Breaking News! RENT to Open at New World Stages August 11; Previews Begin July 14 - Open Calls Announced!

[Rob]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 6:23am

Click Here to Read Breaking News! RENT to Open at New World Stages August 11; Previews Begin July 14 - Open Calls Announced!

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 7:59am

Ive always enjoyed the show since i first watched it with the original cast in 96, but im not sure why they feel the need to bring it back yet, its been 2 years. I just hope they play around with it a bit, change the design or something. Im not saying go drastic like Rent Remixed (though that is still one of the best comedy shows ive ever seen lol) but just offer something a bit new.

[winston89]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 8:19am

See, I would like to be the case too. However, I don't see that happening Keep in mind that Michael Grife is directing this production. So, that leads me to believe that it will be similar if not exact to the original.

I believe that the only changes he had ever made to the show were on the final tour. I only remember a couple of those changes. But, they consisted of not having the metal tables preset but instead having them brought out when the cast enters as well as having more lighting during the dance break of Tango Maureen. Other then that, I don't remember much else. I also think that considering that he is directing it and much of the creative team is the same as it ever was, I don't see much room for any sort of change.


The one thing that I was jealous about with regards to this show in London was that I have always felt that because this show toured a fair amount there awhile back, you guys not only got to see the original Broadway production at The Shaftsbury but got to see the same material being done with different sets etc. For example, there was a tour of the show that do a West End stint at The Prince Of Wales Theatre.

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 8:25am

To be fair the UK Tour and move to the Prince of Wales was pretty much the same set just scaled down, it still followed the blue print for the standard look of Rent.

[Rob]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 8:45am

They've released a Teaser Video too...


Click Here to Play...

[singtopher]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 8:45am

I'm surprised they aren't opening until August. I figured they'd try to get it up this spring to take advantage of the summer tourist season.

Also, these open calls are a joke. 11-2? Three hours for an open call? Whose bright idea was that? The HAIR open call had to cut it off around 1100, and they even had two audition rooms going.

[madbrian]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 8:52am

Open calls? Yeah, right. We all know Adam and Anthony will be the leads.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 8:56am

I like Rent and all, I just think it is too soon for a revival. I do think this will have a long life at New World Stages though. Can't wait to see the new design.

[singtopher]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 9:09am

They are specifically looking for unknowns for this production. I had previously been told that it was cast already through submissions, but clearly that person was misinformed.

I just read that Telsey is doing the casting (makes sense, they did the Broadway). I know from experience Telsey & Co like to do a typing, so I assume they are going to type which is why they can probably do this in under three hours.

[MelFromLI]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 10:25am

Excellent!! I'm excited to see what they come up with! Glad to see Michael G directing to! This would be Rent's 15th year, so I'm glad to see they're doing something to celebrate.

[tking001]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 10:29am

Will Robert be back to sell his papers outside during the lotto?

[logan0215]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 11:20am

"They are specifically looking for unknowns for this production. I had previously been told that it was cast already through submissions, but clearly that person was misinformed."

Or it is already mostly cast and they're merely having the shortened open call to comply with union rules...

Was there truly any need whatsoever for this show to return?

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 11:25am

"Or it is already mostly cast"

This is closer to the truth. In any case, I think it's a great idea to bring the show back in a smaller space and off-Broadway. It has worked well with Avenue Q and I imagine that Rent will also succeed in that space.

[singtopher]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 12:03pm

"Or it is already mostly cast and they're merely having the shortened open call to comply with union rules..."

That's a little backwards, actually. Equity only looks out for their own members. Open call means anyone, regardless of their union status, can audition. They'd have to hold EPAs and ECCs to satisfy any equity rule. (i'm not sure what the rules are for off-broadway)

[logan0215]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 12:14pm

I meant more so that they have to hold auditions for a production regardless of it having a tentative cast to satisfy union rules like they do with shows that are transferring from the West End.

Jesus... New World is fast becoming the elephant graveyard of once-hit Broadway shows...

[GlindatheGood22]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 12:59pm

Oh, for Christ's sake.

[tking001]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 1:23pm

Just got my tickets

[uncageg]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 1:44pm

logan, according to a friend of mine that works there Avenue Q is still going strong.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 2:22pm

I think it stinks that Avenue Q and RENT are going to clog up one of the best Off-Broadway spaces. Let little shows have a chance in there.

I'm so sick of RENT. I feel no need for this. Of course they want unknowns-they have to keep the show cheap.

[ahhrealmonsters]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 2:40pm

::yawn::

I'm so tired of Rent. While I did enjoy the show, I was glad that it closed on Broadway. However, I wonder if the traveling groupies are going to return to Rent, as that's how most of them started...

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 4:19pm

RENT is my favorite musical on the planet.



...and I think this is one of the dumbest effing ideas I've ever heard.

[tking001]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 4:23pm

Why do you think that?

Even though I do love this show very much I can't help but think it's a little too soon for a revival

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 4:44pm

It's not merely too soon for a revival; after all, the Gypsy revivals came so close to one another, and yet the LuPone revival was beautiful. It's that we're re-hashing a 15-year-old production, that, frankly, is stale at this point. It was beautiful, daring, groundbreaking, relevant, when it arrived, but to just remount the same old thing with the same creative team screams of a lack of inspiration. I don't think it's the right time for a RENT revival to begin with, but to just regurgitate last night's dinner is pointless.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 6:33pm

It's cheapening "the RENT brand' and Jonathan's memory if you ask me. Let it rest for a while.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 2/25/11 at 7:35pm

It's almost a period piece but not quite so the whole thing seems awkward. Let it rest a little while longer and then re evaluate. ( but the producers won't- hope it doesn't damage the concept beyond repair)