RENT cast 12/21/2005

To clarify latest RENT cast inquiries, here is what I saw when I went a few days ago:
Matt Caplan still in. Usual goofy self but overall better than last time I saw him.
Owen Johnson II was in for Cary Shields as Roger- did NOT work for me at all on many levels.
Antonique Smith played Mimi; she has a beautiful, strong, husky voice but I did not buy her as a wild 19-year-old kid on smack. At all.
Karmine Alers played Maureen; last time I saw RENT Karmine played Mimi. Her Maureen was great, but I prefer her as Mimi.
Justin Johnson played Angel. I was blown away by him in May (last time I saw the show) but this time was so flat. He seemed a little less into the role than usual.
Destan Owens played Tom Collins and was great. Gorgeous voice; I think he has evolved into this role well.
Crystal Monee Hall made a great Joanne. Lively performance and seemed more energetic against an otherwise flat cast.
D'Monroe was (as usual) Benny- did a great job this time. I did not like him when I first saw the show but I do now.
Mayumi Ando danced her butt off like there was no tomorrow.
Frenchie sounded great on Seasons of Love but otherwise was not very into it.
Overall- flat as a pancake. RENT is my favorite musical and I was so excited to see it again. Until it started. Then I realized I had picked an off night. I guess that happens.
Happy Holidays to all...

Owen as Roger? Yikes.

I'm excited to see how Will is going to be.

What day are you going?

ooooomg. Peter Matthew Smith went on for Roger yesterday mat. AMAZING. definately the most amazing Roger I've seen (which really isn't that many, but still.)

there is definately something going around the cast...Ava ran out of the theatre sick at 7:30, Kenna was out sick for the night show, Josh was out sick (well, voice sick...doing a rock show will do that to you! he was heinous at night poor thing...straining and cracking all over the place. it made me sad.) for the mat., Antonique sounded like she was taking it easy last night...wouldn't be surprised if she caught it too.

plus, with the strike this week cast members who were being driven were having to get up earlier and getting home later...wouldn't be surprised if some form of lack of sleep were involved.

i'm trying so so hard to get into the city to see Will as Roger...I'm muy interested in his take on the role.

ETA - it's Kobak, not Koback.

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Updated On: 12/24/05 at 01:01 PM