Review: IN THE HEIGHTS, King's Cross Theatre, October 13 2015

Luke Sheppard's In the Heights is back, this time at the King's Cross Theatre, so this rap musical is bigger and more visually striking than the UK has seen it before.

This modern, urban space suits the show, as it tells of a group of neighbours and their various, sometimes wild, aspirations - and it shows how some of the more outlandish fantasies can be made reality. The admittedly limited plot is not really the point with this piece, though. It's contagiously vibrant, and broadens one's expectations of musical theatre in a refreshing and unpretentious manner. Drew McOnie's choreography is stunning throughout and the cast are hugely talented.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's challenging score is performed with apparent ease, especially by Sam Mackay, who is outstanding as Usnavi. As endearing as he is just plain cool, Mackay guides us into this world with great wit and he has an authentic rapport with his fellow cast members. Eve Polycarpou also stands out as Abuela Claudia, giving a beautifully tender performance. Jade Ewan gives a very enjoyable performance as Vanessa and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt somehow plays the energetic show while heavily pregnant and wearing heels, providing striking vocals and a comedic yet believable character throughout. The rest of the ensemble, especially the dancers, create a fantastic sense of community.

All in all, director Sheppard and choreographer McOnie have collaborated to make something extraordinary. The cast are always moving, with the narration or their emotions - which is then complemented by McOnie's choreography; such an insightful partnership is very rare. The dynamics between characters are always well-judged and Sheppard finds great comedy and fun in numbers which could be redundant. The technically demanding choreography, the set and the bold lighting combine to make this piece visually arresting. The musicians are absolutely fantastic and the demanding score is always well and usually brilliantly performed, under the musical direction of Phil Cornwell.

Suitable for a broad demographic - though probably less enjoyed by children - this piece is already an important part of musical theatre history for its broad stylistic choices, without even considering the success Miranda's later work, Hamilton, is enjoying on Broadway. This is a really great production and deserves many more standing ovations.

In the Heights runs at the King's Cross Theatre (in repertory with The Railway Children) until 3rd January 2016.

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