Rent attendance anecdotes — Page 7

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#151

wow

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.

#152

wow

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.

#153

wow

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.

#154