THE CAST

  • USNAVI DE LA VEGA
    (they/them)

    Ryan González is a true triple threat performer with a career in cabaret, film and theatre. They are known for playing the iconic role of Usnavi de la Vega in In the Heights, winning the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Actor 2018 and reprising the role at the Sydney Opera House 2024. 

    Ryan originated the role of Dave in the world premiere production of Zombie! The Musical, saluted Barbra Streisand’s legacy in To Barbra with Love Concert and toured as Santiago in Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia. Ryan recently performed in the Strictly Baz Luhrmann – The Concert.

    In 2019 Ryan starred as Frankie Valli in the national tour of Jersey Boys, receiving a Greenroom Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.

    Theatre Credits: Fun. Home (Sydney Theatre Company), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Melbourne Theatre Company), The View Upstairs (Hayes), Assassins (Sydney Opera House), Eddie Ryan in Funny Girl in Concert and Bernstein Songbook Series (Sydney Symphony Orchestra), ¡Hispanic Attack!, Kinky Boots (MCG), Strictly Ballroom the Musical and King Kong Live on Stage (Global Creatures), Peter and the Starcatcher (DPS), Legally Blonde (GFO) and Violet (Hayes). Albums: Dubbo Championship Wrestling, Zombie! The Musical. Film Credits: Happy Feet Two directed by George Miller, The Great Gatsby directed by Baz Luhrmann. 

  • VANESSA
    (she/her)

    Olivia Vásquez is a proud Chilean and Greek Australian actress, singer, and songwriter and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Music. She made her feature film debut in Thor: Love and Thunder and originated the role of Arabia in Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia. Olivia is set to star in the Stan Original series Watching You as Tess and recently voiced Gabriella in Like a Photon’s The Sloth Lane/A Sloth Story.

    Her musical theatre career includes the Australian premiere of The Bodyguard: The Musical, critically acclaimed seasons of In the Heights as Vanessa, and starring as Rosalía in Opera Australia’s West Side Story on Sydney Harbour. Olivia gained widespread recognition on The Voice Australia Season 10, turning four chairs and joining Team Jessica Mauboy. She later released her debut album, Godly Ties, which she co-wrote and co-produced. Olivia’s music can also be heard in the upcoming feature film Carmen & Bolude as well as playing the role of Juanita. Olivia is thrilled to be returning to the role of Vanessa in In The Heights! 

  • KEVIN ROSARIO
    (he/him)

    Alexander Palacio is a Colombian actor with extensive experience in theatre, film, and television. He began his acting career at the age of 12 in a children's television series and has worked continuously ever since. Trained in dramatic arts, Alexander studied under some of the world's most renowned theatre masters, including Jean-Marie Binoche, Eugenio Barba, and José Sanchis Sinisterra.

    Over the years, his distinctive style and range as a performer have evolved through a wide variety of roles—from intense, brooding characters to tender, heartfelt ones—earning him recognition for his versatility and depth.

    In 2006, Alexander moved to Australia, where his impressive body of work, along with his contributions as an actor and director within Spanish-speaking communities, earned him permanent residency under the Australian Government’s Distinguished Talent visa program.

    Now, Alexander returns to In the Heights, this time sharing the stage with audiences in Melbourne and the Gold Coast, bringing his passion and talent once again to this vibrant production.

  • CAMILA ROSARIO
    (she/her)

    Angela is a Colombian born singer, actress and cultural advocate, renowned for her powerful stage presence and dedication to Latin American music. Lead Singer of a well know orchestra Cumbiamuffin, she has become a prominent figure in the city's Latin music scene through her performances, collaborations, and community initiatives. Her career expanded to acting, when in 2006 she co-founded a theatre production company, where many theatre and musical productions have been showcased over the years, in which she was part of the cast.

    In 2024, Angela played Camila Rosario in In the Heights at Sydney Opera House. She has also appeared in the Australian television series Bump, where she also played the role of Camilla.

    She continues to make significant contributions to the arts in Australia, blending her Colombian heritage with her Australian experiences to create compelling performances across various mediums.

