Rent attendance anecdotes- Page 7
Rent attendance anecdotes
#150wow
Posted: 11/24/05 at 12:30am
Monterey, CA checking in!
The theater here has the movie playing on 2 screens, I went to a show around 6pm. It wasn't totally full, but lots of people. Seemed to be people from their 20s to 40s, mainly white, straight couples.
No talking, mooing, singing along during the movie, but lots of people wiping away tears at the end. Most stayed through the credits, and people were talking to each other on the way out saying how much they enjoyed it.
luvcaroline
Broadway Star Joined: 10/19/05
#151wow
Posted: 11/24/05 at 12:31am
Well, just got back from the evening showing in the Reddest town in the Reddest state in the country, Tyler, Texas (rural east TX). I was surprised to find the theater half full. To be honest with you, I really didn't think that there would be that large of a turnout (it's showing at 3 theaters here). I couldn't have asked for a better audience to experience this movie with for the first time. The age range was late teens to 40's, but the majority were mid-20's and younger. There were about 2 rows in front of me that were filled with what appeared to be the cast from "Camp." I was a little concerned before the movie, as "Popular" (from Wicked) was playing on the sound system, and several of them were singing along with it word-for-word. Of course I just knew that they were going to be singing along with every song in the film. However, much to my surprise, everyone was completely silent from the moment that the opening credits appeared (after brief applause). They laughed when they were supposed to laugh and cried when they were supposed to cry (as did I). There was occasional applause at appropriate times (at the end of Seasons of Love, at the beginning of Out Tonight, and lots of applause at the end of the movie). There was no mooing. There was a slight snicker at Collins' and Angel's first kiss, but it was not a distraction at all. 99% of the audience were totally respectful. There were numerous audible sniffles and sobs during the funeral (in fact, the lady behind me started sobbing at Without You and never stopped until the end of the movie. It made it an even more emotional experience for me). It was just a fantastic audience and one I did not expect in the heart of the Bible Belt.
Anthony,
I personally want to thank you for being a part of something so tremendous and memorable. I also want to thank you for actually caring about what we think. It was just an amazing experience and one that I will repeat numerous times.
coastal
Swing Joined: 11/24/05
#152wow
Posted: 11/24/05 at 12:37am
***ORANGE COUNTY, CA – 11/23 afternoon showing***
Let me preface this by saying that I actually saw the film first last night at the midnight Ziegfield showing, which was different than any movie experience I’ve ever had…crazy, but awesome. I’m sure people have posted on that in detail, so I won’t go into it…but I flew home to Orange County a few hours later, and went with 2 people who had never seen the stage show of RENT, so I was very curious what their reaction would be along with the crowd’s reaction in such a different setting—“ The O.C” vs. NYC if you will.
The theater was over half full for a matinee, with the first half of the seats taken up by high school students who were extremely obnoxious before the movie started but were pumped to see it and seemed transfixed during the course of the movie. There were some random other people of all ranges, but mostly on the younger side. I immediately noticed a huge difference from last night’s showing. People just didn’t seem into it as much when it started, but I could tell as the film progressed that the audience was becoming captivated.
There were many parts where I had laughed along with the audience last night that went by completely with no reaction from the audience this afternoon, but I think that is just because they weren’t as familiar with the stage show and didn’t have the soundtrack memorized, if that makes sense. One friend that I took had never even heard the music before, and there were a few times where she was confused and had to ask to clarify a few things.
I’m embarrassed of my hometown to say that I did see some of cringing during any of the physical moments between same-sex couples. I think people got used to it as the movie progressed and the relationships were deeper developed. There were a few people who clapped along to various songs, and I definitely heard a few moo’s throughout the audience. I heard a lot of sniffles during Angel’s death and funeral scene.
When the movie ended, there was a large amount of cheering, especially from the high schoolers. They ate it up, and I heard a few announce that they were going to “stay in the theater for the next showing.” I would say overall that it was a great audience reaction. As for my party, one of my friends who already had heard the music thought it was awesome…my other friend wasn’t completely won over, but she is a pretty critical movie-goer and not a huge fan of musicals in general.
By seeing the film in such complete opposite settings, it made me realize how much the audience can have on your experience in viewing the film. I enjoyed it much more last night, because there was just so much energy and emotion coming from the audience. It seemed a lot..slower? seeing it the 2nd time around in a more relaxed setting…although this time I caught a few more lines since there wasn’t as much cheering (or mooing) haha.
**just wanted to say to Anthony— seriously so awesome that you came to support the film last night. That scene was just nuts, and you handled it so graciously, I have so much respect for you.
YessicaB
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/13/05
#1532nd Time
Posted: 11/24/05 at 12:38am
Hey-
Just saw it again with my friends (still suburb in Atlanta)@ 7pm.
This time the movie theatre was much fuller. Exept the first couple of rows the place was packed. There were still people ranging in age between ~18-60, while the majority was probably in their 30s.
Everybody seemed to really enjoy it and this time there were a few people who mooed and sang during the credits. Yes, including me, of course...
Even my Swedish friend enjoyed it (even though she did not get all of it I think). She asked me:"Why was the blonde one in the desert singing on a rock.....?" 
