I was lucky enough to see this production by Liverpool Youth Theatre.
In The Heights was written by the incredible Lin-Manuel Miranda and premiered on Broadway in 2008. It tells the story, set over three days, of Usnavi de la Vega who is the "narrator" of the show and who owns a small bodega in Washington Heights. The musical focuses on Usnavi and the people with whom he grew up and is really about friends, family and a sense of belonging.
From the moment the first titular song "In The Heights" began I knew I was in for a treat
Usnavi was played by Jamil Abbasi - and he managed the fast rap written by and for Lin Manuel magnificently - his Usnavi was funny and charming and he led the show fantastically. Triple threat Ellie Norton played Nina, Usnavi's childhood friend recently returned from Stamford University with a bombshell to drop to her parents. Ellie played this part wonderfully and her version of "Breathe" was a highlight and just spine tingling. A faultless performance.
There are too many cast members to go through everybody but I want to make a special mention also to Esme Bowdler who played Daniela - she was very funny throughout and "Carnaval Del Barrio" (my favourite song) was stunning. Emily-Louise Lockhart who played Camila performed "Enough" with such passion! I also want to mention Scarlett New who played Abuela Claudia. I have seen In The Heights twice before but this was the first time that the song "Paciencia y Fe" really struck me and gave a sense of Abuela's moving back story.
This production had everything - from set design to costumes to stunning colours and use of lighting. Great choreography and ensemble work. There was a lot of humour and also some tragedy - I will admit that tears were shed when one of the characters passed away (no spoilers!) at the end of the song "Alabanza".
If I have one tiny criticism it was that sometimes the levels seemed a little out - it was a struggle to hear the lead vocals over the backing at certain points - but other than that I can't fault it.
There was a real sense of teamwork and camaraderie amongst the cast and that paid off.
The future of the north west's musical theatre life is secured if Liverpool Youth Theatre are anything to go by. A well deserved standing ovation.
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