First staged at the Hayes Theatre Co. in 2018 (where it sold out before it opened), this production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first musical In the Heights, directed by Luke Joslin, transferred to the Sydney Opera House the following year, enjoying a successful return season.

It’s now back at the Opera House, this time in the Drama Theatre – a better venue for it than the Concert Hall where it played in 2019.

Ryan Gonzalez as Usnavi in In the Heights. Photo © Daniel Boud

Showcasing Miranda’s inspired use of rap lyrics and catchy melodies, In the Heights foreshadows his groundbreaking musical Hamilton (which returns to Sydney next week), so it’s fascinating for that reason alone. It’s also a sweet, exuberant musical with a big heart. However, this revival is marred by significant sound problems, particularly in the first act, so it’s not until the second act that the show starts to connect emotionally.

Featuring music and lyrics by Miranda and a slight book by Quiara Alegría Hudes, In the Heights first saw the light of day in 2005. It opened on Broadway in 2008, where it won four...