In The Heights Dramaturgy

By Christa Tandana

There’s a new face “in the heights” and her name is Jordin Sparks. The American Idol winner and pop sensation is now playing Nina in In the Heights on Broadway. Jordin made her theatrical debut on August 19th and will continue until November 14th.

There has always been a tendency for movie stars and singers to try their hand at theatre. Some have been successful and others have been...less so. In fact, just before Jordin came on the scene, High School Musical star Corbin Bleu had a run as Usnavi. Corbin was a hit and his run was extended for three months.

Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda started writing In the Heights during his sophomore year at Wesleyan University. Four years later, it became the first original musical on Broadway about the Dominican community in Washington Heights. It went on to win four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, in 2008.

Jordin and Corbin bring new young faces to the theatre - and isn’t that just what theatre needs?