  • ENSEMBLE/YOLANDA
    (she/her)

    Born and bred in Melbourne, Asmara is an emerging artist in the musical theatre scene. Asmara has trained at many schools across the country, choosing to study at Patrick School of the Arts to perfect her artistry, before landing her first professional contract with Royal Caribbean International. After returning to Melbourne, Asmara has enjoyed contracts with ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’; ‘The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy’; ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’; ‘Miss Saigon’ (Australia and Asia) and A Very Naughty Christmas. Her other notable credits include featured dancer roles in ‘Another You’ (Film Clip by Adam Noviello), the AFL Grand Final pre-game entertainment, ABC 90th TV Special, ‘90%’, ‘Keep on Smiling’ Toyota TVC and the F1 Grand Prix. 

  • ENSEMBLE
    (she/her)

    Jemma Gonzalez is a versatile Melbourne-based performer with Spanish-Italian heritage. She brings a wealth of experience as a dancer, singer, actor, and acrobat. Jemma’s training spans elite programs at Patrick School of the Arts. Jemma has recently completed a South Korean tour with Beats on Pointe. Other performance highlights include her roles as Dance Captain for the Melbourne Mavericks, a featured performer at major events like the RMIT Graduation at Marvel Stadium (with G Flip) and dancer roles at the AFL Grand Final (with Katy Perry & Robbie Williams). Additionally, she’s appeared in screen and TV broadcasts, including the Victorian State Schools Spectacular on Channel 7. This is Jemma’s professional musical theatre debut, and she is thrilled to join this amazing cast.

  • ENSEMBLE
    (he/him)

    Mario Acosta-Cevallos is a 10-time World Salsa Champion with a dynamic career that spans th global dance stage. Originally from Canada, Mario gained international acclaim performing, teaching, and competing around the world. Since relocating to Melbourne, he has continued to thrive, collaborating with leading companies including Bass Fam Creative’s Matador – The Show, Melbourne Dance Entertainment, NGV, Carmelo Pizzino, Jess Smith Productions, and international artist Natascha Bessez.

    Mario is proud to return for his second season with In the Heights in 2025

  • SWING
    (they/them)

    The sexiest and the baddest, Jerome Javier has always wanted to be a star. Born in the

    Phillipines, they left their hometown of Adelaide to train under scholarship at Patrick School of the Arts (PSA) in 2018 with Andrew Hallsworth. Upon graduating, Jerome went on to join the Australian tours of Jagged Little Pill (GWB Entertainment), The Wedding Singer (DVE), and also the Australia and Singapore tour of & Juliet(MCG) as a swing.

    Jerome is very excited to return to In The Heights after the successful 2024 Sydney Opera House season. Their other credits include the My Brilliant Career cast album recording on Spotify and Apple Music, Theys at the Hayes as a co-host and featured performer and being a top 30 finalist for the AOC Initiative.

    Jerome would love to give their flowers to their family, community and the team at Hansen Management.

    @jeromejavier_

  • SWING
    (she/her)

    Selina Salgadoe is a performer from Melbourne, who has trained in all dance styles from a young age. She graduated from the Musical Theatre course at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance in 2022 with a Musical Theatre Diploma and Cert IV in Dance Teaching and Management. She then went straight on to make her professional debut as part of the original Australasian cast of & Juliet (Michael Cassel Group) as a swing in the 2023-2024 tour.

    Other professional credits include: Toyota Corolla commercial, Tones and I “Won’t Sleep” Music Video, the AFL Grand Final and other corporate events and short films.
    Selina is so excited to join this incredible cast in telling the beautiful story of In The Heights.

  • BENNY
    (he/hiim)

    Ngali Shaw is from the Wiradjuri, Murawari, Kunja tribes.

    Ngali made his television debut in RFDS directed by Jeremy Sims. He went on to star opposite Sam Neill and Marta Dusseldorp in Foxtel series The Twelve and ABC’s Ladies in Black opposite Miranda Otto and Debi Mazar.

    In film, Ngali can be seen in Windcatcher for Stan opposite Jessica Mauboy.

    In theatre, Ngali made his Australian mainstage debut in Melbourne Theatre Company’s Jacky in 2023, followed in 2024 as the leading role in 37 directed by Isaac Drandic.

