Anthony Rapp on Rent's closing — Page 2

Very very well said, limelight and winston.

...I was just thinking about the commercial and wondering when it'll be aired, and thinking probably not for awhile because this video just came out.

...It came up on my TV that instant. It was so bizarre and I completely freaked out.

I definitely think that's a sentiment that resonates. Even though rationally, it's easy to understand that obviously, it would close someday, Rent has always seemed... sort of invincible to me. Rent has always been there. For almost as long as I can remember, even before I was deemed "old enough" by my parents to see it for myself, it was always. there. I used to make an effort to return to Rent... maybe once a year or so. But the experiences of going to Rent 10 and seeing Adam and Anthony's return made me feel less compelled to go back, just because I felt like nothing could ever even touch those experiences with a ten-foot proverbial pole. But even though I don't often have moments of, "Oh, I know what I want to do tonight, I want to go see RENT," it has always been a comfort to know that if I want it, it's there for me. And of course this is elevated now that I do have a personal connection with the show, but it is very difficult to imagine being in this city and going to the theater and just... not having it there.

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Updated On: 1/24/08 at 12:33 PM

Someone should let Anthony know that it is NOT closing on June 1st. I talked to Harley Jay last weekend at the show and he said if it keeps selling like it's been the past couple of days then it will extend.

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Also, even if they do extend - his words still apply. Whats a few more weeks in the long run?

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I really hope it doesn't extend. I think that the best thing to do it let it go out with a bang, on the night they said it would close, the night that is already sold out.

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I, for one, hope they don't extend. Partly because I want it to go out on a high note, and mostly because if it extends, I'll be away for the summer and won't be able to even ATTEMPT to see the last show.

Why would, if an extension comes BECAUSE IT'S DOING WELL, a few more weeks stop it from going out on the high note it would seemingly go out on if it closes on June 1? That doesn't make any sense. And because it's totally illogical, it shows how obvious it is that your hope of wanting it to close June 1 has nothing to do with what's best for the show; it's because if it extends, YOU won't be able to go. I understand having selfish concerns about something you love and feel passionate about, but at least don't try to make it look like that's not the issue.

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Updated On: 1/24/08 at 02:01 PM

And if they decide to extend, those orchestra tickets that were withheld will then be released as with any other regular performance. All that indicates is that AS OF NOW, that is the final performance. It can always change. No matter what the chances are that it'll stay that date, as long as it IS, seats need to be held. That makes way more sense than selling them and then going "oh, wait, we're gonna close that day. We take them back."

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Updated On: 1/24/08 at 03:11 PM

oh my gosh! I can't take it! that was sooooo sad!!! I love you RENT!

I loved that video. That's pretty much all that needs to be said.

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When Rapp spoke at my school a couple of months ago he said how he hopes Rent could just beat "The Dancing Spoons" (in reference to Beauty and the Beast) for run on Broadway.

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Wow, I haven't watched the video yet but this has been my personal secret for a while. When I first moved to NYC I used to work in midtown. At one point I was 21 and didn't have a lot of money for anything and I had horrible roommates. I hated going home and used to think about sleeping under my desk. On the way home from work, I would always try to kill time and most days I would somehow manage to walk by the Nederlander. It would always make me smile, just knowing that the show was there. Passing by just somehow made things feel better. I kind of feel like those walks got me through some rough times. And honestly, they still do.

Even now, on days that are just bad I'll take a stroll. Honestly it is one of my favorite things to do in this city. I'm 29 and seeing the mural of the original cast and the marquee just makes things feel normal, feel right. My husband knows if we are in the vicinity we have to walk by The Nederlander, just so I can tell him that's exactly what we are walking by. I'll say "Rent" and he'll just nod or laugh (at/with) me. As if he doesn't know.

The cool part is, knowing that I'm not the only one who did/does this. I think I always dreamed a little about having a child and walking the by the theater and telling him or her what a special place it is. And what a special show. I always thought about the best age for my future kids to see rent, as if it would always be there. Maybe they will be the perfect age for the revival.

I probably will still walk down the street on purpose long after the mural is gone and even if the theater changes. I guess it just makes me sad to lose one more "happy place" in this big city.

I think I'm going to try and pass by as much as possible until the end. At least one more time.

I was so looking forward to Rent 15.

Updated On: 1/24/08 at 11:57 PM