If/Then's Rent Similarities

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 4/17/14 at 12:19am

When I first found out that Anthony Rapp was part of the cast, I thought it was cute to have the former co-stars back together again. Having seen the show tonight, I felt like I was watching Rent 2 (and we know sequels are never as good as the original). Rapp's characters is a squatter, although he mentions not liking that term for it. When LaChanze and Jenn Collella sang their diva duet, all I thought of was "Take Me or Leave Me." Idina's character is described as someone who was a staunch activist in her younger days. I'm not a "Renthead" by any means, but I couldn't help noticing all of these things.

Wasn't a fan of the show (If/Then, not Rent) - the music and plot left a lot to be desired. The cast was top notch and they were working hard, but it didn't gel. Can't help wondering if writers were just trying to imagine where some of the Rent characters would've found themselves 20 years later.

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 4/17/14 at 12:30am

Interesting, but all coincidental. This is far from "Rent 2."

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 4/17/14 at 12:34am

I know it's not actually Rent 2; was employing a bit of hyperbole. Just kept being reminded of Rent.

[haterobics]

Posted: 4/17/14 at 12:46am

In Rent, Anthony's character is offered something to stop Idina's protest... in If/Then, Idina's character is asked to stop Anthony's protest, etc.

It's all in there if you want it, but how much is inspired by or merely coincidental is unknown...

[veronicamae]

Posted: 4/17/14 at 9:46am

I had the same thoughts as soon as Lucas was introduced as a housing activist. Add the fact that he talks about squatting, and Beth mentioning that they used to be roommates, and the protests against being priced out of Manhattan - there are definite similarities. Whether intentional or not, who knows. I like to think that they were done intentionally as a subtle homage.