Hard decision. I saw RENT with the current cast a couple times and enjoyed their performances completely. However, I have not seen the OBC or other casts of it. I have loved the OBCR for years and for me it was the thrill off finally seeing it live. It was great to see the set (or well lack there of), the staging, and everything i was trying to picture in my head for the past 7 years. I also went with a group of about 20 or so from school, half being RENTheads, the other half never seeing it before. They all loved it. Well, one kid loved it soley because he got to see Scary Spice - but thats another story. Now IMHO, the current cast will NEVER stack up to the OBC vocally, because well its the OBC. Also because there voices are all very unique. This is however, the only thing i know about the OBC in these roles. I cannot comment on its current state to where it was 8 years ago.
Now, I saw WICKED and also enjoyed myself. This will hold a special place in my heart because it was the first show i saw that i went in knowing nothing about it. I saw it during previews so there was no Cast Recording to listen too. I would always listen to CRs of show befor seeing it, so i would be familiar with something in it. I came out loving it and wanting to go back right away to see it. Yet it was a "temporary high" so to speak. It was not something that lasted with me. Two weeks went by, then a month and my thoughts were "eh" about it. It is definately something that you enjoy in the moment. If that is what you want WICKED is a great show for it. There are also so great numbers in the show.
Either way i believe you will enjoy yourself. I would have to say RENT for the simple fact that it is my favorite show. If you see one, definately come back to see the other.
Though scattered and divided we are still its heart...AIDA SEPTEMBER 5th, 2004...one more longing backward glance...
I AM NOW "TGIF!"