In the Heights film gets new screenwriter

Universal Pictures has brought screenwriter Marc Klein to oversee the new script of the upcoming film version of the Tony winning Broadway smash In the Heights.  Kenny Ortega will be directing the film and will star original Broadway actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also wrote the show's score, in the lead role of Usnavi.  The movie is scheduled to begin filming in August 2010.

Two Steps Forward, Two Steps Back

Well, it turns out that Paula Abdul will NOT be appearing in In the Heights any time soon -- the article I read earlier today appears to have reported rumor as fact, but has since retracted the statement.

Paula Abdul In the Heights

Paula Abdul, the ex-American Idol judge and pop star of the 1990s with hit singles like "Cold Hearted Snake", "Rush Rush", "Opposites Attract", and "Straight Up", is gearing up to make her Broadway debut in the musical In the Heights.  Ms. Abdul would replace Priscilla Lopez in the role of Camilla in the Tony winning musical with a score by Lin Manuel Miranda.  Rumors are also circulating that Abdul is being courted to choreograph the upcoming film based on the show which is slated to be directed by Kenny Ortega of High School Musical and Dirty Dancing fame.  This production would mark Abdul's Broadway debut.