Abdul Will Not Replace Lopez in Broadway's In the Heights

By Adam Hetrick
26 Mar 2010

A spokesperson for the Broadway production of In the Heights told Playbill.com March 26 that pop singer Paula Abdul will not make her Broadway debut in that Tony Award-winning musical.

On March 25 Radar Online reported that Abdul would take over the role of Camila, currently portrayed by Tony nominee and original cast member Priscilla Lopez (A Chorus Line).

"There is no plan for her to come into the show at this point," the representative said. "We're thrilled that she came and saw the show." Reports that Abdul had been in discussions with producers and members of the creative team are also untrue, according to the spokesperson.

The former "American Idol" judge attended the March 16 performance of In the Heights and Tweeted: "In the Heights was fantastic last night!! Had a wonderful time and was great to see my friend Kenny Ortega!"

Radar linked Abdul's involvement to In the Heights with director-choreographer Kenny Ortega, who will direct the film incarnation of the Washington Heights-set musical. In the Heights currently stars Corbin Bleu, a veteran of Ortega's hit "High School Musical" franchise.