New Mimi in Rent- Page 3

[kates]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 3:42am

Well, there are some references in the story line of the musical that do directly refer to her ethnicity-if not the line refering to the Spanish babies crying in "Out Tonite", in the last voicemail, her mother speaks Spanish (assuming that Mimi understands Spanish concurring that she is of Hispanic descent) ...I do think there is some sort of attention that needs to be paid to the authenticity and plausibility of the storyline, but I still think that doesn't necessarily a certain type of "look" or skin tone than defines such...we all know it is possible to belong to more than one ethnic group (as I do)and so nothing should be ruled out! But, my point is that the only ethnic identity assigned to Mimi is latino ( I believe), but that isn't as limiting as some like to think it is...

[Dreamcatcher]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 4:41am

Yes, I agree completely Kates. And as for the small references throughout the lyrics, you're right I had forgotten about those. But again, they aren't, in my opinion, important enough to the storyline to a point where it would force producers to keep Mimi strictly latino etc.

[kates]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 4:53am

I agree! And now, I need to go to bed, but I have a notion that alot of the preconcieved expectations about the casting of this character have to do with the actress who originated the role (who by the way was my all time favorite Mimi) more than the storyline itself-an all too common thing, but occurent non the less-I by no means think that the role should be limited to Latinos or any ethnicity, but I don't think the ethnicity of the character should be ignored (by the actor or audience) in this case or in any other...from personal experience, being Latino in Manhattan (any part) in the early 90's wasn't exactly a walk in the park and I can't help but think that the references made in the script were made on purpose...good evening and good morning to all!

Updated On: 3/31/05 at 04:53 AM

[Jwei123]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 6:35am

caren= maureen= the funniest thing I've ever seen. The girl was hilarious!

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 7:23am

Caren is Latina so I don't know what you people are so concerned about regarding her possibility of being cast. Her skin may be a little lighter than some others but she's as Latina as Karmine. Having said that, I doubt she'll ever be moved into the role full-time.

p.s. I've heard several castmembers flub lines, it's not that unusual, but Saycon isn't one of them.

[Marquise]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 9:44am

kates:
"being Latino in Manhattan (any part) in the early 90's wasn't exactly a walk in the park"

and what exactly do you mean by the above statement? please explain this to a Latino who had NO PROBLEM being a LATINO born and raised in New York City.
Updated On: 3/31/05 at 09:44 AM

[kates]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 11:35am

I'm glad you had no problems and I didn't mean to insult you or anyone else, but as a child, I ran into my share of racial insults, as did my sisters and many friends of mine. I hope I didn't offend you and wasn't trying to do so-it is wonderful to hear you had a completely positive experience, but unfortunately I did not.

[thespian geek]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 12:01pm

*Shifty eyes*

I'm actually really hoping Cary doesn't re-sign, as I know Dan Rosenbaum (from the latest tour) is going to be auditioning for Roger and I think he'd have a really good chance of getting it.

Those of you who have seen Rent (on Broadway) recently: What'd you think of Marcus Paul James as Mr. Jefferson and how was his SOL solo? He was Collins on the tour, so I'm just curious.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 12:54pm

Ah, Marcus! I loved him! I want whoever is Collins to get like the flu or something just so he can go on and totally blow everyone away- but I'm sure he'd be great as Mr. Jefferson too.

Sorry for the spaz-out, but he was one of the best parts of the show when I saw it a few weeks ago, so I was so glad when I heard he was going to Broadway.

Updated On: 3/31/05 at 12:54 PM

[thespian geek]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 1:07pm

He really was one of the best parts of the show. I was sososo happy when I found out he was going to Broadway. I'm glad I found out the day the tour closed, this way I had a chance to congratulate him in person.

[kates]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 1:10pm

His SOL solo was beautiful! I thought he was great.

[thespian geek]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 1:22pm

Yaaaay! I hope there's one day you can see him as Collins. Seriously. Just thinking about his ICY:R makes me want to cry.

[kates]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 1:29pm

Did he play Collins in the tour this past summer?

[GirlfriendFromCanada]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 1:31pm

He's been Collins on tour for the past two legs, starting in September of 2003. He's a great Collins, my favorite after Mark Ford. I'm really excited to see him on Broadway!

And yeah, I really really really want Dan to get Roger in the Broadway cast. Like, really.

[thespian geek]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 1:34pm

Yeah, what GFC said.

And yeah, I really really really want Dan to get Roger in the Broadway cast. Like, really.

You and me both.

[kates]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 1:48pm

That's what I thought, but I am confusing myself today! Thanks!

[whatyouown223]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 2:42pm

Guys, I agree with what you're saying about ethnicity, but with what we think is right, and what the producers think is right that's a different story...