Rent-Wicked Correlation

[OhSoWicked]

Posted: 4/9/06 at 1:26pm

Woops, just realized theres a "student" board, so maybe my question is more appropriate for here!

Hi all, I have to write a 7 page research paper for my "History of the Broadway Musical" class correlating two shows I have seen this semester. I am doing Rent and Wicked (I know, I know. I wanted to do shows that weren't so...hyped...but I dont have a choice). I was thinking of doing the whole outsiders-being integrated into mainstream society (or the fact that they DONT become integrated into mainstream society). Any other ideas for me? Or any ideas where I can research online? Thanks.

[Magical_Ms._Mistoffeles_72]

Posted: 4/9/06 at 3:55pm

They were written in the same time period, so thier musical style is similiar. Both are forbidden love stories to an extent. Hope this helps

[WalveMalve]

Posted: 4/9/06 at 6:10pm

Well, what's probably interesting is that both shows have acquired a new Broadway audience but for different reasons.

Rent was originally famous for its shock value and brechtian/grotowskian presentation of bohemia -- an interesting contrast in ideas. However, eventually its success has become largely due to its music and ability to address topics like homosexuality and AIDS bluntly and with wholehearted acceptance.

Wicked, however, is more of the traditional broadway experience since its focus is place on spectacle. Big belting songs, familiar story, special effects and assorted colorful sets and lights really can almost overwhelm the audience.

So, perhaps the question really is: would Rent's legitimacy as good theatre be adjusted if it were put into a more vibrant medium (aka: big sets, lights and spectacle). I think it would lose its intimacy and I think that is most evident in its lack of box office success in a movie form (though, its previous fanbase like the movie, it was not popularly recieved by those who weren't familiar with the material).

Likewise, would Wicked have the same affect on its audience were it stripped of its spectacle. Suppose there wasn't a major sound system that made songs like 'Defying Gravity' so powerful; or suppose there weren't special effects (I won't list them off as they would be spoilers) that helped exemplify the fantastic elements of the story.

Suppose both plays were performed as Sweeney Todd is in a minimalist environment. My personal guess is that Wicked would just fall apart, Rent would be fine.

Though, my opinion is that Rent should have closed after a few years since I think it's become more of a rock concert than theatre itself and I think Wicked belongs in the same category as shows like Beauty and the Beast and Aida -- it has several kicks here and there but take away the spectacle and it's not really the best of material.

[Magical_Ms._Mistoffeles_72]

Posted: 4/9/06 at 6:34pm

Wow WalveMalve, excellent points!

[wbonczek27]

Posted: 4/9/06 at 7:15pm

Well, an obvious correlation is Idina. "Rent" is one of the more risque musicals, where "Wicked" has been described as a family-friendly musical. hmm...I love them both? lol, I will think of more later, i know it.

[broadway_dreamer2]

Posted: 4/9/06 at 11:04pm

another correlation that doesn;t really matter is norbert leo butz. i just think it's funny because i was thinking the other day it would be neat to see adam pascal play fiyero, cause he is an amazing tenor like norbert is. then, as i was reading anthony rapp's book, i discovered that norbert was adam's understudy in the obc of rent. chaos.

[DramaDork925]

Posted: 4/10/06 at 12:22pm

He was also his replacement.

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 4/10/06 at 2:26pm

Norbert was the best Roger to ever grace the stage at the Neder.