In the Heights to welcome new cast members

Jordin Sparks

As previously announced the 2008 Tony and Grammy Award-winning Best Musical In The Heights welcomes platinum recording artists and 2007 “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks who is making her Broadway debut as 'Nina Rosario' beginning 19 Aug 2010 at Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre. Sparks will play a limited 12 week engagement through to 14 Nov 2010.

Also beginning 19 Aug 2010 Kyle Beltran joins the cast assuming the role of 'Usnavi' from Corbin Bleu, who plays his final performance on 17 Aug 2010. Beltran joins the show after playing the role across the country in the musical's National Tour.

Clifton Oliver will join the cast as 'Benny' from 16 Aug 2010, assuming the role from original cast member Christopher Jackson.

As previously announced, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, direct from the national tour of In The Heights, will join the cast as 'Sonny' on 29 Jul 2010, replacing Jon Rua who will assume the role of 'Graffiti Pete' from Ricky Tripp

Jordin Sparks was 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.

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).

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.

Shaun Taylor-Corbett made his Broadway debut in the original company of In The Heights. Off-Broadway credits include: 'In The Heights' and 'Altar Boyz' (Juan).

Jon Rua made his Broadway debut in the original company of In The Heights. Off-Broadway credits include 'The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity' (Second Stage), 'In the Heights,' 'Damn Yankees' (Encores!).

In The Heights currently stars Janet Dacal (Nina), Corbin Bleu (Usnavi), Marcy Harriell (Vanessa), Priscilla Lopez (Camila), Bianca Marroquin (Daniela), Olga Merediz (Abuela Claudia), Rick Negrón (Kevin), Christopher Jackson (Benny), Courtney Reed (Carla), Jon Rua (Sonny) and Ricky Tripp (Graffiti Pete).

In The Heights opened at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on 9 Mar 2008, following previews from 14 Feb 2008, and is currently selling tickets through to 21 Nov 2010.

The show opened on Broadway to mostly good to luke-warm reviews: "There is no more joyful musical to see this season." (New York Theatre Guide); "What it lacks in story and believability it makes up for in a vibrant rap- and salsa-flavored score." (NY Daily News); "Delivers a festive time that plenty of people will enjoy." (Star-Ledger); "Not a great musical. But it's about as impossible to dislike as an adorable puppy." (USA Today); "Deeply flawed and deeply pleasurable." (NY Sun) and "an uncalculated charmer. (Variety).

In The Heights: A quintessential New York musical 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.

The musical is directed by Thomas Kail, with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, scene design by Anna Louizos, costumes by Paul Tazewell, lighting by Howell Binkley and sound by Acme Sound Partners.

In The Heights is the winner of four 2008 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations.

In The Heights is produced on Broadway by Kevin McCollum, Jeffrey Seller and Jill Furman, who also produced the Off Broadway production.

The show began life off Broadway at 37 Arts Theatre, where it ran from 8 Feb - 15 Jul 2007, playing 33 preview and 182 regular performances.

That production won the 2007 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Choreographer, the 2007 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Ensemble Performance, Outer Critics' Circle Award for Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Choreography, Obie Award for Outstanding Music and Lyrics, and finally a Theatre World Award for Lin-Manuel Miranda.