Rent tour; "two significant changes to the production"

"But in addition to working with new cast members, Rapp is finding fresh inspiration in another area: The tour’s rehearsal process led director Michael Greif to make two “rather significant” changes to the production. One is in the way the show opens, the other — well, Rapp refuses to spoil it for audiences.

And while new viewers will have no idea that anything is different, Rapp says returning audience members will be surprised — and possibly moved by the second alteration.

“It doesn’t change the fabric of the show, but it’s exciting to be a part of something that can change creatively,” he says."

http://www.spanglemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=174:anthony-rapp&catid=40:theaterdance&Itemid=77

I'm... concerned.

I would guess the opening change is to open with part of "Halloween" like they did at RENT 10.

*Spoiler*

Maybe Mimi won't come back at the end...

Anything different's gotta be exciting for Anthony when he's been playing the same part in different iterations of the show for close to 15 years now...

Not too thrilled. I hate it when a show works as is for 12 years and then suddenly it needs to be changed.

For Rent, yes. I like it as is. I feel the same way about Aida too. I would never want to see Aida without the Bob Crowley sets and costumes. Well, ever again. It was a travesty without them. And also trying to pretend that it was a period piece and not a rock concert. No thank you.

CATS - I hear you; personally, I think it depends what the changes are. If they're not significant and don't alter the story, the message, the... personality of the show, then I'm okay with that. I mean, there have always been things about Rent's direction that didn't work. So who knows - maybe these mysterious changes will actually be improvements. I just have a hard time equating two changes within to an overhaul of the entire concept of a show, or something like that. Do you know what I mean? I disagree with the "if it worked once, let's do it again" philosophy, because I find it sort of limiting. But, I guess everybody has a show or two they feel that way about, and that's different than taking that stance on revivals as a whole. There are certain things I'll always be a purist about, but that doesn't make all re-imaginings or new takes bad. But, back to Rent, I've got to be optimistic on this one. I haven't the energy to be the skeptic again. But that's just a personal thing.

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I agree tat the show is probably going to open with "Halloween", maybe the second change will be getting rid of the blue tight pants that mimi wears?

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That's possibly moving?

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Well, hopefully no one would ever do that as that would go against Larson's concept of the show being about life and not death.

Can someone please elaborate on how exactly the "Halloween" opening worked?

Also, I'm very interested to hear more about this Cosette costume drama.

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At Rent 10, Anthony sang the first little bit of Halloween at the top of the show. So it went "How did I get here, how the hell? Christmas, Christmas Eve last year ---" and then into the voicemails. Very meta.

And... yeah. What don't you people understand about "it will not change the fabric of the show?" Do you know the show? Having Mimi die goes against the ENTIRE POINT of the show's message.

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Updated On: 1/1/09 at 10:40 PM

How do the lotteries work for the tour shows? Does each venue have a lottery for each performance? Are the seats front and second row like they were in NY? I've never done a lottery for any tour show, so I'm not sure if it's the same process or if it's totally different.

Thanks!

Not all cities even do the lottery. In San Diego it was first come first served so people camped out to be the first in line.