Ngali Shaw || In the Heights The Musical

The Fame Reporter interviewed incredible actor, Ngali Shaw, he is currently starring as Benny in the Tony Award winning musical, In The Heights, with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda presented by HOTA and Joshua Robson Productions, playing at HOTA on the Gold Coast from 12 – 21 September.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s (Hamilton, Moana) four-time Tony Award®-winning musical is coming exclusively to the Gold Coast – and it’s your ticket to Broadway, no passport required!

Set in the heart of New York’s Washington Heights, In The Heights is a vibrant, high-energy celebration of culture, community, and chasing your dreams. This is the musical that launched Lin-Manuel Miranda’s career – fusing hip hop, salsa, Latin beats and contemporary storytelling into something bold, fresh and unforgettable.

We talked to Ngali about what drew him to audition for In the Heights, how excited he is to perform at the Gold Coast’s HOTA, and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter, Ngali! Congratulations on landing the role of Benny in In the Heights! What drew you to this role, and what excites you most about stepping into his shoes on stage?
I wanted to do this musical because I wanted to prove to myself that I can do this at the highest level even with little to no experience. I wanted to be a statement for others who think they can’t do it because of a piece of paper that says they graduated from musical theatre schools!

The thing that excites me about going on stage with this character is I get to show my versatility as an actor!

In the Heights is such a celebration of culture, music, and community. How are you connecting with those themes in your performance?
Culture and identity is a big part of me, being aboriginal, and when everyone is holding their countries flags up I feel just as proud as everyone else on the cast.

I know how strong it feels to throw those flags up with pride! I just wanna hold their flags up myself!

Benny and Nina’s relationship forms a central pillar of the narrative—how have you and your co-star worked to cultivate and portray that on stage?
Together we had lots of talks with the director and works with intimacy coordinator to make the story make sense and the visual look on stage look as best as it can.

I think it’s a personal thing in myself to bring out Benny’s feelings and all the things directors can’t direct you in, it’s just the emotional part that we have to find in ourselves.

What are you looking forward to about performing at HOTA on the Gold Coast and what do you love about working with this creative team?
I’ve never performed at HOTA before so very excited to get on that stage, and I love the relationships I’ve made and coming in to work to hang with friends! Makes work a whole lot easier.

You’ve had some incredible screen roles, like playing Jarrod in The Twelve. What did that experience teach you about yourself as an actor?
Jarrod was a part of the jury and it taught me that I belong in this industry.

Being Aboriginal and from a regional town, it always felt like I was insignificant and always lacked confidence in myself through everything I do. The Twelve helped me shift that mindset and really solidified a sense of belonging.

How does working on a live musical like In the Heights compare to the pace of working on set for film or TV?
Working live on stage is a big job! 3 hours worth of work that you have to memorise and perform 8-times a week isn’t easy! On screen work is a lot more relaxed (most the time).

Do you find your screen experience helps you on stage—or does theatre sharpen different muscles for you as an actor?
Theatre definitely helped the screen work! Helps you break that bubble and be loud and very overwhelming in a good way, which is very hard to crack.

What do you hope audiences feel and take away from this production of In the Heights?
That they felt connected and inspired after watching a GREAT show and feel the pride that we feel on stage as we tell this story; pride in themselves and where they’re from!

Word Play

Dream musical role you’d love to tackle?
The Lion King

Do you have a favourite scene or moment in the production?
When the sun goes down

A film or TV role you’d love to revisit?
None of them, I’m excited for new things

Favourite In the Heights song?
Champagne

Causes you’re passionate about?
Anything to do with environment and animals!

Lin Manuel-Miranda?
Genius

First show or film you saw that made you want to perform?
None of them. My first role in Royal flying doctors service! Was such a fun experience and realised I can make a living doing something fun!

One word to describe In the Heights?
Spectacular!