While I might give some slack for casting racially ambiguous performers in these roles, these guys aren't even close. And Matt Ward Entertainment wasn't done there. They also cast white performers in the roles of Daniela, Abuela Claudia and Nina. In fact, the actress playing Vanessa appears to be the only performer of color cast in a principal role.

You might say that this could be a result of lack of Latinx performers auditioning, However, I've spoken to Latinx performers who auditioned for this show who were turned away in favor of white actors playing these roles.

In fact, Matt Ward Entertainment foolishly posted a video clip of their auditions on their Instagram page which shows a dance call where there are a good number of performers of color. Why weren't they cast in these Latinx roles over white actors?

Now before I go further, it must be mentioned that in the past both Lin-Manuel Miranda and co-writer Quiara Alegría Hudes have said that in educational settings, an all-white production of the show is acceptable as long as it's respectful and its aim is to educate.

However where both of them draw the line is with professional productions. Hudes said in an interview with Arts Integrity,

“Casting the roles appropriately is of fundamental importance....For decades, the vast majority of Latino roles were maids, gangbangers, etc. It’s demoralizing, obnoxious, and reductive of an entire people. It’s a lie about who we are, how complicated our dreams and individuality are...“The Latino community has the right to be disappointed and depressed that an opportunity like this was lost.”

So the professional status is where things with Matt Ward Entertainment get a bit blurry. From all evidence, it doesn't appear the show is a union production or MEAA(Australia's version of AEA). However, they do state that they are a profit-sharing payment company for principal roles, so their actors do get paid. While they might not be union, the act of payment can qualify them as professional, so the wishes of the writers should have been followed and these roles should have been cast racially correct.

Queensland, Australia isn't known for it rich Latinx population(less than 1% are Spanish speaking), which begs the question of why they're doing In The Heights to begin with?

However in the casting call for the show, Matt Ward Entertainment stated,

"In The Heights celebrates diversity and inclusion – we strongly encourage performers from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds to apply."

True, but you need to follow through on that by casting Latinx actors in Latinx roles, especially since you had a number of them audition.

If you were to ask me how this happens, my only guess is that this is what happens when a show about Latinx people is directed by a creative team that looks like this: