In the Heights

Ryan Gonzalez is a true triple threat performer with a career in cabaret, film and theatre. Most recently they originated the role of Dave in the world premiere Zombie! The Musical after starring as Santiago in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Ryan’s performance of Usnavi 2018 won them the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Actor. In 2019 Ryan starred as Frankie Valli in the national tour of international blockbuster musical, Jersey Boys, receiving a Green Room Award nomination. Theatre: Roy in Fun Home, Gabriel in Kiss Of The Spiderwoman, Freddy in The View Upstairs, Charles Guiteau in Assassins, Eddie Ryan in Funny Girl in Concert, ¡Hispanic Attack!, Velvet Rewired, Kinky Boots, Strictly Ballroom the Musical, King Kong Live on Stage, Legally Blonde, Violet. Film: motion capture artist in Happy Feet Two directed by George Miller, The Great Gatsby directed by Baz Luhrmann. Albums; Dubbo Championship Wrestling, Zombie! The Musical Original Cast Recording. Instagram; @rgonzy

Olivia is thrilled to be making her professional theatre debut as Nina in In the Heights. Olivia is a Melbourne-raised Latina singer-songwriter/producer, embracing diverse genres like R&B, jazz, soul, and indie/alternative pop. Currently, she is pursuing studies in music production and film scoring at Berklee in the USA on a scholarship and is gearing up for a career as an independent artist, film composer and producer. Previously, Olivia honed her craft at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, specialising in jazz vocals and classical training. Olivia would like to express gratitude to her family and friends, especially in a show so dear to her heart. Olivia is CAST proudly represented by Centrestage Agency.

Barry Conrad’s multifaceted career spans screen, stage and music. He’s opened for Brian McKnight, Craig David and Eric Benet, toured locally and internationally, and has penned songs for various artists. Landing a role on FOX’s Power Rangers: Ninja Storm, his first feature film was the box office hit The Sapphires. His theatre debut was in the Australian premiere of Broadway’s Violet, followed by an unbroken streak of roles including the Helpmann Award-winning Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. In 2019, Barry originated the role of Kane Jones on Neighbours, appears in the AACTA Award-winning Erotic Stories and is the creator of series Banter with BC. Away from the spotlight, Conrad is an ambassador for Panasonic, Kawai and R U OK?

Olivia Vásquez is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Music who’s credits include The Bodyguard the Musical (GFO) In the Heights as Vanessa (Josh Robson Productions), West Side Story as Rosalía (HOSH), The Voice Season 10 (Channel Seven), Guest Entertainment on Cruiseships (Mama Montez Productions) and most recently Moulin Rouge! The Musical as Arabia (Global Creatures). Olivia’s film credits include Thor: Love and Thunder (Disney Studios), Carmen and Bolude as Juanita (Charcol Pictures) and will be making her animation feature film debut in The Sloth Lane as Gabriella (Like A Photon Creative). When not onstage, she is usually modelling as she is a proud advocate for body positivity and was featured in Vogue Australia Dec’ 2022 issue. Olivia’s debut EP, GODLY TIES, which she wrote and co-produced, is out now on all streaming platforms. Olivia is so excited to be reprising the role of Vanessa in this incredible production of In The Heights.

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 West Side Story, produced by Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. Although his journey in the arts is just beginning, Steve has already worked with some of Australia’s leading choreographers and performed at prominent events such as the NSW Premier’s Gala, the Royal Family’s Australian Tour, the 2024 lululemon campaign launch, and the Sydney Theatre Awards, as well as numerous corporate functions. Steve is ecstatic to be portraying Sonny in this production of In the Heights.

Lena is an accomplished actor and singer with an impressive range of experience in theatre and on screen. Her musical theatre highlights include 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 credit includes appearing in Netflix’s Heartbreak High and the SBS anthology series, Erotic Stories. Her other screen credits include: Limbo, Love Me (Season 2), Wellmania, Bump, The Unusual Suspects and many more. This role is lovingly dedicated to her mother, Lily.

Janet Dacal is thrilled to be making her theatrical debut at the Sydney Opera House! Broadway: New York, New York (Sofia Diaz), Prince of Broadway (Eva Peron, Aurora - Kiss of the Spider Woman), In The Heights (Nina, Carla), Wonderland (Alice) and Good Vibrations (Surfer Girl). First National Tour: The Band’s Visit (Dina). Linny, profoundly grateful for this gift that keeps on giving. Endlessly proud of her nieces Olivia, Lucia and Esther. E, NOITWFMBY. Janet’s solo debut album, My Standards, is also available on all digital platforms. Instagram: @janetdacal

Born to immigrant parents from Chile and Argentina, Tamara grew up immersed in dance, rhythm and culture. 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 is thrilled to be making her mainstage debut in In the Heights, the show that sparked her passion for performance and started her on this journey.

Alexander Palacio is an actor originally from Colombia with vast experience in theatre, film and television. He studied dramatic art and was trained with some of the best theatre teachers around the world such as Jean-Marie Binoche, Eugenio Barba and Jose Sanchis Sinisterra among others. He arrived in Australia in 2006 and shortly after, thanks to his professional experience, and his directing and acting work developed for the Spanish-speaking communities, he gained enough merits to get the permanent residence under the Australian government distinguished talent scheme. Once again, Alexander returns to the Sydney Opera House stage eager to share his talent with the acclaimed production In The Heights.

Colombian artist who has captivated Australian audiences combining her talents of acting and singing. Front woman of nationally acclaimed Latin orchestra Cumbiamuffin. Angela has performed in various music festivals such as Sydney Festival, Blues Fest, Manly Jazz, Tropfest, VIVID, and more. Known by her contributions in performing arts as a co funder, producer and actress of HISPANIC ARTISTIC EXPRESSION, an artistic company created with the purpose of spreading the culture, idiosyncrasy, costumes, and language of HISPANO AMERICA. She comes back to the theatre stage as Camilla, thrilled to represent her roots in such an amazing production as In the Heights at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Peruvian Richard Valdez arrived in Australia in 2009. Since then he has been performing around the Sydney latin music scene in various formats; Solo act, trio (Oriente Tres), 15 piece Mambo big band (Mucho Mambo), Salsa band Malo Malo and the Buena Vista Social Club Show. He is a regular guest of Melbourne’s Tumbao Social and Orquesta La 45. TV appearances: 2018 All Together Now, as one of The 100. 2021 Season 1 of Bump, Ep 3 Stan. Richard is an original cast member of the previous seasons of In The Heights 2018-2019 at The Hayes Theatre, Arthouse Wyong and Sydney Opera House. He reprises the role of Piragua Guy in the JRP production.

Jervis Livelo trained in Sydney, and completed his Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts. Jervis is now regarded as one of Australia’s most sought-after performers, choreographers and creative directors. Jervis’ theatre credits include Dirty Dancing the Immersive Experience (Mushroom Group), Madama Butterfly (Opera Australia) and Carmen on Cockatoo Island (Opera Australia) where he was part of the ensemble plus Dance Captain and Assistant to the Choreographer. Jervis’ has performed with artists such as, Rita Ora, Keith Urban, Vera Blue, Guy Sebastian, Darren Hayes, The Veronicas, Jessica Mauboy and Armani White. Screen credits: The Voice, Dance Boss, X Factor Australia and TV campaigns for Westfield and EBay. Jervis is also the founder and director of Composed, The Studio.