St. Patrick’s High School delivered a transcendent presentation of In the Heights

Article content

Above it all, lighting anchored the production in place and feeling. Warm amber washed the stage like sun on pavement, while night scenes burst into vivid colour, mirroring the energy, noise, and life of a community that refuses to fade.

Article content

The subway may reach its stop, but Washington Heights never feels like it comes to rest. St. Patrick’s High School In the Heights closes on the understanding that a place is not something you enter and leave, but something that stays with you, shaping every step that follows.

Article content

Article content

Article content

Estere Ankrava, Critic
Colonel By Secondary School

Article content

Rhythm, colour, and sheer joy electrified the stage of St. Patrick’s High School as the cast danced and sang their way through Washington Heights with their production of In the Heights. With incredible energy from start to finish, as well as vibrant staging, powerhouse vocals and intricate choreography, the show demonstrated how community spirit can light up a stage – and a neighbourhood.

Article content

In the Heights, conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda with book by Quiara Algeria-Hudes, follows Usnavi (a hardworking young bodega owner dreaming of new beginnings in his homeland of the Dominican Republic) and the tight-knit community in Washington Heights as they grapple with love, family, culture, and belonging. As Usnavi’s friend Nina returns home from Stanford after losing her scholarship. Set in the early 2000s, the story bursts with Latin rhythms, humour, heart, and “home”.

Article content

Article content

The production shone with excitement and unity. The cast and ensemble moved with energy and technical precision, particularly in the song “96,000”, with crisp harmonies, choreography that burst with personality and every performer feeling the beat of the barrio. From engaging, lively scenes to sombre, heartbreaking moments perfectly captured by the cast, the show was truly an emotional roller-coaster.

Article content

The cast of In the Heights during St. Patrick’s High School’s Cappies production of In the Heights, on April 10, 2026. Photo by Thomas Dean /Student

Article content

Zion Bonilla-Gordon led the show as Usnavi with breathtaking energy and finesse. The rapid-fire lyrics of Usnavi’s raps were delivered with perfect enunciation and emotional expression, making every word land. Bonilla-Gordon’s presence anchored the production, matching gentle vulnerability with undeniable humour and charisma. Yafeat Temesgen, as Nina, brought tenderness, immense talent, and soul to the story. Temesgen’s vocal range and emotional depth truly shone in numbers like “Alabanza” and “Breathe”.

Article content

Amanda Mortel’s portrayal of Abuela Claudia was deeply touching. Mortel embodied the traditional, empathetic nature of Abuela Claudia with a gently loving yet powerful energy. Dominik Baturan’s Benny was charming – emotionally rich and authentic- Baturan skillfully balanced Benny’s lighthearted banter with heartfelt moments alongside Nina. A truly memorable performance came from Yami Workneh, who captured Vanessa’s playfulness and fierce independence perfectly, as well as danced with precision and personality. Ariana Guerra-Nguyen and Kalleigh McArthur were phenomenal as Daniela and Carla with their upbeat comedic rhythm.

Article content

Article content

Alongside the energetic cast, the technical elements of the show soared. The handmade set, complete with a painted backdrop and numerous moving and opening buildings transformed the stage into Washington Heights. Lighting choices truly enhanced the show’s liveliness, balancing golden tones for nostalgic flashback scenes and dynamic reds and blues in the animated club scene. The orchestra tackled Lin-Manuel Miranda’s demanding score flawlessly and energetically, perfectly immersing the production in Latin pop, hip hop and salsa.

Article content

St. Patrick’s High School’s production of In the Heights celebrated family, love, and community with pride and precision. Washington Heights was truly brought to life with a warmth that lingered. The heartfelt, lively production demonstrated the cast and crew’s passion, dedication and talent with excellence.

Article content

Dominik Baturan as Benny. Photo by Thomas Dean /Student

Article content

Alexa Flores (L), Kieran Desrosiers (C), and Rebeca-Victoire Mukengushay (R). Photo by Thomas Dean /Student

Article content

Yafeat Temesgen as Nina (L) and Hannah Barbe as Camila (R). Photo by Thomas Dean /Student

Article content

Bailee Jardine (L), Bayanne Shames-al-deen (C), Kieran Desrosiers (R), and the ensemble of In the Heights. Photo by Thomas Dean /Student

Article content

Kalleigh McArthur as Carla (L), Ariana Guerra-Nguyen as Daniela (C), and Yami Workneh as Vanessa (R). Photo by Thomas Dean /Student

Article content

Article content

About the reviews:

Article content

The  St. Patrick’s High School production was reviewed by 38 critics representing 10 schools. The critic discussions were mentored by teacher Leanne Hiltz of Maplewood Secondary School and student reviews were edited and selected for publication by teacher Cam-Tu Tompkins also of Maplewood Secondary School, who could see only the reviews, not the names or schools of the reviewers.