The 2008 Tony and Grammy Award-winning Best Musical In The Heights welcomes platinum recording artists and 2007 "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks making her Broadway debut as Nina Rosario beginning Thursday, August 19, 2010 at Broadway's Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street). Sparks will play a limited 12 week engagement through Sunday, November 14, 2010. Also beginning Thursday, August 19, Kyle Beltran joins the cast as Usnavi after playing the role across the country in the National Tour of In the Heights. Clifton Oliver will join the cast as Benny beginning Monday, August 16, 2010. As previously announced, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, direct from the national tour of In the Heights, will join the cast as Sonny on Thursday, July 29, 2010, replacing Jon Rua who will step into the role of Graffiti Pete.
Jordin Sparks has been performing from a young age and stands alone as the youngest contestant to ever win "American Idol." At the age of 16, she auditioned for the show and within a few months went on to win the hearts of fans and the Idol judges. She has since become a platinum and award winning recording artist. Her self-titled debut album was released in 2007 on 19 Recordings/Jive Records and went on to sell over 1.6 million copies worldwide and produced three Top 5 hits on Billboard's Pop singles chart including: "Tattoo," "No Air," and "One Step At A Time." Cumulatively, these popular singles have sold almost 9 million downloads/ringtones. In addition to winning an American Music Award for Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist and receiving two MTV Video Music Award nominations for Best Female Video and Best New Artist; she earned one of the music industry's highest honors with a 2008 Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "No Air." On June 2nd Sparks kicks off The Battlefield Tour, Presented by MIKE AND IKE®. Her sophomore album, Battlefield, contains the album title hit single and the bona-fide dance smash, "S.O.S (Let The Music Play)." In the last three years Jordin has also toured extensively around the world with artists such as
Alicia Keys, The
Jonas Brothers and
Britney Spears. This multi-faceted performer is also known for her philanthropy, which includes her own project, the I'm M.A.D. Are You? campaign as well as other charitable efforts.
Kyle Beltran comes to the Broadway company of In the Heights after playing the role of Usnavi on the first national tour of the show. Recent credits include 10 Things To Do Before I Die (
Second Stage), Kingdom (Old Globe), Aida (WVPT). Workshops: Clueless (
New Group), Fortress of Solitude (CTG), Choir Boy (MTC), Lincoln Center Theatre Directors Lab, Bubble Boy (ASCAP/PCLO). Education: B.F.A., Carnegie Mellon '09.
Clifton Oliver performed in the ensemble of Wicked after finishing a four-year run as Simba in The Lion King (Broadway, L.A.). He recently appeared in Miracle Brothers at the Vineyard. A singer/songwriter, he has also acted in numerous TV commercials. Other theatre credits include Teen Angel, national tour of Grease; Benny/Collins, Australian tour of Rent; Judas, Godspell at MUNY.
Shaun Taylor-Corbett returns to In The Heights where he made his Broadway debut in the original company. Off-Broadway credits include: In The Heights, Altar Boyz (Juan). TV: "Hi-5" on Discovery Kids/TLC (series regular). Shaun's music is availble at www.shauntaylorcorbett.com.
Jon Rua's returns to In the Heights where he made his Broadway debut. Off-Broadway credits include The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity (
Second Stage), In the Heights, Damn Yankees (Encores!). Other NY credits include Bring It On (Twig), Kingdom (The Public, Andres). TV: "Law & Order," "Don Omar." As a Choreographer Jon's work has been seen in various showcases, NCAA/NBA dance teams and benefits all over the east coast, as well as CBS, MTV and NBA Entertainment.
Now in its third year at the
Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street), In The Heights is the winner of four 2008 Tony Awards including Best Musical.
Lin-Manuel Miranda won the 2008 Tony for Best Music and Lyrics,
Andy Blankenbuehler won the 2008 Tony for Best Choreography, and
Alex Lacamoire and
Bill Sherman won the 2008 Tony Award for Best Orchestrations. In The Heights began previews on Broadway Thursday, February 14, 2008, after a six-month award-winning 2007 Off-Broadway run. The musical opened on Broadway to critical acclaim Sunday, March 9, 2008, recouped its $10 million investment in 10 months. With a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes and conceived by
Lin-Manuel Miranda, In The Heights is directed by
Thomas Kail.
Alex Lacamoire is music director and music arrangements are by
Alex Lacamoire and
Bill Sherman. In The Heights features a scenic design by
Anna Louizos, costumes by
Paul Tazewell, lighting by
Howell Binkley and sound by
ACME Sound Partners. In The Heights is produced by
Kevin McCollum,
Jeffrey Seller,
Jill Furman Willis,
Sander Jacobs,
Robyn Goodman/
Walt Grossman,
Peter Fine and
Sonny Everett/
Mike Skipper with associate producers
Ruth Hendel and
Harold Newman.
In The Heights won the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Original Cast Album. The first national tour of In The Heights launched in October 2009 in Tampa, FL at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and will travel to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Costa Mesa, Tempe, San Diego and Japan. Last year, In the Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams premiered on THIRTEEN's Great Performances on PBS HD. IMAGEM MUSIC, the Number #1 independent music publisher in the world, has acquired the worldwide stock and amateur rights to In The Heights. In November, 2008,
Universal Pictures acquired the rights to produce a feature film based on In The Heights.
As of August 19, 2010, IN THE HEIGHTS will star
Jordin Sparks,
Kyle Beltran,
marcy Harriell,
Priscilla Lopez,
Bianca Marroquin,
Olga Merediz, Rick Négron,
Clifton Oliver,
Courtney Reed,
Shaun Taylor-Corbett and
Jon Rua.
In The Heights is about a vibrant and tight-knit community at the top of the island of Manhattan. The music pulses with the hopes and dreams of three generations as they struggle to forge an identity in a neighborhood on the brink of transition.
Tickets for In The Heights range from $41.50 to $121.50, and can be purchased at the
Richard Rodgers Box Office or at www.ticketmaster.com. The playing schedule for In The Heights is as follows: Tuesdays and Sundays at 7pm, Monday, Wednesdays - Saturdays at 8pm, with matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm.
For more information on In The Heights:
www.intheheightsthemusical.com
Photo Credit: BWW-Staff
