2 Questions (Rent-related, Aida-related)

[Pianist3912]

Posted: 10/22/10 at 9:40pm

I've been meaning to ask these questions for a long time, and I've searched the boards to no avail:

1. I've heard that Marcy Harriell was to be the original Mimi in Rent, but due to her contract for the West Side Story tour at the time, could not take the part. Any truth to this?

2. In "My Strongest Suit," Idina Menzel (and it seems, Idina only) has an extended acapella riff/belt section right before the instrumental "fashion show" section. Does anybody know why/how this came about?

Very curious over here. Thanks!
Updated On: 10/22/10 at 09:40 PM

[Pianist3912]

Posted: 10/26/10 at 6:10pm

Bump...anyone have any answers?