In The Heights review | Comedy Theatre

Melbourne has turned the volume up to eleven with In The Heights, a vibrant burst of music, movement, and pure heart that spills from the stage. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s beloved musical ignites to life with warmth and energy, planting the audience into a neighbourhood alive with stories. From the first electrifying note to the final bow, this is a celebration of the delight that comes from being part of a community.



In The Heights follows Usnavi, a bodega owner in lively Washington Heights, as he wrestles with whether to stay and carry on his family’s legacy or chase his dreams elsewhere. The story weaves through the lives of the colourful residents, including Nina, a young woman returning from college, Benny, a dispatcher caught between two worlds, and Vanessa, Usnavi’s love interest dreaming of a better life. Against a backdrop of pulsating music and exhilarating choreography, the musical explores identity, family, ambition, and the bonds that hold this neighbourhood together.



Ngali Shaw is the highlight in an absorbing and nuanced portrayal as Benny, capturing his restless vitality and frustrations rooted in his sense of being an outsider within the predominantly Latino community. His unspoken feelings for Nina provide an extra layer of sensitivity and depth. Mariah Gonzalez matches this intensity as Nina, captivatingly embodying vulnerability and strength. Their remarkable chemistry adds drama and emotional resonance creating a relationship that avoids slipping into a typical love story.


Ryan González commands the role of Usnavi with charisma, conveying his hopeful ambition and community loyalty. Their execution anchors the production, balancing moments of humour, tenderness, and determination with ease. Olivia Vásquez delivers a textured depiction of Vanessa, a woman striving for independence and a better future. Her strong stage presence and complexity give Vanessa a compelling voice, perfectly complementing Usnavi’s journey. Together, they form a mesmerising interplay that drives most of the show’s stirring core.



Memorable turns from the supporting cast include Steve Costi who plays Sonny with cheek and scrappiness; Lena Cruz's Abuela Claudia is a grounded and sincere performance that provides the unshakable backbone of the community; and Vanessa Menjivar as Daniela, brings a confident drive that enriches the dynamics of the characters. Each actor gives fullness to the ensemble, bolstering the production as a whole.



Director Luke Joslin ensures that the production radiates the excitement and invigoration the musical is known for, while also ensuring we feel every disappointment and sadness as much as the happiness. This might be considered a spoiler, even for a 17-year-old musical and a four-year old film, but when Abuela Claudia passes, there are sobs in the theatre and a hushed reverence lingers in the room. Joslin's direction of this is heartbreakingly raw and deeply respectful, making the reveal devastating and profoundly real. Similarly, instances of personal struggle, like Benny’s grappling with his place in this cultural fabric, are presented with an honesty that cuts through the tension and grounds the story in human emotion.


Zara Stanton’s musical direction impresses throughout, seamlessly blending with Amy Campbell’s rousing choreography. While the show’s original score is iconic, Stanton’s work retains the music's freshness and vibrancy, and is brilliantly matched to the cast’s strengths and the staging. The music and movement feed off each other effortlessly, presenting a unified, exhilarating experience.

Mason Browne's set design creates an immersive snapshot of an active urban neighbourhood, rich with authenticity and atmosphere. The stringed pennant flags overhead offer a festive, community vibe, while the exposed brick walls and fire escapes frame the space with a rugged city grit. The warm, golden lighting by Jasmine Rizk bathes the stage, giving everything a nostalgic, late-summer glow that feels intimate and alive. Keerthi Subramanyam’s costumes are full of colour and variety, each piece crafted with a flair that transports you straight into the story’s world.

In The Heights is a spirited and authentic portrayal of community life through unified performances and confident design and direction. The show balances energy with poignancy, inviting audiences into a world that is specific and universal. It’s a production that honours Miranda’s original vision while establishing its own distinct presence on the Melbourne stage.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne
Season: until 6 Sep | Tues 6.30pm, Wed-Thurs 7pm, Fri 7.30pm, Sat 2pm and 7.30pm, Sun 1pm
Duration:
Tickets: $99 - $149
Bookings: Ticketek