After "you should try it in heels" somebody WHOOOed and everybody laughed.
I LOVED it (even Adam on the cliff...lol). Thank you.
YessicaB
P.s.: You probably wouldn't know, but I was wondering: When will the movie be released in Germany? (My mom is dying to see it after she heard me talk about RENT for so long.)
JudasIscariot
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/20/05
JoAnne1
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/20/04
BroadwayGirl107
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/26/03
#1592nd Time
Posted: 11/24/05 at 12:58am
He missed the sensation of bleach seeping through his skull, I'm sure.
The Cliff probably gave him the same sensation.
"Oh, good. After all, I can rub my stomach and pat my head at the same time, and I can do it with my eyes closed while whistling 'The Entertainer.' That's rhythm for you."
~ Snaps, proving that White Boys CAN have rhythm
BEKA531
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/4/04
#1602nd Time
Posted: 11/24/05 at 12:59am
Long Island, New York, here.
suprisingly, there are only 14 theatres showing rent in my county, in liberal new york. i went to the best stadium seating, amazing sound theatre along with the rest of the long island rentheads. i could tell that not everyone there was an extreme fan, there were some who were just fans and some who were merely curious. there were all different ages, i saw a couple of 5-8 year olds, and some 60+. a lot of variety.
the fact that there were only 3 showings tonight doesn't help matters, either (i went at 7:30). it was CHAOTIC. i've never seen so many people for a movie at once. the line was insane and it was impossible to move in the crowd. they shut down 3 other theatres so that rent was playing on 4 screens at the same time. i know that in my theatre, it was completely packed. some people were sitting in the aisles. i don't know what was going on in the other theatres, but i'm assuming it was the same way.
i think the best 'audience' anecdote was one person who called out "please no singing!" before the trailers started. everyone applauded this notion. it kept everyone quiet, definitely. not even a moo.
Updated On: 11/24/05 at 12:59 AM
JoAnne1
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/20/04
BEKA531
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/4/04
broadwaystar2b
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/28/04
#1662nd Time
Posted: 11/24/05 at 1:21am
It was playing very close to me - all over Fairfield County, CT, but I bought tickets ahead of time to see it in NYC. I just got back from an evening showing at the Union Square Stadium 14. It was especially cool to be right around where RENT takes place 
Going to see it again this saturday!
SignoraDiva
Understudy Joined: 11/11/05
#1672nd Time
Posted: 11/24/05 at 1:27am
So I just got back from my second time...the first for one of my friends...keep in mind this friend of mine has seen only one Broadway musical in his life, Cats when he was little. And he worked stage crew for our school production of Les Miz a few years back. But, despite his lack of musical knmowledge when I asked him what he thought as we came out of the theater his exact words were
"I love this movie."
So there ya go....
ShbrtAlley44
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/1/03
#1682nd Time
Posted: 11/24/05 at 1:29am
Fredi!!! Where have you been all my life??
Anthony, the movie was spectacular. Just amazing - even my mom loved it, and that's saying something. Everyone kind of sat there in silence when it was over and slowly began to applaud. Really, really wonderful. Congratulations!!
Millie42
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/19/04
#1692nd Time
Posted: 11/24/05 at 1:38am
Ok, I'm in the South...having to come home for the holiday, I saw it in a reasonably large city.
I was excited to read that it was on multiple screens and that some times had sold out...but when I went into my theater, it was really small, so I don't quite understand the point of multiple small screens.
Moving on, I think the audience was mostly people familiar with Rent. Thank goodness I only heard one person sing along with one line. There was no mooing....but I could tell that everyone was enjoying it. Lots of sobbing going on (not just me, luckily).
I plan on seeing it again, so I think that will be a better measure---not just the hardcore people running to see it the first day. Plus, hopefully I will be hearing some local reviews. I imagine they will be mixed, like my state.
"My friends have made the story of my life."
-Helen Keller
cabarethed
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/03
#1702nd Time
Posted: 11/24/05 at 1:39am
I live in a suburb outside Philly, and I went to see the 11 am show. I would have gone later, but it was my birthday and I had night plans....but I'm so glad I made the choice to sneak it in my morning. What a hell of a gift.
Most of the schools still hadn't let out, so I think that would definitely affect it. It was in the huge theatre, so that also made the crowd look smaller. It was also harder to hear reactions because of this. There were a few groups of teenagers, primarily girls. There were some older people as well. I'm not sure how into Broadway my area is. It's pretty Republican and kinda conservative. A lot more kids are out now than when I was in high school though.
My friend and I are 19 and 25 respectively, and she knew nothing about Rent but agreed to go with me. The two of us had no problem giggling, gasping, crying, whatever, but the rest of the crowd did. I heard some giggles at times, but from what I could hear, it was pretty silent. Two people left really close to the beginning, maybe right at Light My Candle. A bunch of people kept stampeding in and out of the theatre, which was Especially maddening during the I'll Cover You reprise. It was hard for me to see or people as they left, as I could not stop crying. Someone tried to start applause. My friend absolutely fell in love with it and vows to see it again in the theatre, along with Broadway. The tribute to Jonathan Larson at the end set me off again, and we were the only people left in the theatre...except for the two middle-aged women who were bright and early for the next show. So that was pretty cool to see.
