NYTimes confirms: Rent Closing on June 1- Page 5

[kyleorlando]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 2:30am

I kick the biggest kick every time I see my Les Miz comment posted in someone's signature!!!! =)

[ljay889]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 2:33am

I just feel the whole fact that people are grieving over a musical is a bit much. Some of you have seen it 99+ times, you have wonderful memories, but there's no reason to grieve like it's the end of the world.

Take Sondheim fans for example. Many of us are VERY passionate about his art, but we are used to the fact that his shows won't last long on Broadway - and we then they close we don't "grieve." You RENT fans have had 12 years, that is a very long time.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 2:35am

I don't think it's something worth slitting your wrists over, or falling into a deep constant depression about it, but I think when something has been so important to you for so long, it's only natural to feel sadness about the impending loss. If it means so much to you, it would be quite bizarre NOT to react, in my opinion. And after the end, there is a capacity to miss beloved works of art that I think is also very natural. This show has meant a lot to a lot of people, in all kinds of different capacities -- and as long as those people can handle their sadness in a sane, healthy way, there's not really any reason to think there's something wrong with it. There's a difference between reacting emotionally and feeling something, whatever that something is, and letting it overtake your life, letting it it go too far, or not moving on. Does crying when you hear sad and shocking news automatically mean that you won't move on? Of course not. Things happen, things change, things end. And life goes on. But it is a matter of processing those things that can hurt, at times. There's no superiority in withholding emotion.

Updated On: 1/16/08 at 02:35 AM

[LadyRosecoe]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 2:37am

"If someone killed your mother, would you be posting on a message board about how upset you were?"

I don't know about some of you, but I would not put ANYTHING past some of the people who post exclusively on the OT. Not hating, just saying.

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 2:37am

...

Updated On: 1/16/08 at 02:37 AM

[WaltSummersPI]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 2:40am

I agree with emcee. For a LOT of people RENT was a gateway into musical theatre, or what inspired them initially. I think it's okay to be sad for a little bit.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 2:42am

ljay, Sondheim fans and Rentheads are not mutually exclusive categories.

The show I loved more than any other piece of art I have ever cared about was a Sondheim show. And the writing was on the wall with that one from the very beginning that time was going to be limited. But that didn't make seeing it go any easier -- or less of an emotional punch. Even when you see it coming, it's sad. No, you don't see the histrionic "omg I'm gonna be so depressed!" thing from Sondheim aficionados, but that's probably because most of them aren't, you know, melodramatic teenagers, as are many in the Renthead contingency. Again, there's middle ground between not caring and treating it like the end of the world. I think there's an acceptable level of emotionality somewhere in there. Not everyone who expresses sadness over something like this is treating it like their mother died or like it's the end of the world. It's silly to act as though that's what you see, because it's obviously not the case.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 2:43am

She's not whining. She accepts that it's closing.

But it has had a very profound and moving impact on her, as it has many people. Do I understand the severity of the emotional connection? No. I can honestly say that I don't. But that doesn't mean that I should diminish it or belittle it.

Many here don't view Rent as a masterpiece, myself included. But I respect the fact that many, many people got something very significant from the show, something that truly impacted them and the way they live their lives. And that is powerful.

No, they are not comparing it to death or a horrible tragedy, at least not most of them. They have perspective. But that doesn't mean they aren't sad.

Whether you understand it (as I said I don't), I think you should respect it. After all, isn't that why we are all here? Because we love the theatre? And this work of theatre, whatever you may think of it, has changed many people in significant ways. One person on here posted that it helped him come out. That is powerful and magical.

Don't question their emotional attatchment to it. That is what is "sad, tragic and off-putting."


EDIT: Well rosscoe edited his post, so now my post makes no sense in context.

