Rent Tour (Chicago) Oh My!- Page 4

[Theatreboy49]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 12:34am

prisoner 24601, i must disagree. i saw it saturday and that the seasons soloist was horrendous. She went down the octive and didnt sing that well. I thought the male solist was far superior. Angel was struggling to styleize his music and his Contact made me so sad because it was terrible. Collins, Maureen and Joanne however were amazing.

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 12:48am

Collins, Maureen and Joanne however were amazing.

These kids will do well!!!!

[steel84]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 1:21am

I agree the Collins, Maureen and Joanne where really good. I also think the guy playing Mark had a great voice as well as Roger. The BIGGEST prob. is Mimi, I heard she is having some throat problems, but she needs to be replaced. I hate to say that about anyone, but she can't sustane a note with out having some weird jumps in it. Also yes it is very true thet Angel gets winded during today 4 u.

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 4/11/06 at 10:24am

I saw an Angel understudy about 8 years ago that was so fat - he could not jump up on the table!

[aidaxx3]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 8:15am

im going to see it in chicago tomorrow night...

I hope its good!

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 9:40am

brdlwyr, I'd be interested in knowing what u/s you saw for Angel who was "fat"! The closest to "fat" anyone who's played Angel comes was Jose Llana and he wasn't an u/s. He was just a big muscular man and he had no trouble jumping onto the table. So, where, pray tell, was it that you saw this "fat" Angel?

[MagicToDo82]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 9:53am

I'm seeing the show tonight - now Im all atwitter to see how bad it REALLY is/how good it REALLY is. I saw Rent for the first time on my 16th birthday - 8 long years ago - and I still vividly remember how amazing it was. Tonight's tickets were a bday present as well, and I hope I enjoy it...

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 11:21am

Erin, it was about 6-7 years ago in Chicago. He could not jump on the table. He was lifted up on the table. I have no idea his name, it was several years ago. Do you doubt my veracity?

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 11:36am

Not doubting your veracity but just wondering who it was, as I can't recall anyone who covered Angel as being even remotely "fat". Who else was in the cast? That might help me figure out who it might have been. An approximate month would also be helpful.

[Desi_mon]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 11:47am

Rent in chicago Sucked! I just wanted to jump on stage and take over the show! It was like they didn't even try or something. I only saw on girl that look great and she was not on the stage that long like the others. I agree with the guy who compared that show with american idol GO! YOU, who ever you are. WHo ever hired those people needs to be fired!

[Unmasked05]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 11:55am

The cast I saw back in 2004 was AWESOME and most of them are in the Broadway Cast now..like Ava, MArcus which is AWESOME. Our Angel was Damien Deshuan Williams and he was AWESOME.

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 4/12/06 at 12:46pm

unmasked, although I agree that there were some very good performers in that leg of the cast, it isn't true that "most of them are in the Broadway cast now". Only three members of the current Broadway cast are from the non-Eq tours: Ava, Marcus, and Crystal.

[MagicToDo82]

Posted: 4/13/06 at 9:46am

Okay kids, I saw the infamous 'Rent in Chicago' last night, and it wasn't as bad as I expected - in fact, I really enjoyed it. I know everyones been calling it 'American Idol Rents Rent' etc.. but that wasn't the show I saw. Yes, these were young performers with big poppy belt-to-the-rafters-voices. Yes, there were clearly moments (and performers) who valued big singing over acting, but as a whole - I saw a mostly energetic and passionate group of performers telling a now-classic (in the American musical theatre sense) story - and as always, the show and its music got to me.

Which is not to say there weren't BIG flaws. The major fault in this production in my opinion was with Roger, played by Bryce Ryness. Mr. Ryness is hot. He sings well. He really does. He has all the pieces to be a successful Roger. But he's clearly not singing correctly - or his voice wouldn't have caught of 75% of his big power notes. His renditions of "One Song Glory" and "Your Eyes" were... bland, to say the least. Even Manley Pope, my first Roger whom I loathed (LOATHED) made something magical out of "Glory." If you can't sing that song and make it matter, you shouldn't be playing Roger. I also heard a lot of ripping on Ariadna Fernandez as Mimi, and I can understand it - though I really did like her and appreciated a lot of her choices, her voice caught just as many times as Mr. Ryness's did, and she clearly didn't have the notes to sing her part of "Another Day." However, if she IS suffering throat problems (which is the rumor on BWW) she covered it well, by ACTING the role. She used the roughness of her voice and turned it into a lot of crying, which led to an emotional Mimi, which was really cool actually - but still, someone needs to teach these kids how to sing correctly, or they won't be able to talk in five years. My last other complaints are with Ano Okera as Angel, who is ADORABLE but hard to understand a lot of the time (and his "Take me" bit was dreadful) and whoever the ensemble girl in the pink shirt was - trying to steal the show isn't what Johnathan Larson had in mind for that role, I betcha. TOTAL Rachelle Rak performance (which is what my friends and I call ensemble/chorus performers who sing a little louder, kick a little higher, and all in all try to stand out as much as they can, even if its not an appropriate time to do so.)

