As I have mentioned in previous blogs, my favorite plays of all time are RENT and Million Dollar Quartet. Both are not currently on Broadway. RENT closed after 12 years on the Broadway stage in 2008. Million Dollar Quartet has recently closed after just over a year on Broadway.
Both of these shows have two things in common, besides the fact that I love them. One, they were both staged at the Nederlander Theater. Two, they have both closed but are now reappearing on an Off Broadway stage. It is like fate. Apparently you can’t hold a good show back. It warms my heart.
As for RENT, I am undecided about seeing it again. I lost count how many times I have seen it, probably around 12 times or so. I don’t know that I could see RENT again, in this carnation, to be honest. Although I love it and it runs through my blood, I feel like I have closure from when it left Broadway 3 years ago. I was so upset when it was closing I must have seen it 5 times that year. In my defense I kept booking tickets for the week of the scheduled final performance and then they kept pushing the date back, so I had to get another pair of tickets, etc. It was a vicious and emotionally draining cycle.
I also remember it so fondly, what it felt like to be in the audience that final week. Then I got to see it in the movies when they aired the final Broadway performance. I still get chills thinking about it. So to see it now, I am not positive it will be for the good of anyone. While I am thrilled those who missed out before will get to see it now, I have peace the way it originally ended. I loved it and mourned the loss I felt it closing would create. For me, the message lives on everyday. That is what is great about it coming back Off Broadway and so soon. There will be a whole new generation of “RENT heads” and that makes me smile inside and out. But I am part of the original group of followers who now maybe just sit back and listen to others rave about it. I hope this production does make me proud, I know the original producer is involved so there is hope. Maybe I will see it when I am not terrified it will undo the amazing memories I have in my head and heart.
News on RENT’s return:
As for Million Dollar Quartet, audiences need to see this talent. Most of the original cast is back, including 3 of the 4 main artists being portrayed. The only hole in my heart here is Tony Award Winner Levi Kreis who left earlier this year due to an injury and a desire to pursue his music career again. I feel like his talent was so big, that his replacement as Jerry Lee Lewis, no matter how great, will never be the same. But I have something to compare it to. MDQ is a showstopper and will wow anyone who is smart enough to go see it.
Now everyone can get to see why I love these shows. There is such contentment on Broadway now for me.
Damn, now I can’t get the opening RENT song out of my head!!!
Coupons for both shows:
I dont think Rent will be good again.
ReplyDeleteThink they used all the good people for it already.
Leave well enough alone.