By AJ Jaffari
What happens when an entire neighborhood becomes the heartbeat of a musical? In the Heights at South Bay Musical Theatre brings the streets of Washington Heights to life through music, movement, and stories centered on community, family, and the pursuit of something more. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award–winning musical continues to resonate through its vibrant score and deeply human characters, reminding audiences that home is often more than just a place and it’s the people who shape us.
Set over the course of a few sweltering summer days, the story follows a tight-knit group of residents navigating dreams, relationships, financial hardship, and change. SBMT embraces the warmth and spirit of the piece, leaning into the show’s themes of connection and identity while allowing its emotional core to shine through moments both celebratory and intimate.
Overall, while In the Heights has never been one of my personal favorite musicals, I still found plenty to admire in this production. What has always stood out most to me about the show is its sense of heart and humanity, and that remained present here. Even when certain elements didn’t fully land for me, I appreciated the care and energy poured into bringing this vibrant community to life onstage.
Among the standout performances, Alexander Reyes delivered a charismatic and grounded Usnavi, bringing warmth and sincerity to the role while guiding the audience through the story with ease. Mateo Lovato was equally memorable as Sonny, injecting the production with youthful energy and excellent comedic timing that made many of his moments especially enjoyable. Allison Taylor’s Vanessa carried a strong stage presence and emotional honesty that helped anchor several scenes, while Evalina Maas-Espinoza brought richness and heartfelt depth to Camila, giving the character a maternal strength that resonated throughout the production. Both Taylor and Maas-Espinoza’s voices were the truly spectacular.
From a production standpoint, the live band was undoubtedly one of the evening’s strongest elements. Under the musical direction of Tony Gaitan, the score felt lively, full, and rhythmically sharp, capturing the pulse and vibrancy that make Miranda’s music so infectious. Kalyn McKenzie’s scenic design was also particularly clever and kitschy in a way that suited the show’s playful atmosphere well, helping establish the world of Washington Heights with creativity and charm.
At its core, In the Heights remains a celebration of culture, resilience, and community—and SBMT’s production certainly honors that spirit. If you’re a fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s work or simply enjoy musicals driven by heart and rhythm, this is a show worth checking out while it’s running.
In the Heights runs through June 6 and tickets are available here.
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