Updated On: 1/16/08 at 02:43 AM

[ljay889]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 2:45am

Emcee, I don't really put you in the same category as well you know some of the Rent girls. I know you're not like that. I think it's ABSOLUTELY okay to be sad that your favorite show is closing. But it's another thing to say you're grieving over it, like some tragedy (I'm not directing that at you, Em.)

When CHICAGO (my favorite show running on Bway) closes, I am going to be sad. But I will have had wonderful memories of the show, and will be glad it lasted such a long time.

But anyway, I really don't want to judge anyone.

Updated On: 1/16/08 at 02:45 AM

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 2:46am

Yeah, I really don't get the whole crying thing. God knows as an artist myself I have been moved by a number of works of art.
My eyes got teary when I saw Donna Murphy stepping onto the platform during "Beautiful Girls" at the Encores! FOLLIES on opening night (then again during "Who's That Woman?", shed a tear during "Too Many Mornings," and again got teary-eyed when Murphy gave the most heart-breaking rendition of "Could I Leave You?"), I cried for the first time in a movie ever when I saw FAHRENHEIT 9/11, and I also got teary-eyed seeing Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters singing "Move On" on the SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE DVD (then again during the "Sunday" final sequence when the characters bow to George).
Now, crying when a show announces its closing, regardless of how much it touched you is a bit overdramatic. Sorry, it's hard for me to take it seriously. Especially with a show that have become as stale, pedestrian and lackluster as this one (regardless of my distaste for the actual material, I think most would agree on my last remark).

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 2:46am

Sorry stickto,

my post was mean and there was no need for that..

but your post makes sense

:)

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 2:48am

No worries. I've had moments like that. Where I think "Was that too mean" or "Do I really mean that"...

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 2:51am

If I had been whining, trust me, you would know it.

Reading comprehension is a beautiful thing.

In the end, the bottom line that the memories and things I know I'll take away from the entire experience will far outshine the sadness I feel about it closing. That's what matters. And I think that goes for a lot of people who are feeling down right now.

Oddly enough, it's actually not even my top all-time favorite. Close, though. It's just been a huge part of my life for a really long time -- and brought some really incredible things and people into it. The idea of it NOT being there is very strange.

Updated On: 1/16/08 at 02:51 AM

[IAMmyownMUSICAL]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 2:57am

I bought my ticket to the closing show


I'M DEVESTATED

[DaneSaw]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 2:57am

Rent has been very important to me for various reasons. It was my gateway into musical theatre, it was the first Broadway show I ever saw live, and it was a show that pulled me in and got me to see it again numerous times during its run. And while I can't relate to certain aspects of the plot (the drug abuse and terminal illness), it's easy for any young person to relate to a story about finding who you are and living for the moment. I'm INCREDIBLY sad to see it closing, and I do plan to see it again before it happens, whenever that may be (I forsee an extension of the run).

I'm hardly ready to cry over it right now, but god help you if you're sitting next to me that last time I see it.

[jenna2]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 3:03am

Rent was also my first exposure to musical theatre back in the day... I'm glad that I got to see it on Broadway a few years back (I had only seen tours previously). I'm sad to see it close, (and wish that I could have brought more of my friends and family to see it,) but understand that it is time to make room for another deserving show.
That said, I'm already working on trying to fly out to see it one last time in May...

[Urban]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 4:41am

IAMmyownMUSICAL - Had you already purchased it and luck would have it was just closing night? Heck, if you wait a couple of months, you should sell it and make a tonne of money. Seriously I bet some fans would be willing pay four figures for a decent seat in the last show.

[IAMmyownMUSICAL]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 5:04am

Urban

As much money as I know I could possibly get for that ticket. (3rd row) I won't be selling it to anyone. The ticket is for me, and I'm NOT missing this.

RENT has been more important to me in the last 7 years, than anything. It has saved my life. I cannot believe I get to see it close. I'm gonna be devastated

[Urban]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 5:18am

Sorry, that actually meant to come out as a bit of a joke. I guess it didn't appear that way.

