On Saturday, we saw the musical RENT for the 4th time! It seems like it wasn't that long ago that the show had come through town (I am pretty sure we've seen it every time it has!), but there was no way we were going to miss this particular production. It was a sad day last year when I heard that RENT was closing on Broadway... and I remember thinking it was pretty cool that Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp came back for a brief stint to reprise the roles of Roger and Mark that they originated on the Great White Way. With brisk ticket sales, the show's close date was postponed and while actors closed the show (I think the same Roger & Mark we saw our 3rd time with the show), the show did close this past September.
But out of bad/sad news, came good news as it was announced that RENT would tour the country with Adam and Anthony... and thankfully they did make a stop here in Phoenix (well, technically Tempe)... which allegedly is one of more more profitable stops for touring productions. Since it was a "bonus" show (not included in the season tix package), I was able to get tickets before they went on sale to the public -- so snagged 11th row/dead center seats for a Saturday night (which is pretty good!).
I pretty much got goosebumps when the guys walked out onto the stage to start the show....and the crowd roared, pretty much all night it was like being at a rock concert. One thing that is nice about these non-season ticket shows is that everyone who is there wants to be there... so the Sun City/retiree crowd was certainly not in force... and RENT has such a following that everyone anticipated and upcoming songs, much like an arena crowd going wild upon hearing the opening notes of favorite song. And everyone was thrilled to see Adam and Anthony. Another thing we rarely get on these touring productions is the original stars of shows... often it is more like C-listers, so it was amazing to hear the voices we have heard for 10+ years on the RENT soundtracks (and only a bonus that these guys were alos the film version a few yeas back).
With all eyes on the two guys, it was hard for the rest of the cast to really stand out... but a lot of them did quite a good job. After having a so-so Mimi last time around, this one was quite good... and I whispered to Todd that this Maureen had a real Amy Poehler quality to her that only added to the only humorous quality of the character.
While the show certainly seems dated at times, its message will always keep in in style... plus there will always be a nostalgia factor for folks around my age (and, more likely, 5-10 years younger!). There was a pair of young-ish gay (reasonable assumption here!) guys next to us, so it was encouraging to see them taking it in. I am guessing that "Spring Awakening" is "their" RENT... but both shows speak of embracing love and living for today.
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