Movie a second chance for rent fans?

[AbbaRabbit]

Posted: 3/15/05 at 9:16pm

This is just something I have been thinking about and kicking around in my head for a while.
When Rent first began, I was too young to know about it or even know what it was, let alone appriciate the message it sends. When I did get into it years later, and I would search for Rent fan sites, I was always jelous of people who would post on their websites all the times they saw Rent and met the origanal cast after, because to me, it was like they were a part of the begining of Rent. Seeing people's pictures of the set and chatting with Ant, makes me feel like I'm a part of it this time, and that even though I'm not a "first generation RentHead" (as my friend calls it), I feel like I, and everyone else on the board who is following the making of the movie, a tiny part of the history of such a beautiful play.
Just a though.

[Chloe]

Posted: 3/15/05 at 9:19pm

I think it's a lovely thought.

[kangaroo]

Posted: 3/15/05 at 9:22pm

Abbarabbit... that was said right

I am in the same boat as you. I was too young during the time, and now it's our chance to be a part of another type of RENT history with the movie.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/15/05 at 9:25pm

I think so, too. I guess I'm caught somewhere in that. I'm not in the 'first generation' of RENT fans by any measure... it's only been about two and a half years since my first exposure. I was ten when the show first opened. But because I've been a fan of Adam's for a few years more than that - granted, I was a VERY mild fan; I didn't make the connection between Adam and RENT until I'd actually seen the show - I've felt something of a connection to one of the OBC members for a while. I've slowly discovered and fallen for each of the members of the OBC over the past almost three years, so I don't think it's a second chance personally in terms of discovering them, but certainly in seeing them, and in seeing the people who were so committed to making this show what it was. I'm following the movie really closely, as I'm sure you all can tell - RENT captured my heart in about 3.2 seconds on stage. I want this movie to do the exact same thing... maybe even run away with its capture. But being so committed to the film, and having seen it in progress does feel a little bit like I'm here to witness something almost as phenomenal as the first time around.

I think that's why the time I spent on set was so important to me - to be in the real place, surrounded by these people was something so real that you can't even experience it in live theatre. Seeing this re-creation was the most beautiful thing in the world.

Updated On: 3/15/05 at 09:25 PM

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 3/15/05 at 9:26pm

I hope they come out with a new and improved RENT BIBLE that shows from when it first began in workshops all the way through to the movie.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/15/05 at 9:26pm

oh, I'd LOVE that.

[LittleFish8386]

Posted: 3/15/05 at 9:26pm

That's just what the world needs...more Rent fans.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/15/05 at 9:28pm

We're not all crazy.

And I don't think she's talking about the new fans that may come of the movie, but about the already established fans who missed the original onset.

[kangaroo]

Posted: 3/15/05 at 9:29pm

I honestly started listening to RENT because of Adam. I was a big fan, and I wanted to hear Adam in other musicals... so I found out about RENT. Then I started making connections, {like Emcee} to the other cast members. I didn't realize that so many stars on Broadway originated in RENT. I hope that I get the oppurtunity to see the set... so I can feel as if it is in an outside theatre with me watching from the sidelines. I haven't been a fan for very long, but I hope that when the movie comes out... everything from RENT will become more alive for me.

The musical is also very personal to me, because I had my "first" solo in SEASONS OF LOVE. I was so excited when I found out that my chamber singers were going to sing it, that I listened to RENT even more obsessively that I had before. Luckily, I got the solo... so every time I listen to RENT I have all of these great memories with it too. When the movie comes out, I hope to add more memories when I listen and watch RENT.

[AbbaRabbit]

Posted: 3/15/05 at 9:30pm

Emcee - That's EXACTLY what I'm talking about

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/15/05 at 9:31pm

Can y'all tell I spend too much time thinking about this?

But look who's finally excited. Yes, moi.

[ozdustgirl2]

Posted: 3/15/05 at 10:18pm

What great thoughts everyone has. I too am one of the 'second generation' rentheads. I knew about RENT but never really listened to it or anything until after I saw, yes I know I shouldnt say this, WICKED. After hearing Idina's voice I had to hear everything she was ever in. Although I have not listened to AIDA or HAIR yet I love WICKED and RENT just as much. I saw RENT for the first time in January, as a birthday present and it was incredible, I had gotten the OBC recording for Christmas and listen to it non stop. When I was sitting in that theater I felt like I was part of the show. Broadway and the theater is something that is extremely important to me, and I cherish every show I get to see. I was so moved by the second half of the show that I practically cried the whole time. I was fortunate enough to get to see the show twice that day, it was such an incredible experience. I am looking forward to the movie very much because I would like to see the original cast perform. Although Daphne and Fredi are not there I know it is going to be great and I am very excited that I can be part of something so amazing.

[TheGaIsSilent]

Posted: 3/15/05 at 10:27pm

I like this thread. I first saw the cast that replaced the OBC in 1998, and always felt a little "behind" the generation of line-rats and such. It's especially nice to see kids just discovering musical theatre getting into RENT the way I did

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 3/15/05 at 10:29pm

I started liking RENT in 2000, so yes......I am way behind and am beyond ecstatic that the movie is coming out with basically all of the original cast so I can finally see their portrayal of the iconic characters that we have taken all to heart. Mark is my hero.

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 3/15/05 at 10:38pm

I definately think so.
I was 8 when Rent originally opened and I first saw the show a bit too young (eleven) and honestly didn't fully comprehend the show's message until I got into my teens.
I, like many others, knew Anthony, Adam, Daphne, Jesse and even Idina from some of there other work but not intially from Rent itself. I do feel like this is a second chance for some younger generation of fans and I'm so thrilled that I have gotten to meet so many fantastic people, Rent stars AND fellow Rentheads, through this board.

[Dreamcatcher]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 12:49am

I agree completely! I was about 6 or 7 when RENT first opened so of course I was too young to know what it was or understand it. I didn't really get into RENT until a year or two ago and by then obviously the OBC cast was long gone from performing it. I was so happy to hear about the movie being made with most of the OBC because it meant I'd finally get a chance to see them in action.

[zippyjen]

Posted: 3/17/05 at 7:04pm

i just found this thread and it is great. I am also in the same boat. I was ten when the show began and though my dad wanted me to see it, my mom wouldn't allow me too. I am glad she did because i would not have appreciated it. ANywho, when i did see it for my 16th birthday, i was touched. It was during a hard time in my life and the no day but today motto meant so much for me. Also like others have said, i am glad that the movie is being made so others who can't see the show will have an opportunity to see it on the big screen. :)

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 3/17/05 at 7:39pm

::copies Em's post into here, deletes ramble about Adam::

Yes, and actually 'twas Rent that guided me (somedays I would say "misled" me) to Wicked, ozdust. I guess we have it in reverse.

I originally had no intentions of seeing it. Then my friend saw it, loved it, couldn't stop talking about it. So on a vacation, weekend, whatever, I went with my 76 (around there) year old uncle to see the show.

When you first see it, it is quite a lot to take in. I wasn't quite sure HOW to react. I started to listen to the CD my other friend had while in her car, at her house, etc. Then I went to see it again with her and some other friends and loved the show a whole lot more.