Musical elevates Latin American vibes to new heights

In the Heights was the first musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and follows a multi-generational cast of characters from a Latin American community in Manhattan's Washington Heights.

The composer, who also scored the Disney film Encanto, wrote the Tony Award-winning musical in college, and it was then that he first developed his signature style that blends Black and Latin American music genres.

But for guitarist-turned-actor Olivia Dacal, an Australian production is a chance for her to represent her culture at the Sydney Opera House.

"This show is really about showing the world what the Latinx community is, and what we're not," Dacal told AAP.

Dacal's family is a blend of multiple Latin backgrounds including Cuban, Mexican and Salvadoran.

Her grandmother Janet was part of the original production in 2005 and returns in a different role. She is the only cast member whose career started outside Australia.

"I've grown up with this role ... I heard it every time we travelled," Dacal said.

"If I were to pick any role, it would be this role."

Her character Nina struggles under the weight of her family's expectations as the first member to go to college, which Dacal relates to her success in the local music and theatre industries.

"I too have the pressures of being the first person to make it out, to lift up our family," she said.

"I literally play her like she's me."

Co-lead Barry Conrad said it was incredibly exciting to be part of a major production by a global star, and hopes the show will have broad appeal outside the communities it represents. 

"I think that this is a show for everyone. It's not just for Latinx or African American or Filipino people," he said.

"It's at its core about connection and belonging, and everyone needs that."

It is the second production of In the Heights to run at the Opera House, the first since 2019, and the third in Australia.

The production runs until August 25.

Australian Associated Press