ATLANTIS Productions’s highly anticipated staging of the Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights features one of the most star-studded casts to grace a musical theater stage. Directed by Bobby Garcia, who recently directed the smash hit musical Next to Normal, In the Heights runs until September 18 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.

In the Heights, with the hip-hop, salsa, merengue and soul music-infused score by Lin Manuel Miranda, is taking Manila by storm when it opened recently.

The musical tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood—a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.

 One of the country’s finest dramatic actresses, Jackie Lou Blanco makes her English-language musical theater debut as Camila, a loving and supportive mother. Jackie Lou has appeared in numerous films and TV shows and is thrilled to be a part of the cast of In the Heights.

We spoke to Jackie Lou recently about her turn on the musical stage.

For tickets: www.atlantisproductionsinc.com.

This is your first English-language musical. How did you land your role in In The Heights?

Bobby Garcia and Chari [Arespacochaga, the musical’s directors] asked me to audition. I guess they liked it and offered me the role.

Tell me about your role and how you approach it.

I play the role of Camilla, the mother of Nina [the musical’s lead character played by K-La Rivera]. She loves her family very much and is its heart. About my role, I always approach every character from a place of truth, and with every performance I will do my best to stay true to her character.

How do you think the public will regard this career direction (musical theater)?

I hope they will be happy for me because I am very happy with it. This has been one of the most beautiful chapters in my life. I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to do this.

You’ve had a very diverse career. Was this conscious on your part, or are you a go-with-the-flow type of performer when it comes to your career?

No. I take everything that comes with open arms. I guess this is just the right time for me.

Did you ask tips from your mom, Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corales?

I simply told her about it and said that I’ll do the best I can. 

Growing up with Pilita, did it enter your mind to be a professional singer like her?

I honestly wanted to but I soon realized I didn’t sing as well as she does, so I concentrated on acting. I still sing whenever an opportunity arises, or when a gijobg calls for it.

What about your husband Ricky Davao who has stage experience? What advice did he give you?

He just told me to do my best and enjoy myself.

Every decade, we see a different Jackie. Now it’s musical theater Jackie. Back in the ’80s, it was actress Jackie. Looking back on that decade, what was the most memorable about it?

Oh, everything. I had the chance to make memorable movies and was given roles that have become close to my heart. I have been truly blessed.

The ’90s saw fitness guru Jackie. What made you turn to fitness?

I had been working out for a couple of years then, and I just wanted to take it a step further...see where it would take me. I just wanted to challenge myself and see if I could get the body I always dreamed of.

How will you describe to a foreigner your show on GMA with German Moreno, Walang Tulugan?

It’s a show for those who are awake at that time.