Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights is a love letter to community, culture, and the dreams that sustain us — and at the Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts Theatre (HOTA), Joshua Robson Production’s delivers a pulse of energy so infectious you can almost feel the summer heat rising off the stage. This staging is a vibrant, heartfelt celebration that blends Latin rhythms, explosive choreography, and raw human emotion into a theatrical block party.
At the centre of Washington Heights stands Ryan Gonzalez’s Usnavi, a charismatic narrator who pulls us into the heartbeat of the neighbourhood. Gonzalez balances Usnavi’s awkward humour with soulful sincerity, guiding us through the barrio’s joys and heartbreaks with charm and emotional depth. Their delivery of “96,000” bursts with infectious excitement, and by the time they reach “Hundreds of Stories,” the audience is entirely invested in Usnavi’s journey.
As Vanessa, Olivia Vasquez is magnetic. Her Vanessa is a woman fighting to break free from the limitations of her surroundings, and Vasquez’s powerhouse vocals soar during “It Won’t Be Long Now” and “Champagne.” She brings a captivating mix of grit and vulnerability that makes Vanessa’s dream of escaping to the downtown life feel palpable and urgent.
Mariah Gonzalez brings luminous heart to Nina Rosario, the girl who made it out but returns home weighed down by expectations. Her rendition of “Breathe” is spine-tingling — a moment of stillness that draws the audience into Nina’s inner battle — and her chemistry with Ngali Shaw’s Benny radiates warmth and sincerity. Shaw gives Benny an irresistible blend of humour and optimism, and his buttery vocals in “Benny’s Dispatch” and romantic duets with Nina are highlights of the show. Together, Gonzalez and Shaw create a love story that feels honest and deeply rooted in community.
Comic relief is delivered in spades by Steve Costi as Sonny, whose razor-sharp timing and cheeky energy steal scenes. Costi keeps Sonny grounded, revealing the character’s fierce loyalty beneath the laughs — particularly during moments when the stakes rise in Act II.
The soul of the neighbourhood is embodied by Lena Cruz’s Abuela Claudia, whose warmth and quiet wisdom are beautifully realised. Her showstopper “Paciencia y Fe” is a masterclass in storytelling, building to an emotionally charged climax that had the audience breathless.
As Nina’s parents, Alexander Palacio (Kevin Rosario) and Angela Rosero (Camila Rosario) bring a grounded strength to the production. Palacio’s “Inútil” is heartfelt and moving, while Rosero absolutely owns “Enough,” bringing both fire and compassion to her portrayal of Camila. Together, they convincingly portray a couple whose love and struggles anchor the Rosario family storyline.
Vanessa Menjivar as Daniela and Tamara Foglia Castaneda as Carla are a comedic duo to be reckoned with. Their playful banter and fierce choreography light up every scene they’re in, with “Carnaval del Barrio” becoming a joyous anthem of resilience and celebration.
Richard Valdez as Piragua Guy delivers a charming and memorable performance, giving the audience delightful moments of levity while symbolising the fight to hold onto culture in the face of change. Dayton Tavares as Graffiti Pete is electric, his acrobatic energy bringing a burst of adrenaline to every scene — especially in “The Club” and “Blackout.”
The ensemble dancers are the lifeblood of this production, filling the stage with breathtaking movement. From tight, intricate salsa steps to explosive hip-hop-infused choreography, they transform the stage into a living, breathing street corner. Each ensemble member’s energy contributes to the sense of a real, interconnected community, and the choreography (executed with precision and flair) is a visual feast.
The creative team has crafted a production that feels both epic and intimate. The set design cleverly evokes the Heights, with rotating elements that seamlessly transport us from corner store to salon to Rosario’s car service. The live band keeps Miranda’s score alive with infectious rhythm, and the lighting design captures both the heat of summer days and the magic of late-night celebrations.
By the time the company comes together for the finale, there’s a palpable sense of catharsis — a reminder that home is not just a place, but the people who hold you up when life gets tough.
This In the Heights is a joyous, moving, and impeccably performed production that deserves a full house every night. With powerhouse vocals, dazzling dance numbers, and a cast brimming with talent, this is musical theatre at its most exhilarating. Don’t just see it — feel it.
⭐ 5 stars – A must-see celebration of culture, community, and connection.
TICKETS
Now Playing until 21 September
Home of the Arts (HOTA), Gold Coast
All images Supplied.
The Fame Reporter 