In the Heights, at Comedy Theatre (and touring) - 2 hours 20 minutes, including interval ★★★★½

The singing and dancing in this Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) musical spectacular is off the charts.

Featuring a blend of hip-hop and Latin rhythms – salsa, merengue and samba – it is an energetic and colourful cultural celebration, marked by superb performances.

It is clear why In the Heights, which opened on Broadway in 2008, claimed four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Choreography.

And that is not to overlook a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album.

I loved what I saw.

With concept, music and lyrics by Miranda and book by Quiara Alegria Hudes, the story was inspired by tales in the neighbourhood where Miranda grew up.

That was New York City’s Washington Heights.

The narrative – about belonging – starts the day before American Independence Day (July 4).

The central player is Usnavi de la Vega (Ryan Gonzalez), who owns a bodega (a small grocery shop).

He works there with his young jokester cousin, Sonny (Steve Costi), but dreams of moving to the Dominican Republic.

After his parents died, Usnavi was raised by now elderly Cuban immigrant Abuela Claudia (Lena Cruz), whom he cares for deeply and who has a heart issue.

Daniela (Vanessa Menjivar) owns a salon, where local neighbourhood girls’ gossip, but due to financial pressures it is about to close.

With her are Carla (Tamara Foglia Castaneda) and Vanessa (Olivia Vasquez), an aspiring fashion designer and Usnavi’s love interest.

Overprotective father Kevin Rosario (Alexander Palacio) is married to strong willed Camila (Angela Rosero).

He came from a long list of farmers, but didn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps. Instead, he runs a fleet of cabs.

Kevin and Camila’s daughter Nina (Maria Gonzalez) won a partial scholarship to attend Stanford University, the first in the family to go to college.

Now, much to their chagrin, she reveals she has dropped out, which will lead her father to take drastic action.

Benny (Ngali Shaw), who has worked for Kevin since he was young and is the only character who doesn’t speak Spanish, would like to open his own business.

While Kevin doesn’t think he is good enough for Nina, the pair falls for each other.

Another of note in the cast is Richard Valdez, who plays the piragua guy (piragua being a Puerto Rican shaved ice dessert). The character operates a smart portable cart, from which he serves the delicious treat.

And, finally, there is Graffiti Pete (Dayton Tavares), an artist who is mates with Sonny, but who Usnavi doesn’t have time for.

It is the interactions and aspirations of these players that fuel In the Heights.

The musical is multilayered in terms of emotional resonance, with the strength in characterisation apparent from the outset.

Anger, frustration, disappointment, sorrow and joy make a heady combination.

English and Spanish words and phrases, along with regional dialects, are mashed together to bring authenticity to the stage.

Vocally, I could name the entire cast for their aptitude. When you overlay that with the excitement generated by the dancing, the show really takes off.

What a dynamo and front man Ryan Gonzalez is! He is the man who so adroitly hangs it all together.

I couldn’t get enough of Mariah Gonzalez’s sweet set of pipes – beautiful to listen to.

And then you have the larger-than-life representation of Olivia Vasquez as Vanessa. Add in the big, big voice of Vanessa Menjivar as Daniela. Wow!

There is no shortage of feeling expressed by Alexander Palacio and Angela Rosero as Nina’s parents. Ngali Shaw impresses as Benny, forever trying to prove himself worthy to Nina’s dad.

Lena Cruz takes all before her as Abuela, one musical number in particular a real standout. Steve Costi excels in his comic representation of Sonny.

And on it goes, with the ensemble elevating the spectacle.

I greatly admire the choreography by Amy Campbell, as well as the sweet moves by all assembled. Frequently, the chorus numbers see the audience whipped up into a frenzy.

The music is fabulous. Musical director and conductor Zara Stanton brings the best out of the great band. At one point, we get a delightful peek at the trumpeter.

Scaffolding and faux brick work by set designer Mason Browne transport us to working class city life, where this is set.

The costuming by Keerthi Subramanyam traverses stylish to casual, while sound design by David Tonion and lighting by Jasmine Rizk reflect tonal variation well.

Director Luke Joslin brings all the elements together seamlessly, nailing a quality production that I would gladly see again immediately.

In the Heights is on at the Comedy Theatre until 6^th September.

It then heads to HOTA on the Gold Coast between 12^th and 24^th September, 2025.