“We soon see that it’s Luis Salgado’s inventive choreography and ingenious direction, using every balcony, nook and cranny of the Tivoli auditorium and stage, where GALA achieves a break-through musical milestone in its performing history”. – Rosalind Lacy
“I would call this In The Heights revolutionary in that it is not a star vehicle. When I saw In The Heights on Broadway in 2008, I came away dazzled by the astounding performance by Lin-Manuel Miranda in the role of Usnavi. But under Luis Salgado’s direction, it has become an ensemble show, reminiscent of the Spanish classics”. - Rosalind Lacy
“sung with verve in a highly entertaining, often impressively acted production, staged with evident affection by director-choreographer Luis Salgaldo.” – Peter Marks Washington Post
“A party is what “In the Heights” strives to be. Salgado’s choreography gives the young, vibrant ensemble at GALA a platform to show off the best dancing in town — some of the best you may ever see in these parts. If we in the peanut gallery had half their energy, we’d be up there dancing, too”. – Peter Marks Washington Post
“GALA’s In the Heights, directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, is a musically-rich feast, danced with youthful flourish, and a wonderfully loud, brash all blended-together cacophony of human energy. – David Siegel
In the Heights is invigorating, rousing, lively, and rambunctious. Performed by a passionate, enthusiastic cast and band members with roots throughout Latin America and the DC area, In the Heights in Spanish is a rousing adventure”. – David Siegel
“My favorite number in the show was “Carnaval Del Barrio.” Salgado’s direction and choreography did an excellent job creating the feeling of pride of cultural heritage celebrated in the song. It was a joy to see skilled actors from the US, the Caribbean, South American and Europe come together in this celebration of identity”. – Nicole Hertvik
“Energetic and Passionate Spanish Adaptation of IN THE HEIGHTS Makes Its U.S. Premiere At GALA Hispanic Theatre” – Vanessa Michaud
“the U.S. premiere of a Spanish-language adaptation seemed almost necessary. It truly did not disappoint. With a dynamic cast, memorable songs, and an intimate setting, GALA Hispanic Theater’s Spanish-language adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s IN THE HEIGHTS gave a louder voice to a musical treasure that continues to stress the importance of family, whoever that may be, but also being proud of who you are.” – Vanessa Michaud
“My favorite number by far was Carnaval del Barrio, not only for its music or Scheherazade Quiroga‘s saucy portrayal of Daniela, but for the feeling of pride it evokes in one’s heritage. It falls in line with what was said in the talkback I attended with the cast and director (Luis Salgado) after the show: the musical, and especially this Spanish adaptation, is meant for audience members to feel proud of where they come from and not to apologize for it.” – - Vanessa Michaud
“Con una de las coreografías más espectaculares del actor y bailarín puertorriqueño Luis Salgado, se desenvolvió el montaje de ‘In the Heights’ con música y letras de Lin-Manuel Miranda y dramaturgia de Quiara Alegría Hudes, en el Gala Hispanic Theatre de la capital federal americana, con el título de ‘¡Con tu propio acento!’” – JORGE RODRÍGUEZ, EL VOCERO
“In the Heights sizzles with the kind of urban energy you would expect from its setting in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood”. - Doug Rule
“Director-Choreographer Luis Salgado wrote in the Playbill, “In the Heights is a story that must be told at this moment when many are being forced to question their belonging in our society within the United States. Exploring this idea grounded the work and the importance of the “why” to every actor’s commitment to the truth of not only their characters but themselves. I could not be prouder of this cast and every person who has contributed to telling this story.” Salgado credits his friend, Lin-Manuel Miranda for “his incredible example as it serves as a key of possibility to us all,” and to choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler who created the dances in the Broadway production.” – BETH MORONEY
“Everything about the production at the Axelrod was Broadway quality. The talented cast was assembled from around the globe”. – BETH MORONEY
“The Latina dancing in the show is so hot that the stage sizzles, and the performers managed the free style rap with ease and grace”. – BETH MORONEY
“Everything about this production reflects the commitment of the musicians, actors, dancers, and crew to delivering a thrilling theatrical experience”. – BETH MORONEY
“directed and choreographed by original cast member Luis Salgado, the show fairly bursts the seams of the JCC’s Axelrod Performing Arts Center”. – Philip Dorian
“The supporting ensemble is both a cohesive unit and a group of distinct individuals. Luis Salgado acknowledges being inspired by the originals; he has adapted and scaled his direction and choreography perfectly to this cast and theater. The exhilarating “In the Heights” opening number transports you into, well, into the Heights; the ballads are emotionally secure; the dramatic laments hit home; and “96,000” animates everyone’s big-win fantasy”. – Philip Dorian
“this buoyant, jazzy, sensual “In the Heights” is first-class entertainment”. – Philip Dorian
“Salgado is a man who is “committed to making ‘art with a purpose.’” – Spotlight Central
“the houselights dim, and the cast and crew of Salgado’s In The Heights go on to present an inspiring performance, full of raw emotion, and hitting all the high spots”. – Spotlight Central