Updated On: 11/24/05 at 01:39 AM
Ad_Libbing
Featured Actor Joined: 10/30/04
#1712nd Time
Posted: 11/24/05 at 1:40am
When I saw RENT this past Monday at the Bridge in Philly, we had to wait for half an hour or more after everyone was seated, because those who hadn't gotten in were trying their best to get through, and while security guards checked for cameras, they found McDonalds. Shame. There was not a single word spoken through the length of the movie, but plenty of audible sniffles and sobs and, at appropriate moments, laughter. One of the friends who went with me, though, turned to me as soon as the credits started to roll and said, "So....'What You Own.'" It's the cliff. It kills me.
Tonight, I saw the film again, this time in an AMC in my town, of Drexel Hill, a suburb just outside of Philly which is fairly large, fairly Republican, but fairly enamored with the arts, and when I got there with a few friends, I realized that the theatre was absolutely packed with old friends and alumni who had come home for the holidays. Hence, homecoming, I guess. Anyway, there was much sniffling on both sides of me, from one person who had never seen the play and from another who loves it, and there was plenty of laughter, though perhaps not as strong as it was the first time. There were obviously some people present who didn't know that much about the show, as when Maureen and Joanne split at the end of 'Take Me or Leave Me,' a whole group of people went, "What?!" And, once again, the cliff in 'What You Own' earned a few "What the Hell?" looks in my direction and many laughs.
One of those alumni I mentioned broke the sniffling at the end of the movie; when Mimi's fingers twitch, he shouted, "Oh, whatever!" and tempted the girl beside me to hurl a bag of popcorn in his general direction.
At the end of the film, though, everone around me was either grinning or wiping tears out of their eyes, and it made the reunions and homecoming all the more powerful. Plus, when we walked out of the theater, it was snowing. Snowing in November. I love it.
"'But do you really mean, sir,' said Peter, 'that there could be other worlds --all over the place, just round the corner-- like that?'
'Nothing is more probable,' said the Professor..."
-The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
'Nothing is more probable,' said the Professor..."
-The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
dmb_rent
Leading Actor Joined: 10/26/05
#1722nd Time
Posted: 11/24/05 at 1:50am
Hey Anthony...I met you at the Symphony Space showing of Rent...I was the one who had told you about my aunt passing away over the weekend. It's still incredibly weird but...I guess I'm really thankful (just in time for Thanksgiving, nice) that Rent came out this week to give me a huge cheering up, which I completely needed. After seeing the movie at the Symphony Space, I had to see it again. The screen was on the small side and all the sound was coming from the front....don't get me wrong, I loved it...but tonight I rushed over to the AMC theater near me (North NJ) and saw it on the huuuge screen, with the delightful surround sound...and let me tell you, it was AMAZING.
The thing that made me so happy...the audience in this random theater were applauding on the opening title of the movie!!! I was like wow, that's awesome! They once again burst into applause at the end of the movie, and I heard plenty sniffles from around me during Angel's memorial service.
I am so proud of all of you who are of the OBC for coming this far with the production, sticking with it, and making it as truthful and beautiful as it is on stage. God bless Jonathan Larson, he was brilliant, and must have had the biggest heart in the world to create a story like this. He will always be remembered.
PS - Anthony, wanted to tell you the other night, but didn't get a chance...you have a great taste in music!!
Love,
Sarah
filmstudent@gmail.com
"I would rather take a flawed movie that has as much heart and passion and life and joy and energy and truth in it as this film does over any film that is completely perfectly presented and perfectly constructed but has none of that heart and life." -Anthony Rapp
#1732nd Time
Posted: 11/24/05 at 1:55am
NYC. I went for my 3rd time tonight. I was very interested in seeing it with a fresh audience since the 2 screenings I went to were full of people familiar with Rent. Sold out show, as was the show before and the show after. Crowd was lots of late teens-20s, definitely 30s, 40s, and students who brought family so 40s and 50s. What I found interesting was that the parts that I expected to get big laughs and had gotten big laughs at the other 2 screenings, weren't big. People laughed, but definitely not huge laughs. But then there were absolutely no snickers during *the cliff*, so I was a little confused.
Applause when Angel entered, when Tracie walked down the stairs during TMOLM, at the end of TMOLM, and of course at the end of the movie. Lots of good talk afterwards. Lots of people too numb to say much except "that was really good...wow....that was really good"
I recognize the addiction to being alive.
kates422
Understudy Joined: 1/16/05
#1742nd Time
Posted: 11/24/05 at 2:06am
From right outside of St. Paul, MN...
There was a pretty good crowd, considering it was the 10pm showing. Pretty young crowd...a few older people. Many laughs throughout, as well as one of the quietest movies I've ever been in. Also--seemed to be quite a few RENT fans there. :)
It was so amazing. I dont even have words right now. Anthony--you were truly just brilliant on the screen!
Worst part: someone's cell phone went off in the middle of I'll Cover You: Reprise. Ugh. I was not happy.
Soooooo worth the wait.
Videos