The Rent Welcome Wagon- Page 8

[BEKA531]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 1:24am

i get back on the computer cause i couldn't sleep and i read this hilarious "you're okay" story... i'll be laughing for an hour now... ok time to try to sleep... i swear i'm becoming an insomiac...

~ rebecca

[VivaBohemia]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 1:29am

<~ Full blown insomniac! :)

[OneBlazeOfGlory]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 1:31am

I'd say we've all become semi-nocturnal or something...

[karlean7]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 1:31am

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.

[JoAnne1]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 1:37am

1-
Hmmmmm. Question. What was the best part about working in Rent? was it ever sort of weird knowing that kids were camping outside the theatre for tickets etc..

"best part about working at RENT?"
the music...

the kids outside...?
I used to send them coffee - and they still dogged me on the net... amazing. I know this - if RENT had happened when I was 18, I would have been there with them - I like that one...




3-
And Chrys, it's easy. Rool Es-par-an-zee-nee-uh.

yeah - what she said...

4-
Any opinions on the influx of "names" into Broadway productions? Like was stated earlier, its a business and whatever producers feel will help insure their investment's worth will occur - but beyond that, some feel there are people which 1) don't put any more people in seats 2) degrade the quality of the overall production by being sub-standard. Any opinions?

producers will do whatever they have to - to make money....
be smart and get rich early so you can do pure art on your own dime.... that's the only way to truly have "creative control" and who knows - it might be a hit (which happens from time to time)

fwb

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 1:45am

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.

[JoAnne1]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 1:48am

someone asked if I put much of myself into JoAnne...
ALL of myself - just look at the lyrics to TMOLM...
that IS me...
still blows my mind how Jonathan knew me so well.




the question was....

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!

What do I think about that? I think it's smart to let your actors do what they do regardless of the medium
I mean - people don't go to movies to see "the direction" do they? (aside from industry geeks like myself..)

Anyway, 90% of good directing is casting.... your job is to cast people that are as close to the character as possible...

acting is not really pretending to be someone else - but bringing the truth of who you are to the circumstances that character is living (yes I studied Meisner - and I'm glad)

It's the truth of your emotions that brings the audience in...

so if you are writing for actors - let them act!!!

[JoAnne1]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 1:51am

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

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

[BWIDB Charlie]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 1:56am

If you don't mind, I have a couple other questions - mind if I send them to you through this site's private messaging? All you do to use it - on the left side of the sreen, just under the Broadwayworld.com icon, it'll say you have messages.)

Charlie

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 1:57am

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.

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

[BWIDB Charlie]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 2:14am

Well I just sent it, so hopefully that's okay! Thanks.

Charlie
[e-mail]

[JoAnne1]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 2:15am

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

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 2:20am

Thanks, Fredi!

Good night everyone! I've gotta get some work done!

[VivaBohemia]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 2:23am

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

[JadedBenevolence]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 3:44am

HI, first of all, I'm kinda new to this whole message board scene and firstly I'd like to say, wow. It's great reading what you guys write. I love coming to BWW just to see what others talk about.

Secondly, Please don't mind me. As I said, I'm new to this and if I babble, just slap me -slaps self in head-.

Okay, this one's for Fredi (and anyone else interested). Firstly, welcome Fredi. It's so cool that you're here.

Secondly, in regards to what you said "THAT WHICH IS MEANT FOR YOU IS YOURS!!!" I think that is totally awesome. But how can one know what is meant for them if nothing ever seems to happen? Like many people in these rooms, including me, have these dreams of performing one way or the other, and I'm certain they're all very talented people, but what if nothing happens for them? I don't me to sound all discouraging, but it's just something I tend to think about cuz here I am, 25 years old, and still haven't done much with my life. I can sing (not trying to sound conceited) and I've done plenty of work in HS and in my community, but how does one come about to obtain more than just something small?

Okay, thanks you guys for letting me rabble. As I've said before feel free to slap me, I just wanted to get that out there.

~Chris(tie)

[EmceeWiz64]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 4:53am

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?

[N0tThatGirl213]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 6:07am

Guys, I doubt I need to tell you this, but we should probably give this thread a rest for a while...don't let the questions pile up.

[UptownGirl]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 9:30am

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

Just wanted to say welcome to BWW!

-Layla-

[Amneris]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 11:17am

Thank You Fredi!!

I think it's really amazing that you've joined us and can give so much insite to all of us hopefuls.

I also want to add , I totally 100% agree with BOB STEWART =D He was the BEST boss anyone could have! And I had the pleasure of hearing/reading a lot of his scripts at work.

Take Care

[camerangel]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 11:54am

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..

[VivaBohemia]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 12:50pm

Hey Chris(tie) Welcome to the boards!

[insomniak]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 4:28pm

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

[MeliMel]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 5:05pm

Hi Fredi
Thanks for answering my question. That is really sweet to hear about TMOLM, for both you and Idina. I would have given up a WHOLE lot to just have had an hour to chat with Johnathan, I can't even begin to imagine the level of converstaion that would ensue.

I really look forward to your advice on surviving New York, ( also I wanted to ask if you had anytips for the NYU and Julliard auditions) beacuse lord knows I need it =)! PM me if you'd like or post away when you have time.

take care
Melissa

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 6:11pm

Fredi,

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

[VivaBohemia]

Posted: 11/23/04 at 2:46am

*bump because I can*