RENT Live!

[jo]

Keala performing the solo part for SEASONS OF LOVE --

[mamaleh]

I thought it was a terribly botched affair, on the whole. The screaming audience at the televised dress rehearsal kept drowning out all the lyrics, and the poor sound mixing didn't compensate. They really should have had an understudy for the Roger role after that actor broke his foot, with the result being that instead of a mostly live show, they televised the lackluster taped dress rehearsal. The performers, although talented, naturally were "saving it" for the real thing--which never happened, except for the final 15 or so minutes done live.

Ellen

[alma]

Thanks for the insights, Ellen.
I didn’t watch it, but a friend of mine whose favorite musical is RENT was terribly disappointed. She couldn’t believe how lackluster it was, and said that even the performers she expected the most from, let her down. Big time.
But after reading your review and finding out what had really happened, it makes sense that it was so “blah”.
What a terrible lack of foresight on FOX’s part, not having an understudy for the main actor. I wonder why...
If I were a participant, I’d be absolutely furious with FOX for making me look so bad.
I hope they all sue FOX...

Alma

P.S. I shared your post with my friend. It helps to understand, but I agree with her that it was shame to waste this opportunity in such a frustrating way.

[jo]

When they made the movie with the original cast ( which included Idina Menzel), didn't audiences also turn away disappointed?

Maybe it is meant more for a theatrical show...and maybe, even the theme may have to be updated (Aids is no longer looked at as a scourge...but drug use is even more potent now as a subject)? Of course, we know it is based on the opera La Boheme which is timeless, but that way of life was probably better illustrated in an European setting in that time frame.

IMHO

Jo