But out with the bad and in with the VERY good - because there was no middle ground, really. Jed Renick as Mark was awesome, enough of an Anthony Rapp clone to make the show work, but not so much you accuse him of being a clone. Im just sad, for his sake, that the role of Mark doesn't really get to shine vocally until "What you own." He was really a wonderful guide through the show - Marks function in the piece. Warren G. Nolan, Jr. was outstanding as Tom Collins. His flawless deep voice was gorgeous to listen to, and his "I'll cover you reprise" was heart-breaking. Chante Carmel Frierson as Joanne was astonishing, an Joanne is usually a fairly forgettable role. Ms. Frierson's voice is breathtaking, and I'd say its quite a credit to her that "Tango: Maureen" and "Take me or leave me" (sung with Tracy McDowell) were two of the mega highlights of the night. Ms. McDowell, since she's been mentioned, seemed a little miscast (one of my friends called her a "little too much sunshine.") but she's a firecracker, truly funny, and girl can SAAAANG, so all is forgiven. Michael Ifill as Benny had a nice voice, but I mantain its going to take a Taye Diggs comparable actor to make me pay attention to Benny in this piece. The ensemble members (even Ms. Pink shirt) were passionate, the band sounded great, and they told the story really well. The songs were pitched at the levels needed to make them feel special - "Seasons of Love" was really, really great, and the title song still gives me chills after all these years.

But can I just say I hate the Cadillac Palace. They seated people during "Rent" - and kept seating people into "Another Day." It's like going to a White Sox game, with the people circulating selling twizzlers and water. I miss theatre etiquette, I really do.

[ljay889]

Posted: 4/13/06 at 1:19pm

Nothing against RENT. But I am so glad my favorite show (Chicago) has an amazing equity tour going on right now. The cast is incredible. And in some ways the tour is supieor to what is on Broadway right now. The tour has more life.

I would've been so dissapointed if Chicago had a dissapointing non-equity tour.

Sorry Rent fans, I'm sure nothing is worse than seeing your favorite show like that.

[JustChillin8908]

Posted: 4/13/06 at 3:37pm

"No, for the Thursday matinee last week - there was no line and everyone got tickets. This week, there could be a line due to some Spring Breaks. At night - I do not know!"

Wait were you at the Thursday matinee? That's the one I was at so I guess I can't really say you just saw them on a bad day.

"prisoner 24601, i must disagree. i saw it saturday and that the seasons soloist was horrendous. She went down the octive and didnt sing that well. I thought the male solist was far superior. Angel was struggling to styleize his music and his Contact made me so sad because it was terrible. Collins, Maureen and Joanne however were amazing."

I agree, I saw her last Thursday and she did not impress me at all. In fact I was very dissapointed since I wanted the SOL solo to be amazing since it was my first time seeing it.

[pndmnd]

Posted: 4/13/06 at 9:03pm

I also saw this show last night, and just want to throw my two cents in (for what it's worth). The only other stage production of Rent that I had seen was a non-equity tour a little over two years ago, and I really enjoyed it, so I don't think the problems have anything to do with it being non-equity. Anyway, I didn't think it was a horrible production, but it felt like something was missing.

I thought Mark was good. Roger seemed to me like he was ill. His vocal problems seemed more like what happens when you're sick. Mimi really pushed too hard. I'm sorry if she is having problems with her throat, but I have to say, I'm not surprised if that's the case. She was more screaming on pitch than anything, and often times she wasn't really on pitch. She actually gave me a headache. I did enjoy her more in the second act, though. Collins was another one that I enjoyed more in Act II. Not that he wasn't good in the first act, he just seemed more connected in the second one. Joanne was good. Maureen was good, but a little too perky. I wasn't that fond of her costume, either. Angel was a little lacking of energy, in my opinion. Overall, it seemed like there was a lack of connection and chemistry in the show. Even the kisses seemed short and uncomfortable. I really enjoyed the drug dealer, the soloist, and Steve. By the way--has anyone seen Steve (Ben) go on as Mark? Just curious as to how he is as Mark--I worked with him a few years ago, but I'm not in touch with him. I was reading the bios and went, "I knew him!"

Basically, I was glad I went, but I was also glad that I stuck with balcony seats instead of spending more.

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 4/13/06 at 9:12pm

"But can I just say I hate the Cadillac Palace. They seated people during "Rent" - and kept seating people into "Another Day." It's like going to a White Sox game, with the people circulating selling twizzlers and water. I miss theatre etiquette, I really do."

I remember the Oriental theatre selling ice cream. I don't know if they still do, but I thought THAT was rather tasteless.

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 4/13/06 at 9:18pm

On my way home from the office, I walked by the Palace and there were about 40 people in line for the Rush tickets. I was impressed. If you were in the line, I was the man in the tie that walked by!

[rosebben]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 5:44pm

"By the way--has anyone seen Steve (Ben) go on as Mark? Just curious as to how he is as Mark--I worked with him a few years ago, but I'm not in touch with him. I was reading the bios and went, "I knew him!"


