Kenny Ortega hits "Heights"

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 8:32pm

Universal Pictures has set Kenny Ortega to direct "In the Heights," the bigscreen adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.

Ortega plans to make the musical his follow-up to "This Is It," the musical docu built around rehearsals for Michael Jackson's final concert that Sony Pictures Entertainment turned into a sleeper hit.

U acquired rights to the musical in fall 2008, with creator Lin-Manuel Miranda expected to reprise his starring role. Miranda wrote the lyrics and music, as well as originating the role of Dominican bodega owner Usnavi in the premiere production of "Heights" Off Broadway and in its Main Stem transfer. The show's book writer, Quiara Alegria Hudes, came attached to write the script. Meryl Poster will produce. Kevin McCollum, Jeffrey Seller and Jill Furman Willis, all producers of the stage musical, will be exec producers.

Anyone else weirded out by yet another High School Musical connection? That said, this could be a great decision...though I guess yet another delay for Hocus Pocus 2...

Kenny Ortega hits "Heights" Director takes on adaptation of Broadway musical

Updated On: 12/14/09 at 08:32 PM

[Pgenre]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 8:34pm

I vote for Jamie Foxx as Usnavi.

P

[BroadwayBound115]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 9:14pm

This might be a good segue into giving Corbin Bleu the role in the movie. I also think they are going to make this movie quickly because they reached their peak in ticket sales. That's exactly what Mamma Mia did and Marc Platt said they will not begin production on the Wicked movie until it reaches its peak in ticket sales.

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 9:21pm

Doubt it about Corbin BB. I'm sure Lin has signed a contract to star in the movie long ago.

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 9:25pm

Hocus Pocus 2?

And they signed the book writer for the screenplay? Well there went my hopes for some resolution to the story.

[round2]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 9:27pm

I'm kind of optimistic about this news - the man clearly LOVES the show (has seen it six times), and comes from a lineage of Spanish and Cuban family. He does have a good deal of applicable professional and personal experience, plus seems to have the love and respect for the show (and Lin)...

[Gobstopper]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 9:39pm

I agree with round2. Ortega seems like the ideal person for the job.

[TalkinLoud]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 9:55pm

I'm really happy that Lin will likely star in this!

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 10:37pm

It states in the Variety article that the film is starring Lin-Manuel Miranda as Usnavi. Where is the assumption on a confirmation?

Now... who'll be scoring the delicious role of Daniela? Jennifer Lopez... um, no!

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 10:42pm

You can bet your ass that J-Lo will be playing Daniela. She is a producer...

[Felm_heart]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 10:57pm

I have mixed reactions to the Ortega name. He did great work with Newsies, but I lost a lot of respect with High School Musical. With Lin on board, I think it's in good hands. The supporting roles really make this show, though. Let the casting bonanza... begin! (Penelope Cruz has said she'd like to do a musical again...)
Updated On: 12/14/09 at 10:57 PM

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 11:12pm

My Cast:

Jennifer Lopez or Daniela
or Sofia Vergara
Salma Hayek Carla
Mark Indelicato Sonny
Antonio Banderas Kevin
America Ferrera Nina
(Can she sing?)
Corbin Bleu Benny
Sophia Loren Camila
?? (I would prefer Olga)Abuela Claudia
Lin-Manuel Miranda Usnavi
?? (Unknown?) Vanessa
George Lopez Piragua Guy
Updated On: 12/14/09 at 11:12 PM

[Pgenre]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 11:17pm

"Sophia Loren - Camila"

LOL! Good luck with that!



P

P.S. Stranger things have happened...

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 11:35pm

Sophia Loren can play Abuela Claudia's mother, seriously.

And with all due respect, TheatreFan4... how old are you?

I know this may come as a bit of surprise to you but the hispanic cast of ABC TV's UGLY BETTY aren't the only hispanic actors in the entertainment industry.

Now as for Sofia Vergara as Daniela. Too delicious as she IS Daniela without even trying. Her singing is serviceable AND who the f*** cares?!


Sofia Vergara as Daniela:

[CapnHook]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 11:38pm

As long as Penelope Cruz is in the movie, I'll be happy.

And what a great choice of musical to bring to the silver screen. It's going to be interesting to see where the adaptation leads...

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 11:43pm

I know this may come as a bit of surprise to you but the hispanic cast of ABC TV's UGLY BETTY aren't the only hispanic actors in the entertainment industry.

I only used two of them. I don't even watch Ugly Betty.

I admit I was a little off with Sophie Loren. LOL.
Updated On: 12/14/09 at 11:43 PM

[MusicSnob1]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 11:43pm

TheatreFan, what were you smoking when you came up with that list?

Let's be a bit reasonable.

[JP2]

Posted: 12/14/09 at 11:55pm

Love Sofia Vergara. Please.
I think Penelope Cruz might be a bit too.. I donno, "high class" for Daniella.

Keith Robinson for Benny. Thanks.

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 12/15/09 at 12:18am

Lin-Manuel Miranda to star.

Yes.

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 12/15/09 at 12:31am

I'd expect some of the same names we always see, since casting directors have no originality when casting latino roles...so advance congratulations to Esai Morales, Elizabeth Pena and Edward James Olmos.

[JP2]

Posted: 12/15/09 at 12:40am

^Is it wrong that I'm Latino and have no idea who any of those people are?

[Kad]

Posted: 12/15/09 at 12:59am

Well, I'm excited for this.

Updated On: 12/15/09 at 12:59 AM

[Weez]

Posted: 12/15/09 at 8:21am

so advance congratulations to Esai Morales, Elizabeth Pena and Edward James Olmos.

I would die a confused but happy death to see Bill Adama in In the Heights. XD (With apologies to the rest of Olmos's career.)

[Brick]

Posted: 12/15/09 at 12:51pm

I'm just so excited this is still coming down the pipeline! This project just seemed like one that would get lost in the development machine.

And whatever I think of Ortega, he's pretty hot right now and It's good to see Universal lining up some heavy-hitters.

[mariusmyhomeboy]

Posted: 12/15/09 at 1:31pm

I like J.Lo as Danela. What about Alexa Vega as Nina?