The IN THE HEIGHTS Film Adaptation Thread — Page 9

A post from LMM Semi-regular reminder that if you hear Heights movie casting news and it ain't from me, @jonmchu, or @quiarahudes, it ain't casting news. It's hearsay. ...

edit

Updated On: 4/13/19 at 06:18 PM

teddy1996 said: "daphne rubin vega would be the wrong choice for daniela. her vocals are not that great. they are all over the place. justina machado or sofia vergara would be much better choices"

Completely. Plus they are better known so it’ll add something to the film. Sofia was heavily in consideration when the film was greenlit in 2011 before the plug was pulled. Lin-Manuel even said in an interview the part was hers if she really wanted it. Daniela is such a standout supporting role (and an audience favorite). You need a name to showcase that role.

And please cast a legendary older Latina actress for Abuela Claudia. Olga Merediz was great for the Broadway production, even though her old woman costuming forced us to believe she was an older woman. This role needs to be an event in the film adaptation. Merediz is completely unknown.

The funny thing for me is that during an episode of B99, Olga played Stephanie's mom (5x12, "Game Night". If Stephanie and Olga are both cast, I would love to see if they make any reference to their previous relationship.

Also, does anyone know if Stephanie can sing? I would love her as Carla, but she would have to sing in both "No Me Diga" and "Carnaval Del Barrio," and I've never heard her sing on B99.

teddy1996 said: "look up her cover of you and i by lady gaga on youtube. she can sing very well. she has a very sweet singing voice"

I'll definitely have to look that up!

By the way, Lin just posted on Twitter that he'll be making more announcements at noon. Do you think he'll confirm the Stephanie casting? Is there someone else he'll announce - maybe Kevin or Camila?

BwayLB said: "Alabanza for Abuela! I’m surprised Olga wanted to come back and play her."

Are you serious with this?! The entire original cast would have accepted the chance to recreate their original roles for the film. The film is for posterity unlike their stage performances.

BrodyFosse123 said: "teddy1996 said: "daphne rubin vega would be the wrong choice for daniela. her vocals are not that great. they are all over the place. justina machado or sofia vergara would be much better choices"

Andplease cast a legendary older Latina actress for Abuela Claudia. Olga Merediz was great for the Broadway production, even though her old woman costuming forced us to believe she was an older woman. This role needs to be an event in the film adaptation. Merediz is completely unknown."

Both of these points bug me, especially the latter re Olga Merediz.

First, Daphne Rubin Vega's voice isnt traditional, but girl can sing. She sang the hell out of Miss You Like Hell last year (live, 8x a week) so the idea that she isnt vocally up to a supporting role recorded in a studio is kinda silly- ESPECIALLY when the suggested alternative is.... Sofia Vergara?

As for Olga Merediz, not only was her performance on Broadway gut wrenching, but for years the general consensus has been what a SHAME it is when movies are made and original Broadway performers are shoved aside for new "stars." Literally, thats been a thing for decades. While understandable because films need to get financed/paid, its kinda sad to see the reverse now, wishing that some "star" would be cast instead of the incredibly talented woman who originated the role so beautifully. To the extent any casting director or producer suggested overlooking a true star like Merediz for a "name," huge props to Lin for making sure talent gets its due.

(also, what big stars are going to be in this? i love anthony ramos and jimmy smits, but the idea that they are going to be selling tickets sounds a little ridiculous to me. this will sell on Lin's name and the property's name.)

teddy1996 said: "I hope they cast some Afrolatinx actors for the In The Heights movie... a true representation of Washington Heights and ALL of its colors is so necessary."

This! I remember reading when the film was announced [to actually be moving forward this time] that Lin was open to casting regular people from the neighborhood as extras. I think that would Def showcase the neighborhoods diversity.