Sorry for posting. I normally wouldn't. But, when did we work together? I'm curious. If you are still in town, stop by the stage door and say hi.
Updated On: 4/14/06 at 05:44 PM

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 10:37pm

^^^
Ben = best WI soloist I've seen. :)

[sheila2]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 10:46pm

Saw the Chicago show last night....

A disclaimer... I've never seen American Idol, so I don't know what you're referring to when you compare the cast's singing to AI. All I care about is whether they hit their notes and sound in tune. I've also only seen the show 3 times prior, and never on B'way, so I'm a pretty benevalent judge. At the same time, most of my Rentedness comes from listening to the OBC and movie soundtracks over and over and over, so I am used to some polish.

That said, I enjoyed the show!

I thought Roger was OUT OF THIS WORLD! His voice was awesome, and even from the very back-left of the orchestra I could tell he was trying to act, not just sing. Maureen was a bit more sacharrine than others, but I thought it worked. Again, I appreciated the fact that she was trying to bring a slightly different spin to the role, and a more likeable Maureen isn't a bad thing. And what a voice! Joanne was also so powerful and just perfect for the role. Finally, I really enjoyed Collins. I usually only cry during RENT during the last song, when they're showing the film, but this time I cried during the reprise of I'll cover you. He was that anguished.

And the soloist during "Will I lose my dignity" was PHENOMENAL!!!! I could have listened to him solo all night long.

Mimi did obviously have throat trouble, and couldn't really sustain the energy necessary for the long numbers like Out Tonight and ANother Day. But at the same time, it did sort of work when she used her throat issues to become a teary Mimi. It just wasn't to my taste. She was also able to better sustain her singing on the more lower-key numbers throughout the entire show. Angel was a disappointment. Like others said, he sounded breathless much of the time.

And.... I enjoyed Mark UNTIL the Tango Maureen. But during that number it was like his voice couldn't match up to Joanne's. So while during solos or with Roger he was fine. But next to Joanne he sounded weak. Was that a sound-mixing issue? I don't know.

Despite all of these minor things, I still had a great time and really enjoyed the show! These "mistakes" and missteps are what I like about going to see live shows- they're always different and you never know what's going to happen. Kinda like when your kid brings home a picture they made for you at school- they may have colored outside the lines, but that's what makes it so perfect!!! It doesn't change the heart or the soul or the message of the show that still resonates no matter how many times you listen to the soundtrack or see the play.

So, go! See the tour! Have an open mind! Enjoy the show!!! It's not a waste of money if you don't want it to be. At the very least, go as a shout out to Jonathan Larson 10 years later.

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 11:41pm

So, go! See the tour! Have an open mind! Enjoy the show!!! It's not a waste of money if you don't want it to be. At the very least, go as a shout out to Jonathan Larson 10 years later.

I shout out to Jonathan! If you are a newbie, see the show! The music is wonderful and some performances are very good. But, if Jonathan asked the producers about the production? He would say, "I thought not!"

[Faith2]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 8:38am

chinkie azn jai, they sell ice cream during the intervals in theatres in London on a regular basis.

I saw "RENT" for the first time, here at the Chicago Cadallac Palace theatre at the Wednesday matinee a few days ago, and while I had no idea what to expect, I quite enjoyed it.

I knew it was loosley based on Puccini's "La Boheme", but had no idea how closely it follows the opera.....even the names of the characters....i.e. Benoit becomes Benny, etc. And of course Mimi is the same in both works.

I have to say my FAVE part was when the music from "La Boheme" was interwoven into the music of "RENT" during the scene when Mimi confesses her love for Roger.

It's not, and probably won't ever be, a fave of mine, but I really did enjoy it.

I also loved the fact that I was able to get 1/2 price tickets from "Hot Tkts"!

NOW, speaking of theatre ettiquette - there was a kid (boy about 12 or 13 years old) behind us CRAWLING ON ALL FOURS up and down his row, throughout the show, except when he was loudly rattling sweets bags. (His row was empty????)

There was something else I was going to mention - but forgot it for the moment as I'm running late for an appointment - will remember to post it when I return.

[sheila2]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 11:09pm

"I shout out to Jonathan! If you are a newbie, see the show! The music is wonderful and some performances are very good. But, if Jonathan asked the producers about the production? He would say, "I thought not!"


I don't know if I agree. I'm not quite a newbie, and I enjoyed it, but I am admittedly NOT a "theater person." As for whether Jonathan would quibble with the producers of this tour..... I would like to think NOT. Yes, I know, he was a bit of a perfectionist. But the whole thing about Rent is its youth and rough-around-the-edgesness. It is tough to have youth, energy, and polish at the same time.

I guess I was just trying to say quit being so serious and just go be entertained. And say a prayer of thanks at the end for JL.

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 11:21pm

Sheila, I have very low standards - I am a musical theatre fan! However, this production did not meet the standards that I would expect from a Rent tour in a major Chicago loop theatre and does not stand up to the others that I have seen here in the past.

I was entertained at times and I do not "regret" seeing the production.