Casting for RENT- Page 2

[Katt]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 1:54pm

That applies to Frenchie also. Like I stated earlier, she was trying to get laughs from the bag lady part...and to me, it isn't supposed to be funny at the times she was trying to get laughs, which really irritated me.

Like when she goes up to Mark and says "Who the f*ck do you think you are...etc". That part isn't supposed to be funny, but she was trying to make it that way. Updated On: 4/28/06 at 01:54 PM

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 1:55pm

I agree with you Emcee. I was just trying to avoid pointing out weak talent.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:00pm

heh. I guess I feel unusually antagonistic today. Or, it just... grrr, it bugs me. It should and can be better and it's not.

She does it for laughs AND it's not funny, Katt. ouch!

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:00pm

I didn't see the concert Monday night, but I agree with your assessment of the current cast above. Your comments about Matt Caplan and Ava Gaudet are spot-on.

I saw Tuesday night's performance, and what struck me was that is seems like some people just don't get it. Is that even possible? Is it possible that they get it, but just can't physically convey to the audience that they get it? That's what I think when it comes to Tim Howar. Does he get it, or doesn't he?

Out of the entire cast, the only two performers who have not gotten lazy or bored seem to be Antonique Smith and Mayumi Ando.

I just want to run up on stage and punch Matt Caplan.

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:03pm

I honestly think that they don't get it, munk. I really don't think they get it enough to really bring any of these characters to life, much less have them interact with each other in any way that is poignant or real.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:05pm

The ironic thing about Mayumi is that she's been there for-e-ver. But she's always really energetic and great.

Did anyone see Ava on tour AND on Broadway? She got such raves on tour, and then she came to Broadway and I saw her and was like "... seriously?"

I like Tim, but he might be hit or miss; there's such a spectrum of portrayals that "work" for Roger, but not all of them work for everyone.

I feel like it's a little forceful and cheesy to suggest that there's some sort of background they should be exposed to and aware of, rather than just being asked to step into a character, but maybe it's not so stupid.

Updated On: 4/28/06 at 02:05 PM

[Bohemian1232]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:09pm

They should just recast the whole show. I saw Matt about a year ago, and I liked him. I've hated him every time that I've seen him since. So many of the curent cast members play for laughs, and it drives me insane.

Updated On: 4/28/06 at 02:09 PM

[Katt]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:11pm

I've seen Ava on tour and broadway Em...and it was the same exact performance. Nothing special.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:19pm

I think it may also be like...the history and meaning of the show as well. I mean, it would be unfortunate if this happened to any show, but when you read Without You or really think about both the meaning in the show and everything that happened with Jonathan and how everything was elevated...it's just a little bit sadder that the performances are becoming lazy and robotic.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:20pm

Well, if that's the issue, then they need to be better acquainted with it.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:21pm

It's impossible for any cast of RENT to now know the history. Before they were cast members, they were fans.

[ozone20]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:22pm

there is no excuse for phoning in. i dont care how long u have there. who do u think is ulitmatley responsible for this luke warmness?? shame on the actors but someone is letting them carry on in this manner. Also i wonder if new audience leave with same feeling as those who have seen it in better shape.?? probbaly not. new faced fierce talent would be the best idea .
Updated On: 4/28/06 at 02:22 PM

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:22pm

Well no, I have no idea what the specific "issue" is. I'm just saying from *my* perspective knowing all that and how special this show was, is, and should be, makes it sadder to me that it's happening to THIS show.

And Munk, I agree if you weren't there to experience Jonathan's death and everything, there's no way you could equate that feeling, no matter how much you empathize and hear about it. But still, there's a middle ground. Just like everyone else was saying that it's very difficult to expect anyone to give the same performances as the OBC, but it certainly could be improved over what it is now.

Updated On: 4/28/06 at 02:22 PM

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:27pm

It's not even just the specific actors or performances, but the direction has just gone to hell. When you're on like the 6th generation of replacements, and they're likely being worked into the show by a stage manager, then it starts to get way away from the original intent of the director. I would like to see them start fresh and for Michael to go in there and clean things up, fix things that aren't working, and actually get these kids to UNDERSTAND what the hell they're singing about and ACT instead of imitating (badly) what came before.

Updated On: 4/28/06 at 02:27 PM

[ozone20]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:29pm

well what would stop them from putting all enthusiastic new faces in the show. why havent they done a re hauling .. with the director at the helm? what would stop them. maybe they dont have the same issues that we on the baard are discussing now?
hmm.

