Corbin Bleu heads for 'Heights' !?!- Page 3

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 10:21am

That (Miranda's comment) was friggin' amazing.

[darquegk]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 10:53am

If Lin-Manuel says he's good, I'm going to assume Corbin's going to be good. Other than to the doctors on HOUSE, Lin-Manuel doesn't lie.

Besides, it's not like there aren't people with black and Jamaican heritage all over what we call "Latin America," and as Lin-Manuel pointed out, the Heights cast is a big ethnic mix that represents that. I'm an Ecuadorian immigrant- you'd never guess it, because I'm evidently "white with a tan," but my family has lived in Ecuador for generations.

At least it's not "Zac Efron is: USNAVI."

[round2]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 10:58am

Well said. I will trust that this team will ensure good casting for this next phase in the life of this show. I understand the concerns about age-appropriateness (Vanessa, Nina, Benny, and Sonny - all relative to Usnavi), but I'm happy to wait and see the dramatic logic that has been cooked up.

[MusicSnob1]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 11:08am

That wasn't the real Lin-Manuel Miranda. No one get too wet. Calm down.

[round2]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 11:17am

MusicSnob1, how do you know that?

[jennafan]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 11:21am

I don't think this is stunt casting. But, we must admit that ITH's numbers are going down.

I think what Lin did to introduce Kyle was brilliant. He should do the same for Corbin. If it got out on YouTube, I think it would gather a lot of HSM fans.

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 11:30am

It's not looks so much as... I mean, there's a lot of Spanish in the show, of course anyone can learn the language but passing yourself off as a native speaker (or at least someone who grew up with the language) could be difficult if it's not somehow in your background.

And if that really was Lin-Manuel Miranda: awesome. If not, I am impressed with the rhyming regardless.

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 11:51am

As much as I love Lin-Manuel (and as many times as he made me do the ugly cry the six times I saw him in the show), I just can't believe Bleu will be able to do the heavy lifting of this show. Will the skepticism lead me to buy a ticket? Maybe, since I was going to be giving tickets for the show for my dad for Christmas anyway.

[StageManager2]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 12:21pm

"I don't think much can be said about Corbin not being Hispanic..seeing as I'm sure Kyle beltran isn't either.."

Do you realize how ignorant you sound? Beltrán is a Spanish surname common throughout Latin America and Spain. Unless he was adopted I don't see why he wouldn't be the least bit Hispanic.

Furthermore, Mimi Márquez (also a Spanish surname) was often played by non-Latinas (i.e. Melanie Brown, Renee Goldsberry) and no one made a stink about that.

The bottom line is, it's acting.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 12:22pm

Hi IS talented---- He was pretty good in "Jump" (or "Jump In"-- whatever it was called..

But isnt he wayyyyy too young to be Usvavi !!! ???

[byebyebaby12]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 12:23pm

You guys do know that there are black Dominicans, right?

[adamgreer]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 12:35pm

That wasn't the real Lin-Manuel Miranda. No one get too wet. Calm down.

Actually, according to BWW it WAS him. They've now posted an article about it.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Rhymes His Corbin Bleu Endorsement on BWW's Message Boards

[scooter38432]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 12:45pm

This board makes me feel so damned old.

Who the hell is this guy? And why, oh why, if his last name is Bleu would his parents name him Corbin?!? Is it a stage name? If so, I ask WHY again.

All I can see when I read his name is Chicken Cordon Bleu.

However, if LMM, the director and the producers think this kid can do it, shouldn't we all be giving him the benefit of the doubt and reserve judgment until he's seen playing the role?

[StageManager2]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 12:55pm

"All I can see when I read his name is Chicken Cordon Bleu."

Makes ME think of Corbin Fisher.

[singalongsong2]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 1:07pm

Well, I'm glad that Lin-Man approves. I really love this show. I saw it twice last year. It's a great show and Lin was incredible in it. I think I will buy a third ticket. I'm interested in seeing what Corbin can do with the role.
Updated On: 12/9/09 at 01:07 PM

[CapnHook]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 1:16pm

Killed his audition, eh? Well, I'll have to see for myself. (*gasp* did I just fall for stunt-casting?)

It works, people.

What I am wondering is whether or not the producers & casting directors were LOOKING for names, specifically, or if he just showed up to an open call/requested an audition. Of course any producer would LOVE to have big draw-in names, and some producers would even LOVE for those big draw-in names to actually be able to play the part truthfully and with talent. Here's to hoping he is the latter.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 1:20pm

Given the fact that he is not a huge name, I'm sure there were more reasons for his casting besides potential box office receipts. I'm actually kind of interested to see his performance.

[uncageg]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 1:31pm

He's not a huge name but the HSM movies had/have a very big following.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 1:39pm

Incorrect. Corbin Bleu IS a huge name, just to a specific target group and demographic. Generally speaking, not one, but his name WILL draw in the younger crowd. And perhaps when parents ask their kids which Broadway show they want to see, WICKED will come second to IN THE HEIGHTS?

[bwayfascination]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 2:08pm

Not to be cheezy, but since Lin might be reading, I want to say thanks for creating this piece. I saw it 6 times and I look forward to seeing it more. It makes me cry every time and I bring everyone I can to see it, both to be totally entertained and to learn a little something about what's north of 96th street.

(PS - I live in San Francisco and have a whole bunch of people I need to bring with me to see it here - make it come here!)

[Geridith]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 2:10pm

Not happy about the casting, but if Lin-Manuel says he's awesome, I will give him a shot.

[Azuah.]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 2:23pm

Since Lin might be reading, I just want to take the time to say that I really hope the movie-version is going well, and I know of someone who would be perfect for the film.

She is America's Favorite Dancer: Jeanine Mason


Give her an audition please!!!! Homegirl needs to be in the film!
Even if it's just in the background dancing..but I personally vote for her playing Carla..


/Rant

also to add on to the topic, if Lin approves and says that he killed his audition, I'm interested to see how well he'll do.

Updated On: 12/9/09 at 02:23 PM

[mywonderwa11]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 2:25pm

Corbin Bleu is certainly a name. His name isn't as big as Zac Effron's, but I think he definitely has some draw.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 2:38pm

In the tween circuit, he is a big name...

[wdwfreak]

Posted: 12/9/09 at 3:02pm

This is probably their last attempt to try and save the show. Once word gets out he is gonna be in the show, I expect to see a lot of kids in the theatre, which I'm gonna hate because it isn't a High School Musical show or Disney show.