Kenny Ortega News

Fred Astaire's widow, Robyn, filed a suit May 28 seeking to block what she says is unauthorized use of the Astaire name by the coming Fred and Adele Astaire Awards. The news was reported by the New York Times.

Marge Champion, Sandy Duncan, Carol Lawrence, Rosie Perez, Roberta Flack, Charlotte d'Amboise and Sondra Lee are set to appear at the 28th Annual Fred and Adele Astaire Awards. Perez and Flack will present Kenny Ortega, director and choreographer of High School Musical, with the Douglas Watt Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tony-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda and internet sensation 'Miranda Sings' have taken on 'The Word Of Your Body' from Spring Awakening in a new YouTube video....that you need to see to believe.

Following two previous sold out runs, Olivier Award Winner Lesli Margherita (ZORRO - West End) returns to Hollywood with an encore performance of her hit nightclub act ALL HAIL THE QUEEN (HAIL YES!). This one night only event will be presented on Tuesday, June 8th at 8:00 p.m. at Level 3 Hollywood, 6801 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028. Tickets are $20 (in advance) or $25 cash at the door. For ticket and information visit www.leslimargherita.com or call 800-838-3006.

Broadway/L.A. has announced that Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Tony Award®-winning creator, composer-lyricist and original star of Broadway's 2008's Best Musical IN THE HEIGHTS will reprise the lead role of ‘Usnavi' when the show has its Southern California premiere engagement at the historic Pantages Theater in Los Angeles from June 22nd through July 11th. The gala opening night is Wednesday, June 23rd, following one lower-priced preview on Tuesday, June 22nd.

Emmy award winning actor Richard Thomas currently starring in the hit play 'Race' on Broadway announced the nominees for the 28th Annual Fred & Adele Astaire Awards honoring excellence in dance and choreography on Stage and in Film at a by-invitation-only cocktail reception at famed celebrity watering hole Elaine's.

Last Tuesday, April 27, leaders from entertainment, business and culture gathered in the grand lobby of Hollywood's historic Pantages Theatre to Unite For IN THE HEIGHTS, Broadway's 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical, which will celebrate its Los Angeles premiere this summer.

Nominations for the 2010 Fred & Adele Astaire Awards were announced tonight by Emmy Award winner Richard Thomas.

Kenny Ortega, Eva Longoria and more introduce IN THE HEIGHTS to the California press! And actor Tony Plana interviews Lin-Manuel Miranda about the show's evolution from college production to Tony Award-winning hit. Afterward, BWW TV's Audra Stafford spoke with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Kenny Ortega about the casting of Corbin Bleu as Usnavi on Broadway.

Star of Broadway hit 'Race' Emmy award winning actor Richard Thomas will announce the nominees for the 28th Annual Fred & Adele Astaire Awards honoring excellence in dance and choreography on Stage and in Film at a by-invitation-only cocktail reception at famed celebrity watering hole Elaine's, 1703 Second Avenue (btw 88th and 89th Streets), Monday, May 3rd 2010, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Kenny Ortega will direct a big screen adaptation of the Tony Award winning musical In the Heights, according to Variety. The film will be the director's follow-up to Michael Jackson's This is It. The film will be made by Universal Pictures starring the show's creator and leading performer Lin-Manuel Miranda. Here, Ortega talks to the press in California, in advance of the show's California debut. Stay tuned for more coverage of this event from BroadwayWorld.com!

Kenny Ortega will be awarded the Douglas Watt Lifetime Achievement Award on June 7th when the Fred and Adele Astaire Awards are presented in a ceremony at the Gerald Lynch Theatre at John Jay College. The ceremony will also include performances by Robin Cofer and Ronald K. Brown's Evidence Dance Company, there will also be a spercial tribute to Ortega.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford has officially backed out of the upcoming remake of Footloose. Entertainment Weekly reports that Paramount is now planning on casting an unknown to take on the role Kevin Bacon made famous in the iconic 1984 film. Hairspray star Zac Efron was originally cast in the role before Crawford replaced him. It was widely believed that Crawford was tapped in order to avoid typecasting in the role.

Variety is reporting that the new film version of 'Footloose' has secured a new director. Craig Brewer will helm the film, which will work from his rewritten script. Chace Crawford is no longer attached to the project due to scheduling conflicts with the CW's 'Gossip Girl.'

Variety is reporting that Marc Klein has taken over writing the adaption of In the Heights for the big screen. It was previously announced that the screenplay would be penned by the show's scribe, Quiara Alegria Hudes, but the team is looking to 'give the project a fresh set of eyes.' The paper also reports that Klein will be working closely with Lin-Manuel Miranda who will be reprising his starring role as they aim to start filming this August, in New York City. No other details have yet been revealed other than the expected addition of an additional song, written for the film.

Press reps for the Broadway production of IN THE HEIGHTS told BroadwayWorld.com this morning that the rumors about Paula Abdul joining the show are 'NOT true.'

Radar Online is reporting that former American Idol judge Paula Abdul will make her Broadway debut in the Tony Award winning musical 'In The Heights'.

The Wrap is reporting that Paula Abdul is in talks with NBC to develop a new dance show which would also involve director and choreographer Kenny Ortega who is slated to produce the show.

Tbe portrait party for Corbin Bleu took place on March 16th at Tony's diNapoli Restaurant, 147 West 43rd Street, between 6th Avenue and Broadway.

Last night, some very special guests dropped by IN THE HEIGHTS and BroadwayWorld.com was there! Kenny Ortega, who will be directing the film version of the show saw his High School Musical alumni Corbin Bleu along with --- Paul Abdul!