Updated On: 4/28/06 at 02:29 PM

[LeaGirl]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:41pm

This thread is really refreshing to read, because I've been feeling the exact same things.

First off, I made the decision that I just can't go back to Rent after seeing Monday night's performance. Not for a while. Maybe not ever. And you're looking at a girl who wandered down to Rent... monthly.. for a long time.

What struck me is the honesty, understanding, and power the original cast had EVEN WHEN they were holding scripts and forgetting their lines. That made the current cast look even lazier in my eyes.

There are exceptions, I think people have already pointed out Mayumi (who is consistantly excellent, committed, energetic, and "in" the moment) - too bad she doesn't have much to do. And they've HAD performers that were great and comitted.

I think it's been a long time since things have been really working over there though - but I know they CAN work because I have seen casts (granted... more back in the late 90's) that WORKED. So it isn't an "only the OBC can make this show work" situation.

They need a clean out a la Les Miz. They need time with the director and time to get BACK TO THE BOOK and stop doing all the rediculous ad libs that have popped up over the years - it was cute when ONE person added something small to the role, but then the next person picked up their ad lib, and then added one of their own, until half the show is played for laughs and there's no honesty at all.

I was shocked to be reminded of how simple, straightforward, and sweet the show can be Monday night. And until I hear they're getting some of that back, I will not be returning.

[Pinaud]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:44pm

Michael does come in periodically and give notes to the performers. Everyone here seems to think its so easy to re-haul, but its really expensive.(and there was huge hoopla when Les Mis did it, ti wasn't just cut and dry) Also, the producers are of the mindset that if ain't broke, don't fix it.

Also, when you performers only have two weeks to learn a whole show(as a replacement), it relieves the stress of the producers to put someone in who already knows the gig.

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:47pm

Just to play devil's advocate here, it's silly to compare Monday night's performance with ANY other regular performance of the show. It's apples and oranges for many reasons, not the least of which is that it was an extremely special night for EVERYone involved, both onstage and off. If you're going to compare that performance to a regular one, then you should also be comparing it to a regular one of the OBC, and I can tell you that, even then, it was so much more exciting Monday night.

I'm not discounting the possibility that the current show might need some 'cleaning up' but you can't compare what those original 15 had, the history with the show, the bonding, the excitement of taking a show which started as a small job with slim possibilities and seeing it move to the huge hit that it was on Broadway, with the experience that ANY cast has had since then. The closest would be the entirely new tour casts which were formed and which stayed constant for a period of time, with few or none of their castmembers ever having been in Rent before. A reunion with those originals, who hadn't all been together since the five year reunion, would have infused an energy into their performance, even if they hadn't had that original OBC bond. You can't reasonably expect that from a regular show. Plus all the hype surrounding the event, the press, the red carpet, the party, the celebrities in the audience, etc. etc.

Michael does visit the show periodically. The musical director and SM give notes on a regular basis. It amuses me that one of the actors who many on this, and other forums, absolutely love, is someone who routinely ignores notes given and who has, in my opinion, really changed the interpretation of the role. Anyway, I digress. The chances of a 'clean sweep' at the Neder is nonexistant so I wouldn't put too much hope into that. However, there will be changes. And, to the joy of many, Matt is leaving in June for another show. I'm sorry to see him go because I think that he's been an excellent Mark and he's one of the most talented, dedicated, and reliable castmembers to ever be in the show, but I'm also very happy that he's getting to do another show. After seven years, it's time.

While I agree that every cast knows the history of the show by the time they're performing, not every castmember was a fan of the show before being cast. These actors are thankful for the opportunity to be in the show, and to have this wonderful job, but when it comes down to it, it's a job, just like every other Broadway play. They're not doing it because of the history of Rent, they're doing it to earn a living doing what they love to do.

I've suggested this to people before but I think that if you folks are seriously unhappy with the show as it is currently being performed, there's an easy solution. Stay home! Sometimes people see the show TOO often and it loses something when that is the case. Probably 95% or more of the audience on any given night are seeing it for the first time, and the last, and I'd be willing to bet that most of those people enjoy the show. These are the people who, for better or worse, the show is geared to, one timers who enjoy it and tell their friends about it. Attendance in the past six months has been higher than at this time of year for several years. I don't see TPTB making huge changes.

