“Speaks to everyone’s heart”: In the Heights comes to Melbourne

Theatre veteran Lena Cruz says the cast of the musical In the Heights is primed and ready to take over Melbourne with the show’s heartfelt message of community.

The debut musical from Hamilton author Lin-Manuel Miranda, In the Heights will play a strictly limited season at the Comedy Theatre from August 1.

“We are very excited,” Lena told CBD News. “I’ve done this show once before. Some of the cast have done this show two or three times now [but] it’s like new again.”

“We had the first cast reading on Monday, having the most amazing time. There is such humour and heart in this show, so much fun, by the end we were all in tears.”

In the Heights tells the story of a close-knit Dominican diaspora community in New York’s Washington Heights district in the early 2000s as it faces gentrification.

Lena says the show has resonated with Australian audiences despite its US setting because of its relatable cast of characters.

“It’s a show about community, dealing with problems with kindness, and that speaks to everyone’s heart.”

“I grew up in the Philippines, I’m used to the community gathering in times good and bad. You are very close. I straight away understood the story.”

Lena, a Filipino Australian, plays matriarch Abuela Claudia, a second-generation immigrant watching as her children and grandchildren grow up in a city completely changed from the one she first arrived in.

“Her main song Paciencia y Fe (Patience and Faith) is so personal,” Lena said.

“She sings for her mum. I came to Australia, just my Mum and I, and we’d been through so much. That’s our story. This is my love song to my mother.”

In the Heights debuted on Broadway in March 2008 where it was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, winning four, including Best Musical and Best Score.

Its high-octane choreography set to a hip-hop, merengue, salsa and soul infused score, is considered a high watermark for 21st century musicals.

Lena said the show flew under her radar due to its largely US-based success until she saw its Hollywood adaptation years later.

“The stage show is even more impactful than the movie,” she said.

I’m quite overcome by the audience reaction when they see it. People come up to me in tears because they have connected so much with the story it’s telling.

Lena is no stranger to Melbourne’s theatre scene, having played here before in Hair and two productions of Priscilla Queen of the Dessert.

“I love Melbourne so much, but I couldn’t live here,” she laughed. “Too cold! I’m a tropical person, but I’m so looking forward to hanging around in the city again. Melbourne is a foodie city.”

“I’ve also never played the Comedy Theatre before. So many actor friends of mine have said the same thing though – it’s a theatre that hugs you.”

In the Heights is directed by Luke Joslin with choreography by Amy Campbell.

Tickets and more information about the show are available online at IntheHeightsmusical.com •