In The Heights - Creation Question

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 6:29pm

How does someone work on a show since they were 19, and yet, they don't get credit for writing the book? Did he just compile a bunch of songs? Surely Lin-Manuel Miranda had some story in mind, so wouldn't get credit for the book?

[DTBG2]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 6:36pm

He's credited with "CONCEIVED BY," along with "MUSIC AND LYRICS."

That's all one really needs...right?

I mean, in the end, as long as people all point to you and say "It was all your idea." What else could you really ask for. Updated On: 6/5/08 at 06:36 PM

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 6:52pm

Well, I don't mean from that stand point. I mean, I'm sure he's got all the credit he wants/needs, but how does someone create a show for almost a decade, and yet, doesn't flesh out the story he's trying to tell? I find that confusing.

[StuckToTheStage]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 6:57pm

Quite possibly his strong points are music and lyrics. Just listen to the OBCR and you'll hear where his true genius lies.

But, writing may not be his forte. He can consult a writer to express, in the exact words, the story he has in mind. He has the story but the writer of the book puts that story into words.

Updated On: 6/5/08 at 06:57 PM

[DTBG2]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 10:05pm

That may be it, StuckToTheStage!
I was watching an interview Lin did a while ago, while ITH was off-Broadway....
One of his questions were "How did you get to where you are now with this show?"
And his answer was basically, "Collaborators!"

He then went on to say something about how he wasn't able to see ITH from the outside looking in, because he is Usnavi onstage. "Wearing so many hats at the same time, can drive you insane!" So he said he relied on "Collaborators" And trusted them to help put together the flow of the story.


Updated On: 6/5/08 at 10:05 PM

[StuckToTheStage]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 10:45pm

Thanks

I try.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 10:47pm

Yeah, that makes sense. Just seems like he would have had more of a hand in writing the book because he's obviously good with words.

[Mealz1042]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 11:46pm

i mean the original story he wrote for the show... the plot was a love triangle between Nina, Benny, and Nina's brother so clearly the current book does not reflect that vision.