Seriously though, 3rd row... holy mother, I think you must of saved the Pope or something in a past life. That is one heck of a ticket for the final show!

Still I think (well hope!) you'll have a great time at that show, you'll have a memory and experience from it you'll treasure forever, especially since it is so important too you. The stuff you'll take away from it properly fill volumes. Plus I can't imagine all the VIPs who you'll be mingling with as well.

[Mark_E]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 6:16am

Bluddy Typical! I wait 2 years to see this show and book to go to New York in the summer and then it closes 2 month too early. AAARGHH!!!

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 6:19am

This is sad news, but it's not like we weren't suspecting it could happen !

I am a big RENT fan and it will always have a special place in my heart, since it was one of the first shows that started my Broadway obsession ! It is already a CLASSIC, a huge success and it has earned its place in Theatre History !

On the other hand, I feel really lucky that I'll be able to see it one last time before it goes, in April !

And, as usual, I agree with EVERYTHING emcee said !

I just hope they bring a final STELLAR cast, so it can go out like it started, with a huge BANG !!!

[Mattt]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 6:51am

I just bought tickets for closing night. I can't believe this.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 7:13am

What will all those 14 year olds who saw the show 100 times and only think they know what it means do? They must be devastated!


Sad to see it go, but it had a more than respectable run.

[brainlessorwise]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 7:32am

Rent has been good to me. I always felt that I loved this show so much because I needed to hear it's message. It's a lesson I still feel that I'm learning. I'm really saddened and this news couldn't come at a worse time, but I'll survive. I'll see it again before it goes. Very sad.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 1/16/08 at 7:53am

My fascination with the show began with all the media coverage around its opening. Dateline or 20/20 or whichever one of those it was that did the whole hour on it...I was glued to the set. Probably because I was in that age group of the characters and could really relate to trying to find your way in the world.

I didn't see it until November 1997 ~ I was in seminary outside DC and it came through on tour. I had barely any money, but I splurged to get a ticket to see the show. I loved it.

I had the OBCR, listened to it a lot ~ so much that the second tape started sounding funny ~ but it never really went beyond that. Then in 2006 I moved to NYC. I was in the teaching fellows program and getting ready to start. I'd come out in the last few years, and met some great friends. One of whom knew Jonathan very well and was part of the group of friends who helped to make up the characters in Rent. We talked a lot about the show and everything else. It made me start really thinking about the show as the SHOW again. So when I'd been in Bryant Park for the Pride Week kick-off rally and saw the group outside the Nederlander as I was walking back to get on the subway, I randomly decided to enter the lottery. And I won.

Seeing it that night...knowing Frank...being in a new place... Everything just came together, and it was a really emotional evening for me. The summer training wasn't easy ~ not because of the school or work but because of about half the people in my small group. They hated me...or at least weren't at all friendly, and they were absolute beasts to our professors and trainers (These would be the just out of college I didn't do Teach for America because I wanted a lot of choice over where I went and this will look great on my law/med school application crowd. Not that they're ALL like that, but a lot are.), and the show became my refuge from all the drama. It was a safe place to come home to.

And then something happened and I changed...grew up... I don't know. (I don't mean the grew up thing as an insult to anyone...I'm just trying to make sense of things.) I went to see iti with Adam and Anthony and loved it ~ aside from the screaming pre-teens who were barely born when it started. But even then it was different. It was kind of like looking back at my old journals and seeing where I'd come from.

And now its closing is announced. I know I'm not going to even try to get in the mad craziness I know it will be at the end. But I'm thinking about trying the lottery again to see it one last time and say good-bye. (I've always had luck going solo.) Part of that probably stems from the fact that my friend's HIV is rapidly turning into full-blown AIDS, and I don't know that we'll get to see each other again. In a way, seeing the show one more time would sort of be a way to say good-bye to him...

I don't know... It's just all kinds of mixed emotions right now. I'm not devastated...just kind of...in shock.