Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights took Broadway by storm when it opened in 2008. The show swept that years Tony Awards, winning four gongs including Best Musical, and it was also nominated for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Miranda and book writer Quiara Alegria Hudes’ simple story of three days in the lives of a tightknit Dominican-American community in Washington Heights in New York City wasn’t really anything new in terms of theme; similar topics had previously been explored in shows such as West Side Story. However, it was Miranda’s thrilling and modern eclectic score that set In the Heights apart. Through a deft melding of hip-hop, salsa, rap, R&B and traditional music theatre influences this show sizzled with vivacious energy and a head-bopping soundtrack. It blew away American critics and audiences alike back then and this long awaited Australian premier production by StageArt is set to do the same for Melbourne.
Usnavi (Stephen Lopez) runs a bodega stand in Washington Heights serving the colourful members of the community. These include his mate Benny (James Elmer) an ambitious young entrepreneur, his beautiful crush Vanessa (Bianca Baykara) who wants to get out of the neighborhood and Nina (Anna Francesca Armenia) who is returning from a failed stint at Stanford University. Over the course of the show we witness relationships blossom, families struggle and tragedies occur.
What’s so great about In the Heights is that it celebrates the heritage of multicultural communities whilst also highlighting the struggles and sacrifices made by first generation migrants setting up a new life in the United States. Characters often refer to their parents and grandparents’ influence in their lives and several songs, particularly the gloriously staged and sung ‘Paciencia y Fè,’ bring these themes to the forefront of the narrative. While the setting might be New York it’s not much of a stretch for local audiences to see parts of their own lives reflected on stage.
There is a staggering amount of music in this show. In the Heights is almost entirely sung-through and the dialogue between songs in minimal. Cameron Thomas’ rocking seven-piece band tear through the score with energy and skill and the sound design by Marcello Lo Ricco is turned up to the max so we feel every sweet beat and comprehend every rapid-fire lyric; this reviewer could not stop dancing in his seat.
The casting for this production is spot on. Lopez is charming in the central role and his acting skills really shine through towards the end of the show as things become a bit more serious. As Benny, Elmer is relaxed, cool and his voice is smooth as butter. There were a few times where he could have connected to his scene partners and the audience a bit more, but these moments were few and far between. Armenia brings a sweetness and stoicism to the role of Nina; her voice has a beautifully unique timbre and an incredible power that belies her tiny frame. Seasoned performer Francesca Arena is adorable as Abuela Claudia and Andrew Doyle had the audience eating out the palm of his hand as Sonny.
Director James Cutler, fresh from his phenomenal production of Parade last year, has created a tight and fast-paced show with the tools at his disposal. The success of this production is slightly marred by the very basic set; some bare scaffolding and poorly hung backdrops, and the lighting design, which is strangely and unnecessarily hyperactive. For example, during the heartbreaking song ‘Everything I Know,’ this audience member was distracted by a lighting cue that seemed wildly out of place. Yvette Lee’s choreography is rather generic throughout, except for the sensational opening number and the club sequence at the end of the first act. A few moments of stillness and unison would have been welcome. The intimate stage of the Chapel also appears very cluttered during the ensemble numbers.
After the success of their production of Hair, which went on a regional tour last year, StageArt are really making a name for themselves in the local music theatre scene as a reliable company presenting high quality shows on a modest budget. This fantastic production of In the Heights is sure to cement that reputation once and for all.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
In the Heights
Presented by StageArt
Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran
Music, Lyrics and Conception By Lin-Manuel Miranda
Book by Quiara Alegria Hudes
18 February – 8 March, 2015
