Corbin Bleu talked to MTV News about his time on stage, discussing how much he could relate to his character to the fact that he had to rap for it.  "I play a character named Usnavi, who is the local bodega owner," the High Scool Musical celebrity said.  "So it's the hub of the entire community.  He is faced with thinking, 'Is this what I really want -- the monotony of life?'  But in the end, he realizes he has a wonderful life."

In the Heights is reported to be an unconventional performance for Broadway, given the choice of songs for the play.  Even Bleu agrees, but encourages audiences to give it a shot.

"The music in it and the dancing isn't something you get to see a lot on Broadway," he explained.  "[Usnavi] raps.  He also is the narrator, and throughout the whole time, he [narrates] through rapping off the top of his head.  He's a total dork . He doesn't really know how to dance.  He's not very smooth when it comes to the ladies.  There's a certain honesty to him."

With the hip-hop and Latin influences of In the Heights, it was bound to get people's attention.  It's a good thing they picked someone like Corbin Bleu for the lead, since he can really do a great job with it.  Everything just went easily for him.

"Honestly, the music itself gives way to the rapping," Bleu went on. " That was something that came pretty easily, 'cause I've always been about rhythm.  I grew up salsa dancing.  I grew up dancing, period.  That part of it came naturally."




Source: MTV News
(Image Courtesy of the LA Times)