Reidel: "RENT" to be revived off-B'way next June

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/theater/way_new_lease_on_rent_bCCgNnEdlBnG3I5OuWtdPN

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Oh joy.

Just the shot of adrenaline this season needed.

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What is the point of a new set and a new cast if they don't get a new director?

Wow! $2,500 for a studio on Avenue C?!!! I lived near Avenue C when no one dared even walk let alone live there.

I don't understand the need for this revival at this time, other than the fact that someone needs a source of income. Are they trying to capitalize on the success of the Hair revival?

I saw the original and I understand that some of the themes are relevant for this time period, but the show needs to be given a rest. The most it should be attempting now is a one night only star-driven concert version benefitting some worthy charity.

We've discussed before how the show exists in a bit of a time warp. It reflected an East Village that was more aligned with the 1980s, even though it was set in the mid-1990s.

And yes, it needs a new director. It needed a new director before it moved to Broadway.

I think the only thing that would bring me back to it is if it was done in an environmental production, performed in an empty lot or an abandoned building.

But I blame Lea Michele. That girl will stop at nothing to steal other actresses material. She'll show up on Glee singing some of Maureen's material. Mark my words.

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Updated On: 11/5/10 at 09:56 AM

Of course the real solution is to expland New World Stages so that RENT, GYPSY and GREASE call all continuously play in New York for the rest of all time!

I'm surprised at how poorly written this article is.

"It'll be nice to have those cute bohemians back in New York, bringing a tear to the eye with "Seasons of Love."

Romanticizing the material takes away its grittiness. They weren't a bunch of Muppets. AIDS, druge use, homelessness were all what made the musical interesting. There would be no redemptive message without those elements.

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"Japanese tourists?"

They kept Oh! Calcutta! running.

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rorschach, where do you live, may I ask? There will be regional productions in 34 different states in the next year. If you truly want to see it that badly, you don't have to wait for it to be off-Broadway again.

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Updated On: 11/5/10 at 10:55 AM

Sometimes it's better to wait. You don't want the experience ruined by a poor production or one that is hastily thrown together.

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As someone who saw RENT in the original production at NYTW, I can attest that there is something very exciting about RENT performed in a small theatre. Even if they were to bring the original production for a limited run at New World Stages, it could be a lot of fun. There really isn't any harm in bringing these productions back, you know. If bringing back these old chestnuts is what it takes to revive our Off Broadway theatre scene, than I'm totally okay with it.

I'n not really sure those titles you mention Robbie would do much to revive the Off Broadway theatre scene (most weren't successful Off Broadway in a time when Off Broadway was still alive and well) - but I think there is something to using larger scale musicals to help revitalize interest in Off Broadway.

I think one of the issues that really has hindered Off Broadway is that because of rising costs, it is only marginally cheaper to see a show Off Broadway than it is on Broadway (with discounts). And the tourists who are used to seeing one or two shows on their trips would frankly rather have the "Broadway" experience.

But if there are titles of known Broadway properties that will draw audiences to an Off Broadway setting, its a great way to draw people back into theatres outside of 8th Avenue.

I think the idea of turning an off-Broadway space basically into a rep house, changing shows every two months, you'd be able to make these show more viable. You'd also might be able to slip some newer stuff and, like you say, larger stuff in. I mean...yes. It'd be a nighmare to program if it were to continue ad infinitum. But I think it could be a worthy and perhaps even profitable venture.