[LeaGirl]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:48pm

Nobody was saying it was easy (I remember the stink from when Les Mis did it) but it still doesn't change the fact that the show doesn't even... play like the same show, it's been that corrupted. Something SHOULD be done about it. Whether it will or not is another matter.

[outovfashion07]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:52pm

Matt Caplan has been saying he will be leaving in June. Hopefully they can find a brand new Mark.

But I agree with everything that has been said here. Last time I saw the show (on Broadway) was in January and it just seemed as if everyone was gliding throught the performance. Even during SOL, one of the most energetic and uplifting songs in the whole show, got a very mild reaction from the audience including myself and they just felt tired. it is time for them all to go bye-bye.

[Sparklesss]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:53pm

I think it's really hit or miss with RENT...i saw the tour about 4-5 years ago and loved it, but my mom had seen it about 6-7 years ago and HATED it. All the papers in Cincy gave it horrible reviews (on the actors part)and people were walking out...i think it depends on how the actors choose to portray their characters, like for laughs or not...and how much they love the role. I guess that's what's missing most, is the love for it..

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:56pm

I actually sat across the aisle from Michael last time I was in there to see the show, and saw him taking notes (and mouthing the words to La Vie Boheme to himself, which made me giggle) but I am thinking this just isn't enough. There needs to be some actual rehearsal time put in on this, some characterization discussion and possibly some reblocking.

One thing that struck me the first few times I saw the show was how magnificently it was directed, it was sharp and minimalistically effective. It is looking sloppy now, and it's a combination of stale actors and a lack of direction.

And I don't think the recent B.O. boost can be attributed to the state of the show, I'd say a large majority of it is from the huge press that surrounded the film.

ETA: On a good note, I have heard some really plesant things about Jed (currently playing Mark in the non-eq tour). He's quite young, only 21, so hopefully there is some revitilization coming up the pipeline with him.

Updated On: 4/28/06 at 02:56 PM

[LeaGirl]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:57pm

I'm not talking about any sort of "obc" specialness - I'm just talking about a general respect for the material and... not playing everything for a laugh, which seems to be the way the show has been heading. I don't know why... making up for less responsive audiences? Boredom? Whatever.

I saw the obc in 96 - and several subsequent casts (including an enjoyable Butz/Harriel combination) and even a lovely tour or two and the respect was there. I just think it's something that's been sliding downhill slowly in the past few years and it's becoming a problem.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 2:58pm

Matt Caplan has been saying he's leaving in Month X for about a year now. And then he just. keeps. being. there.

I'm not "comparing" Monday to a normal performance; I'm saying why moreso now that I saw the reunion, I think what's going on at the Nederlander night after night is a mess. I DID say that you can't compare the bonds, etc of the original cast to *anything* you're going to see up there now, but that does not mean that somewhere, there's not a middle ground -- something inherently less than the magic of the OBC, and better than what they've got now. It's not about re-creating what they had, because that's an impossibility. This is about doing justice to the material, and that isn't happening.I'm not expecting a repeat of Monday night from another performance, but I'm expecting something better than what they've got; and I've been saying I expect that since long before I saw the reunion concert. This isn't a new problem.

I also think that as far as new audiences (which someone mentioned) go, if you walk in without expectations, the material itself is still strong enough to change lives and impact people, regardless -- and *especially* because while this cast is lackluster, they're not terrible. I don't think people unfamiliar and therefore less critical (or critical in different ways, to be more specific) will walk out of, say, tonight's show and think "wow, they really don't get it."

Updated On: 4/28/06 at 02:58 PM

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 3:05pm

colleen, I didn't attribute the attendance to the state of the show. In fact, I didn't attribute it to anything! My point was that with such excellent box office numbers, the likelihood of wholesale changes are nil.

leagirl, I've seen the show 75+times in the past ten years and, while I agree that the most recent time (about three weeks ago) wasn't the tightest performance I've seen, I don't think that it's in the dire straits that's been suggested here. The Broadway cast has gone through this process of ebb and flow for many years. Different combinations of castmembers have produced different results, for whatever reasons, and, of course, we all have our own opinions about each show we see. Opinions vary, this is nothing new. I'm not saying that nothing could be improved upon, I think there are certainly things that could, but the suggestions of a clean sweep are extreme, in my opinion.

Em, Matt is leaving in June. He's been cast in another show.