In The Heights
King's Cross Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 13th October 2015
★★★★★
 |
| Jade Ewen |
Seventeen months later Luke Sheppard's production has returned to London, playing in rep with The Railway Children at the newly built King's Cross Theatre.
In The
Heights is quite
simply a musical like no other. With his new show Hamilton currently revolutionising
Broadway, it seems audiences on both side of the pond can't get enough of Lin-Manuel Miranda. His writing hits you like a breath of
fresh air and makes an almighty impression.
In The
Heights, which premiered off-Broadway in 2007 before moving to the Great
White Way for a triumphant three year run, provides a snapshot into the lives
of an ensemble of characters living in the Washington Heights. Sacrifices are
made, dreams are achieved and hearts are at risk of being broken. In The Heights is brought to life with energy and
culture, introducing characters who aren't usually represented in musical
theatre.
Casts of
shows often claim to be like 'one big happy family', but whilst watching In The Heights you truly believe the unbreakable
connection shared amongst the company. From beginning to end I sat in complete
awe of every element of the production, it is theatrical bliss. In The
Heights is a vibrant show which has been helmed with incredible love
and passion.
The concept
of hip hop and Dominican Latin music meeting musical theatre may sound bonkers,
but works an absolute treat. After seeing the show last year I became addicted
to the cast recording - the fusion of these vastly different influences creates
an entirely new sound for musical theatre. Lyrically the show is sublime; some
of the outpouring of emotion is incredibly powerful.
At the
Southwark Playhouse the audience were seated along three sides of the theatre,
whereas at the King's Cross Theatre the audience are seated upon two opposing
platforms. Sheppard's direction is outstanding; the piece hasn't simply been
resurrected, instead scenes have been reworked and refocused whilst musical
numbers have been reimagined to suit the new layout.
The
amount of thought and detail put into Drew
McOnie's choreography is astounding. McOnie allows each cast member to
perform with remarkable individuality and personal flair with the company
numbers fully embracing the entire space. There is so much going on that it's
impossible to know where to look; no matter where you're sat you'll witness a
personal experience.
 |
| Victoria Hamilton-Barritt |
I can't
imagine In The Heights without Sam Mackay who
brings a great amount of heart and soul to his portrayal of Usnavi, the role
Lin-Manuel Miranda originated. Josie Benson's Camila is
feistier than ever, her rendition of 'Enough' is just sublime.
The star
of the show is the incomparable Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as
gossiping salon owner Daniela. She gives a scene stealing performance; every
time she was onstage I couldn't take my eyes off her. Hamilton-Barritt - who is
very heavily pregnant - has such effortless comic timing and steals most of the
evening's biggest laughs. Her powerful vocal tones are to die for, but most
importantly she goes above and beyond to convey her sheer dedication to the
piece. Hamilton-Barritt is an absolute star.
In The
Heights has wide
appeal. Nothing beats looking around a theatre and seeing people of all ages
from all sorts of backgrounds fully engrossed in a piece of theatre. The King's
Cross Theatre is the perfect venue; there is an exciting vibe in the Washington
Heights-themed bar which is open till late with live music and DJs playing
after certain performances.
In The
Heights is back
with a bang and better than ever. You, and everybody you know, have to see this
show.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
In The Heights is currently booking at the King's Cross Theatre until Sunday 3rd January 2016.
Please visit www.intheheightslondon.com for further information and tickets.
Read our interviews with David Bedella & Victoria Hamilton-Barritt
Photo Credit: Johan Persson
Follow @West_End_Frame
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