    As a professionally trained dancer, Ngali has learned tap, ballet, hip hop, classical, modern contemporary and Capoeira. He was selected for the NSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company and invited to participate in a one-week training camp with Bangarra Dance Company. Under dance teacher Doug Gordon - Ngemba and Yuwalayaay Custodian, he has trained in Aboriginal/Indigenous dance since 2017.

    Ngali is very proud of his culture and identity and wishes to inspire the next generation to dance and keep our stories alive.

  • NINA ROSARIO
    (she/her)

    Mariah Gonzalez is a true triple threat, making her mark on Gadigal land with relentless determination, exceptional talent, and an unforgettable presence both on and off the stage. Trained at Brent Street from an early age and graduating with a musical theatre diploma in 2020, she quickly cemented her place in the industry.

    Her impressive credits include Diana Morales in A Chorus Line directed by Amy Campbell 2022 (Darlinghurst Theatre Company), Anabelle in The Deb, a new Australian musical directed by Hannah Reilly at ATYP 2022, and the ensemble of L’Hôtel at the Sydney Opera House 2022.

    In 2024, Mariah joined the Australian National Tour of Rent (LPD Productions), where she excelled as Swing, Mimi Cover, Dance Captain, and Co-Resident Director. She also was a part of the Ensemble and Nina Cover in In The Heights (JRP Productions) at the Sydney Opera House.

    Following her studies in Entertainment Business Management at JMC in 2023, Mariah began 2025 as Assistant Producer for The Producers (JRP Productions).

    Mariah is thrilled to take on the role of Nina in the first national tour of In The Heights, a production that allows her to celebrate her culture and share a deeply personal story with audiences across Australia.

  • ABUELA CLAUDIA
    (she/her)

    Lena is an accomplished actor and singer with an impressive range of experience in theatre and on screen. 

    Her musical theatre highlights include Flat Earthers, Into the Woods, Fame, Hair, An Officer and A Gentleman,The Threepenny Opera, Singin’ in the Rain and Chess. Lena is credited with creating the role of Cynthia in the original production of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert.

    Lena’s most recent screen credits include appearing in Netflix’s Heartbreak High and the SBS anthology series, Erotic Stories. Her other screen credits include: In Limbo, Love Me (Season 2), Wellmania, Bump, The Unusual Suspects and more.

    This role is lovingly dedicated to her mother, Lily. 

  • SONNY
    (he/him)

    Steve Costi, originally from Adelaide, began his training at the Australian Company of Performing Arts before moving to Sydney to study at the renowned Brent Street Studios, where he earned a Diploma of Dance in 2023.

    In 2024, he made his professional musical theatre debut in Handa Opera’s West Side Story (Opera Australia) on Sydney Harbour. This was followed by an acclaimed performance as Sonny in In The Heights (JRP) at the Sydney Opera House.

    Steve’s credits also include performing with Katy Perry at the AFL Grand Final, the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, the Sydney Theatre Awards, the Premier’s Gala, as well as numerous special invents such as the 2024 Lululemon campaign launch, and the Vogue X Chery car launch. Steve is thrilled to bring the spirited character of Sonny to life once again in this iconic story.

  • CARLA
    (she/her)

    Tamara is an Indigenous Latinx performer who was raised in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. Born to immigrant parents from Chile and Argentina, she grew up immersed in dance, rhythm and culture, something which pushed her towards all things artistic. With a background in dance and musical theatre she began performing from a young age.

    As a child shows such as In the Heights and The Lion King had her sold on acting, as for the first time she saw people like her on the stages she loved

    Tamara graduated from the BFA Acting course at The National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) in 2022. Prior to that she completed a diploma of Music Theatre at SHOWFIT in Melbourne.

    As a BIPOC creative and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Tamara is passionate about increasing diversity in the industry. She aims to be the representation she so longed to see more of as a child.

    Tamara played the role of Carla in 2024 at Sydney Opera House, and is thrilled to returning to that same role in the show that sparked her passion for performance and started her on this journey.

