An Immersive Journey into Washington Heights

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the pulse and rhythm of a Broadway musical, Signature Theatre’s upcoming production of IN THE HEIGHTS might be just what you need. Taking place in the MAX Theatre from 11 February to 4 May, the award-winning show by Lin-Manuel Miranda (of HAMILTON fame) and Quiara Alegría Hudes promises an immersive twist that drops you straight into the heart of Washington Heights. With its eclectic blend of hip-hop, salsa, and soul-stirring ballads, IN THE HEIGHTS has long been a beacon of hope and community for theatregoers worldwide. Now, those in Arlington, Virginia, have the chance to experience it in a setting that aims to capture all the energy and intimacy of a tight-knit neighbourhood.

WHY IMMERSE YOURSELF?

Immersive theatre isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way to heighten your senses and allow the performance to envelop you entirely. By transforming the MAX Theatre into a living, breathing Washington Heights, Signature offers a deeper connection between audience and actors. People often speak of the “electricity” that crackles through a live performance, but in an immersive setting, that spark seems to multiply. You’re not just watching a story unfold on stage; you’re sharing the same air, the same cultural touchstones, and perhaps even feeling the same summer heat that the characters feel. Such an approach is particularly fitting for IN THE HEIGHTS, which thrives on the sense of community, family, and shared dreams.

It’s a production style that’s been growing in popularity on both sides of the Atlantic, and theatre lovers in the UK, the US, and even Australia have shown increasing interest in site-specific or immersive shows. For audience members, it’s an opportunity to see beloved musicals in new, innovative ways. It’s no wonder the Signature team, led by director James Vásquez, decided to lean into this format for a story that is so deeply rooted in place.

AN ALL-STAR CAST THAT SPARKS

At the centre of this production, you’ll find Ángel Lozada (fresh from BAD CINDERELLA) taking on the role of Usnavi, the optimistic bodega owner who also acts as our guide through the neighbourhood. Usnavi’s journey is one of dreams—both his own and those of the people around him. Alongside him, Victoria Gómez plays Nina, a prodigal daughter figure whose return to Washington Heights stirs both pride and anxiety among family and friends. Equally vital is Chibueze Ihuoma (recently in HADESTOWN) as Benny, a character grappling with how to carve out success in a world that’s not always welcoming.

Rounding out the cast, Adriana Scalice (SIX national tour) steps into the stylish shoes of Vanessa, while Rayanne Gonzales (THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA) portrays the beloved Abuela Claudia. Expect comedic sparkle from Karmine Alers (ON YOUR FEET!) as the quick-witted Daniela and Carianmax Benitez as her amusing partner-in-gossip, Carla. Meanwhile, Berto Fernández makes the simple act of selling flavoured ice look magical as the Piragua Guy. With Nicolas Garza as Sonny, Crissy Guerrero as Camila, Rudy Martinez as Kevin, and Michael Marrero as Graffiti Pete, there’s a powerful ensemble here to embody every corner of the community.

The ensemble itself features Nichole Forde, Steven Nicolás Franco, José J. Muñoz, Pepin, Matt Rivera, Alanna Sibrián, and Kristen Tarragó, with swings Gianna Vasquez Bartolini, Jared Martin, and Graciela Rey ready to step in at a moment’s notice. Each performer brings a background in dance, acting, or vocals that promises to elevate the show’s dynamic choreography and energetic staging.

THE MAGIC BEHIND THE SCENES

While the cast breathes life into the characters, the creative team ensures every detail is pitch-perfect. Director James Vásquez spearheads the project, working closely with choreographer Shani Talmor to shape the show’s distinct dance motifs—think sizzling Latin rhythms and hip-hop swagger that echo the spirit of Washington Heights. Angie Benson, as music director, is tasked with ensuring that all the vocal and instrumental elements come together seamlessly, from the explosive opening number In the Heights to the tender, introspective Breathe.

Scenic designer Andrew R. Cohen will be transforming the MAX Theatre to reflect bustling street corners, vibrant shopfronts, and communal stoops—places where the everyday battles and triumphs of these characters are played out. Costume designer Ivania Stack will add further authenticity with ensembles that reflect the summer heat and urban buzz of New York City’s Latino neighbourhoods. Add in lighting design by Rui Rita, sound design by Eric Norris, and wig design by Anne Nesmith, and you have a rich tapestry of creative talent determined to make every corner of this immersive space count.

The production stage manager, Kerry Epstein, is the steady hand overseeing all the moving parts, with Stephen Bubniak and Taylor Kiechlin as assistant stage managers who ensure everyone is in the right place at the right time—no small feat in a show with multiple scene changes and intense dance sequences. Rounding out the team is Jorge Acevedo, who handled casting locally, in tandem with Geoff Josselson out of New York, making sure each role is filled by a performer with the right balance of vocal, dance, and dramatic skills.

