Shame on the casting directors. Talent aside, he isn't right for the role ETHNICALLY. It is a show that deals with ethnicity, so why would it be okay to just overlook that aspect? No no no. Just... no. However, I can't judge him on his talent because I haven't actually seen enough of his work to judge.
Is Bleu even going to be a major enough box office draw? He's not like Zac Efron, who has managed to cross out of HSM into major motion pictures. His fame is exclusive to HSM, and how many of those kids are going to be begging to see In the Heights?
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Corbin Bleu in January? Hold up just a minute I think In The Heights just pushed it to the limit Lin, you created the great role of Usnavi Sendin it off to the talented Javi But now you let the Disney boy in on your show? Even if he can sing, can he really hold the flow? He's out of his league with all the Puerto Ricans No way he can pass for an off the boat Dominican I'll see it a 4th time for the music and the dance But this time I won't want to get inside Usnavi's pants Lin, I hope you approved of this casting decision Cuz In the Heights should remain as all that you envision
I'd be shocked to find out that Lin didn't have a large say in the decisions.
My initial reactions were "Whaaaa?" along with "a desperate attempt at stunt casting", but it does have me thinking. Bleu may indeed be able to "pass" ethnically (gosh, what an awful expression) and musically and phyisically I'm sure he has the goods. My doubts are whether he is 'right' and whether he has "it" for the stage -- stamina- and presence- wise. I will admit: a few years ago, he was part of a concert I took my pre teen daughter to, and he was damn entertaining.
I'd be curious to see what he does with the role....and bringing my kids to see him MIGHT just get me back in the theater to see it a second time. (Maybe.)
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
In response to rwu2010, since he took the time to rhyme his concerns:
First of all, thank you for taking the time to write a message in full sentences, much less make it rhyme. You'd be amazed at all the horrid punctuation I see e.g. "I-L-Y, ROTFL, OK G2G." Now as for Corbin Bleu, chalk it up to ambition. The dude came in and straight SMASHED his audition. But can he "hold the flow?" Well, I know the part, I did it. We'd NEVER cast someone unless they proved that they could spit it. When he came in the room, I ain't think that he would get it. He won us over, pa. You can tell the haters I said it.
Now THIS is sensitive, and I'm hesitant to begin again But I'm a Puerto Rican-Mexican; I PLAYED Dominican. And everyone's from everywhere, we are reppin' so many things Andrea's Venezuelan and Jewish, Karen's like twenty things So yes, I see your point, but ethnicity's just a factor They've gotta play the part: in the end, dude is an ACTOR.
Javi is amazing. Jon Rua is too. Michael Balderrama makes the drama ring true. They're big footsteps; I wrote a really big shoe. This one is Lin-approved: Mr. Corbin Bleu.
Thanks for your message. And thanks for seeing the show 3 times.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Well I didn't see this coming at all, but I know I'll be seeing it again with him and hopefully before to see Javier before he leaves. Hope this stunt-casting isn't a bad sign.
He didn't threaten to sue anyone, so probably not. (Though he might have a good libel case against someone who called him a closet High School Musical fanatic.)
I was planning on going back to see it in a few weeks with my mother, who wants to see it for the first time. Frankly, Corbin Bleu has very little draw for me and my mother so that won't be the thing GETTING us to the theatre but we certainly won't be NOT going because of him. (to be honest, I had to google him to make sure I was thinking of the right kid). I still think its a wonderful show and I'm excited for my momma to see it
I keep thinking, "maybe he'll pull a Diana Degarmo." Remember how we thought she would be a trainwreck in Hairspray? I was so impressed with her and she ended up being one of my 2 favorite Penny's.
