedicated to his community and family. He captures Usnavi’s charming awkwardness beautifully, but does lack a magnetism seen in others who’ve played the role before him. As Benny, Kalou failed to hold his own against his castmates. He had a clear idea of character, but vocally he was struggling.
The women in this production are powerhouses, their voices soaring above and beyond. Olivia Vasquez as Vanessa is enduringly watchable, and Luisa Scrofani (Nina) is a pocket rocket. Special mention to Marty Alix as the silky smooth and always endearing Sonny – another fantastic performance.
It’s a short run, but if you can beg, borrow or steal a ticket you won’t be disappointed. The stunning Latin music infused throughout (vivaciously brought to life by the band and Musical Director Lucy Birmingham) will have you squirming in your seat to get up and dance.
Playing at the Sydney Opera House until 20 January.
Alana Kaye – Theatre Now
In The Heights
From America’s hottest new musical mastermind, Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, Moana) comes the quadruple Tony Award® winning, salsa-fuelled musical about a vibrant community in Washington Heights (NYC).
16 – 20 Jan 2019
Wed – Sun 7pm
Sat & Sun Matinee 2pm
Venue: Sydney Opera House: Concert Hall
Theatre Company: Blue Saint Productions in association with Neil Gooding
Duration: 2 Houes & 20 Minutes including 20 minute interval
This summer, it’s lights up on Washington Heights, a close-knit neighbourhood in Manhattan, where the heat is stifling and the A-train is the only way out.
Trapped running a debt-ridden bodega, Usnavi longs for a simpler life in the Dominican Republic. Alongside him, a community as vibrant as the city itself yearns for change. A winning lottery ticket is sold, but to whom? Is it the family who long to send their daughter to an ivy league school; or the woman desperately trying to find a home?
Following a sold out, critically acclaimed season at Hayes Theatre Co in 2018, this salsa-fuelled contemporary musical returns to Sydney for a strictly limited season this summer. Get ready to be on your feet, as the intoxicating salsa vibes from the live Latino-band will have you dancing all night long.
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