Kenny Ortega hits "Heights" — Page 2

"And the fact that Kenny has worked with Michael Jackson (one of LMM's fave artists -- remember when the curtain call music switched to "Beat It" on his last night?) is going to help things a LOT!"

How? Why? His connection to Michael Jackson would have no direct impact on the ITH movie... unless I'm missing something.

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Updated On: 12/15/09 at 05:10 PM

I would like to at least see Karen Olivo play Vanessa.

Wouldn't mind Rosario Dawson as Vanessa. Or, perhaps Christina Aguiler. Actually, if Aguilera was just a bit younger she'd be a phenomenal Nina.

For me, this could go either way. On one hand, he could use the same directorial approach that he did with "Newsies," and make it a potential box-office success, and a damn good adaptation of the show. On the other hand, he could use the same directorial approach, that he did with the famous garbage that is the "High School Musical" trilogy (with a fourth movie, on its way), and screw it up completely. I sincerely hope for the former, and I believe it's what we will receive, given that Mr. Ortega has seen the stage play, several times and has a deep admiration for it. If not? Well, maybe the film's casting will be its saving grace. I'd personally can't wait to see who plays Nina (she's my favorite character in the musical).

LOVE the idea of Alexa Vega as Nina.

I would love to see Ana Ortiz or Sara Ramirez as Daniela.

alightinthedark23, How would Lin being involved with this as an actor who created the role be any different then the Rent film? In the film version of Rent, everyone of the leads, sans two, originated their roles.

It wouldn't shock me to find out that they are using Lin in the role for the film because they wanted to go with an unknown film actor for the role. And, they figured why not go with the person who did it originally on stage.

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You're smoking some crack.

I think Ortega's direction of HSM is better than his direction of Newsies. He is older and more experienced, and HSM3 was actually enjoyable. That doesn't mean he uses either approach to a film version of ITH.

Still, a film version of ITH is going to be problematic. The suits will probably think it too "latin" or "hispanic". The issue may end up being how do you make it so that ITH plays well outside the US? Because, that's where its box office is likely to come from. What is the biggest grossing "hispanic" film in the US? Box Office Mojo doesn't even have a category for hispanic film. That's what the film is up against - and putting JLo in it is not going to sell US tix. Dreamgirls domestic B.O. was only 103M. Thus, casting likely will depend on the talent the producers can get "cheap" and given the lack of success of "original cast" films of Rent and Producers which were much bigger stage hits than ITH. So, if you can't market it as a "musical" and you can't market it as "hispanic" film - how do you market it?

Now back to the fun - Edward James Olmos would bring back sweet memories of Zoot Suit.
As opposed to the original cast of Rent, LMM is not too old to be playing Usnavi in the film. Even if FB says Usnavi is only 24. I'd prefer Rita Moreno over Chita Rivera for Abuella.
So long as there are no Estevez/Sheens in the film!

I think we are all passing over the probable choice (although not my choice) for Nina given that Kenny Ortega is the director: Vanessa Hudgens. This might help them sell the younger crowd on the movie version as well.

Arielle Jacobs who plays Nina in the tour cast also starred as High School Musical's Gabriella in the stage tour so it makes some sort of twisted sense to go with the original HSM's Gabriella for the part of Nina with Kenny directing.

Updated On: 12/17/09 at 07:39 PM

I can't imagine the powers that be will be concerned about whether Hudgens can sing Nina's songs or not. They'll cut them, change them, lower the keys, write new ones for her, etc. This movie is almost impossible to cast. They'll get whatever Latino pseudo stars they can get their hands on.
I honestly think this will be a big fiasco on screen, especially since they are going for a poppy, Disney-fied tone if they hired Ortega as the director. I think the material could have been much more interesting with some more interesting filmmakers.
Lin starring in this is completely different than the RENT people, especially since he is the writer himself so he can change and adapt the material to suit his abilities/shortcomings. However, he won't sell a single ticket so I do wonder what kind of money they are expecting to make with him as the lead.

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First official press photo of Ana Ortiz as Daniela in Kenny Ortega's highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway musical IN THE HEIGHTS:

Brody, love Anna Ortiz! She IS Daniela. Still, I can see them going for a name like Jennifer Lopez, instead. I highly doubt they'll care about her age.
Rita Moreno as Abuela seems inevitable, kinda like Sophia Loren as Mama in Nine.
I can't see them trying to present IN THE HEIGHTS as an awards contender. They'd do much better if they went the way of HAIRSPRAY and released it as a summer movie that's not trying to get awards. I loved IN THE HEIGHTS on Broadway but don't really think there's enough substance there to make it a compelling film, especially if directed by Kenny Ortega who isn't exactly what I'd call a creative genius or visionary.

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