  • DANIELA
    (she/her)

    Vanessa Menjivar is a proud Salvadorean performer and a musical theatre graduate of the Arts Academy, Ballarat.

    Her previous credits include The Songs of Alan Menken (Flourish Productions); Sister Chantelle in Bare: A Pop Opera, Sofia in The Colour Purple, and covering and performing the iconic role of Effie White in the Australian premiere of Dreamgirls (StageArt). Vanessa toured Australia and internationally as Mayor Goodway in the arena spectaculars PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue and The Great Pirate Adventure, and most recently appeared in the national tour of WaistWatchers the Musical (HIT Productions).

    After taking time away to perform her favourite role – mother to Vida and Luna – she is beyond thrilled to be returning to the stage in In the Heights, representing Latinas loud and proud.

  • GRAFFITI PETE
    (he/him)

    Dayton performed his first lead role as a child in the musical Billy Elliot and was invited to join the Broadway cast as Billy Elliot. Whilst in the USA, he performed at the White House and sang the American National Anthem at an NFL game.

    Dayton’s stage credits include playing the role of Indio and understudying Chino in Handa Opera’s West Side Story, playing Mark in A Chorus Line (Darlinghurst Theatre Company), ensemble roles in Opera Australia’s Carmen,  ‘In The Heights’ (Blue Saint Productions), Bring It On as ‘Twig’ (DVE), as well as the Australian tour of Magic Mike Live (Reid Carolin).

    Dayton has worked with Artists such as Ricky Martin, Kelly Rowland and the Black-Eyed Peas, performed on The Voice AU and X -Factor Australia and starred in campaigns for Toyota and Taco Now. 

    Most recently Dayton toured Asia with Hamilton (MCG) as Man 3, before returning to Australia to perform in their farewell Sydney Season.

  • PIRAGUA GUY
    (he/him)

    Latino vocal talent Richard Valdez has been sharing the richness of his culture and identity in Australia since his arrival from Peru in 2009. His notable input to the Latin Music scene as performer and musician has made a big contribution to the industry from the salsa clubs to the theatre.

    He has collaborated with Australian musicians and artists as well as being part of Australian TV shows, like All Together Now (2018, as one of the “The Hundred”) and Bump, Season 1, Episode 3 – Stan 2021.

    Richard is an original cast member of all previous seasons of In The Heights; Hayes Theatre (2018), Arthouse Wyong (2019), Sydney Opera House Concert Hall (2019), Sydney Opera House Drama Theatre (2024) in Australia.

  • ENSEMBLE
    (he/him)

    Trevor Santos is a Naarm/Melbourne-born dance artist and choreographer with nearly 20 years of experience in arts, entertainment, and education. He has collaborated with artists including Guy Sebastian, Mo’Ju, Missy Higgins, Hayden Calnin, Sheppard, and Hangeng, and worked with brands such as Toyota, Lee Jeans, Nuform Clothing, Baker’s Delight, Vicks, and Boost Juice.

    Expanding into musical theatre, Trevor has performed in Jagged Little Pill, Miss Saigon, and the global phenomenon Hamilton.

    As a choreographer and teacher, he has worked on the 2022 Miss World Australia finals and created acclaimed independent works 100 Haikus and In Other Words. His teaching has taken him to cities worldwide, including New York, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Gold Coast, Perth, and Hobart.

    Follow his journey:
    @trevorjsantos

  • ENSEMBLE
    (she/her)

    Of Australian and South American descent, Malena began her training at 4 years of age and has since devoted herself to performing. She has begun exploring different elements of creative arts, such as musical theatre and story/script writing. Her passion for performing arts inspires her to stay dedicated and to express herself through creativity.

    Malena attends Village Nation where she receives triple-threat training and countless performance opportunities. She has worked with choreographers such as Rob Rich, Lauren Elton and Steven Tannos.

    She has also represented many brands including Nickelodeon’s live ‘Nick News’ segment as well as her role as the hero and stunt performer for the ‘Telstra Fetch’ campaign directed by Nash Edgerton.

    In 2024, Malena made her music theatre debut with ‘In The Heights’ at the Sydney Opera House and she is thrilled to be returning in 2025. She is proudly represented by T&E Management.