THE LEGACY OF IN THE HEIGHTS

It’s easy to see why IN THE HEIGHTS has become a modern musical theatre sensation. First hitting Broadway in 2008, it played at the Richard Rodgers Theatre for nearly three years, racking up 29 previews and 1,184 regular performances. Nominated for 13 Tony Awards, it earned four wins, including Best Musical—a huge achievement for a show that was the debut of its composer and lyricist, Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Looking back, it’s clear how IN THE HEIGHTS set the stage for future successes. Miranda’s gift for combining traditional musical theatre with the cadence of hip-hop and the rhythms of Latin music would later be showcased in HAMILTON—another phenomenon that transformed the theatrical landscape. With Quiara Alegría Hudes, a Pulitzer Prize winner, penning the book, it’s no wonder the story resonates so deeply. Hudes brings an emotional richness to the characters, making their aspirations, conflicts, and triumphs feel both specific to Washington Heights and universal in scope.

THE SHOW’S UNWAVERING THEMES

What sets IN THE HEIGHTS apart is its authentic focus on community, cultural identity, and intergenerational relationships. Director James Vásquez notes that these themes remain as vital today as they were in the show’s original run, if not more so. He cites 2008—when the show is set—as a pivotal year in American history, reflecting the hopes and challenges of communities that rarely see their stories headlining major musicals.

At its core, IN THE HEIGHTS is a tapestry of personal dreams woven together by shared struggles. Usnavi yearns for a return to his roots in the Dominican Republic, while Nina grapples with the pressure of academic success and the fear of disappointing her immigrant parents. Benny strives for respect and recognition, Camila and Kevin try to hold their family and business together, and Abuela Claudia serves as a moral compass, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made by earlier generations.

This celebration of family—both biological and chosen—is part of what makes the show so compelling. You’ll find yourself rooting for each character’s dream, big or small, because the musical expertly captures how personal successes can ripple out to benefit an entire neighbourhood.

CREATING BROAD APPEAL

IN THE HEIGHTS has been performed in various stagings around the globe, including the West End. Whether you’re reading this from the US, the UK, or even Australia—where audiences have similarly embraced contemporary musicals like SIX and HAMILTON—its allure is universal. The notion of forging your own path while honouring your heritage speaks to theatre enthusiasts worldwide. In particular, Australian theatre fans have shown a growing appetite for musicals that push creative boundaries and celebrate cultural diversity, so one wouldn’t be surprised if a fresh production of IN THE HEIGHTS pops up Down Under again in the future.

Whatever your background, the show’s appeal lies in the way it merges joy and grit—reminding us that even when times are tough, there’s always room for a celebration of life’s little victories. Its score is brimming with infectious tunes, from the show-stopping 96,000 to the joyous Carnaval del Barrio, each of which underscores a moment in these characters’ intertwined journeys.

WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU GO

Travelling to Arlington for the show? You’re in for a treat. The MAX Theatre at Signature is known for its creative seating arrangements and the calibre of its productions. Past musicals have employed innovative staging, often bringing audiences closer to the action than they might expect. For a production like IN THE HEIGHTS, that closeness translates into an emotional immediacy: you’ll practically feel the heat emanating from the pavement and sense the tension when characters face life-altering decisions.

Expect plenty of high-octane dance numbers helmed by choreographer Shani Talmor, who specialises in Latin dance styles and knows how to incorporate the swagger and sizzle that Lin-Manuel Miranda’s score demands. The band, led by Angie Benson, will feature percussive beats and brass flourishes that set the tone for a block party—so you might want to loosen up those shoulders and tap your feet along with the rhythms.

Tickets can be found at SigTheatre.org, and given the buzz around the production, securing them sooner rather than later is advised. With the show running until early May, there’s a decent window to catch it, but immersive productions often sell out once word-of-mouth begins to spread.

ONE NEIGHBOURHOOD, COUNTLESS STORIES

Ultimately, IN THE HEIGHTS has always been about more than just a few catchy tunes—though the music will most certainly linger in your head. It’s a celebration of identity, belonging, and the relationships that bind us together. By bringing the show into an intimate, immersive environment, Signature Theatre is offering something rare: the chance to feel like you’ve stepped off the metro and right onto the streets of Washington Heights.

Whether you’ve followed the musical since its Broadway debut, discovered it through the film adaptation, or are entirely new to its rhythms, this production promises a fresh perspective on a modern classic. So if you’re looking for a theatre experience that blends vibrant storytelling with an up-close-and-personal encounter, head to Arlington this spring. In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, IN THE HEIGHTS serves as a joyous reminder that sometimes, the simplest moments—like sharing a piragua on a scorching afternoon—can become a cherished piece of our collective story. It’s about dreams, family, and community, and by the time the curtain falls, you might just feel like you’ve found a second home on that corner of the block.