The Rent Welcome Wagon — Page 8

<~ Full blown insomniac! :)

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A little while back, you wanted people who are going into the business to tell their story, so I figured I would give you a glimpse of mine.

I'm a writer. Right now, I'm much more proficient in book and lyric writing than in music, but a) that's what collaboration is for, and b) I'd consider myself fairly proficient, musically (hooray for music college!). I just feel more comfortable, and more intruiged by the possibilities inherent in the words of a musical.

Anyway, the whole reason I decided to pursue this somewhat sketchy career path is because of Rent, so you can imagine that the whole movie thing (and, of course, you and Anthony!) is tremendously exciting.

In any case, my question is as follows (with a little backstory).

Last spring, I got a chance to hear Jason Robert Brown speak at a clinic at my school, and he said something which I found incredibly fascinating, and you've hinted at it in one of your posts.

Basically, he said that film is a director's medium, plays are a playwrights medium, and musical theater is a performer's medium. In other words, the best thing that a writer for musical theater can do is give plenty of opportunities for the actors to strut their stuff!

I was wondering how you felt about that idea? The song "Without You" has always struck me as being such a wonderful example of this, because it's so simple, and very, VERY open to interpretation by a singer.

Fredi, I actually have a question for you:

I would assume that obviously the original cast of RENT has much more of a soulful and emotional attachment to the show moreso than more recent casts since you all worked so close with Jonathan and actually witnessed his vision transform into what it is now, more or less. My question for you is if you guys (the OBC,) is at all nervous or weary that the film might not carry over or depict Jonathan's original intent closely enough. That's why I was relieved that some of the OBC are returning for the movie, because I've always felt as if this show was such precious ground and held so closely in your hearts that you'd be so careful to see how the film develops. Have I completely made this notion up, or does it actually hold some truth? I mean, obviously the cast will be very much involved in the creative process, but I was just wondering. Thanks a bunch, you're fab.

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re: hopes and fears for the film

it's true for me....

I hope it's true for everyone.

the scary thing about the film is that generations from now when the show finally closes (hahaha) the film is how RENT will be remembered and I pray it's as close to the downtown show (which is the REAL show - and it's archived on film at Lincoln Center Library) as possible.

fwb

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Updated On: 11/22/04 at 01:51 AM

Would I sound like a total fangirl if I said that TMOLM IS my song? It seriously is my theme song (okay, Toxic by Britney Spears is my theme song, but TMOLM is my "me" song). I really do make lists in my sleep. In fact, I'm writing one out as I type.

Fredi, did you find that The Lion King gave you less creative control as an actor? First, you didn't have the luxury of creating the role either on stage or in film so in a sense, you were bound by what was aready defined for the character, and second, I would imagine that the masks, makeup, costumes and technical aspects may make character-development secondary to the "spectacle" aspect of the show, whereas Rent is basically "made" by the songs and especially the performers.

Edit: Sorry if that ^ sounded rude; it's not meant to be an attack on The Lion King. I was just curious as to how you approached Rafiki and make it your own in such a well-oiled machine.

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Updated On: 11/22/04 at 01:57 AM

kay - this will be my last post tonight...

Charlie - I'll get back to you through PM at a later date...

last question -


Fredi, did you find that The Lion King gave you less creative control as an actor? First, you didn't have the luxury of creating the role either on stage or in film so in a sense, you were bound by what was aready defined for the character, and second, I would imagine that the masks, makeup, costumes and technical aspects may make character-development secondary to the "spectacle" aspect of the show, whereas Rent is basically "made" by the songs and especially the performers.

you guys are so insightful - I love that

i didn't mind that the role was created before - I still had plenty to do to "create" that character's circumstances for myself...

the physicality alone was daunting... and the makeup and costume helped that greatly...

no - i didn't feel "lost" I felt like Rafiki - a baboon - you know?

the more stuff they piled on - the more I could be Rafiki..

the reality of "me" came through because of my own "shamanistic" habits and "motherly" nature...

It was one of the greatest challenges of my career and I loved it.

Goodnight for now - I'll check back with you guys in a day or so..

I've truly had a blast...

I look forward to more of your questions in the near future.

all the best,

Fredi

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Yeah I am out too. Night guys!! :)
Fredi, great talking with you!

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a question for joanne1:

many people call rent edgy while the lion king is a moving but mainstream show. your passion for both roles shows us that you can go for both edgy and mainstream, which is cool. so what are some of your favorite movies? would you say that you prefer edgy/independent film over mainstream?

No questions for now -- I don't want to be overwhelming!

Just wanted to say welcome to BWW!

-Layla-

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Ok Wow, I'm so far behind.. I have so much catching up to do. But alas Seuss has closed and I acan have abit of a life again for now.

But first Welcome Fredi, and thank you for joining us..

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Welcome, Christie.

I wish I could've stayed last night, looks like you all had a good time. Fredi, it's really cool of you to talk to us. Thanks again.

*stakes out thread*

Updated On: 11/22/04 at 04:28 PM

Fredi,

I'm another Tischie here. What studio were you in at NYU and did you graduate? Were you here when Idina was?