RENT: Why so much hate?- Page 2

[Ghostfan2]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 12:29am

I honestly hated the show. I was ready to walk out after the first 15 minutes, but I felt the same way about Les Miz when I first saw it and it grew on me. Rent never appealed to me for some reason. Everyone has different taste I guess.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 12:31am

I think Alesandri was also totally [and this is a phrase I hate] spot on when he immediately followed "RANT" with an appearance by Anna from "The King & I" singing "Something Wonderful" as she looked at the characters who had just finished the RENT parody: "This is a show that stumbles and falls, but this is a show that tries." He was talking about the human heart that occasionally manages to beat beneath all the commerciality of mainstream corporate theatre production, and how so much of what succeeds doesn't even try. *That*, I thought, was a particularly insightful tip of the hat.

[BigMamaSangTenor]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 2:28am

Thank you "thegirlupstairs"

[BigMamaSangTenor]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 2:31am

No need for arguments, wise women and men. You've all helped me to understand the show's main downfall: too much hype! Thank you, feel free to keep it going...it's really so intriguing to me.

[BigMamaSangTenor]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 2:35am

I did not like the movie adaptation, however, I did give it a chance and see it. "Saggy butt?" Really? I remember that scene, and can confidently say that if her rear is considered dated than there is certainly no hope for mine, whilst still in it's late teenage years...

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 4:22am

RENT is one of my favourite musicals and the thing about it for me (as cheesy as this sounds) is that it changes peoples lives. I went through my lower teenage years experiencing the effect that it had on other people my age. Something that no other show has really managed to do (except perhaps, in personal circumstances, Les Misérables).

In addition to this, I think the movie is great.

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 5:57am

I love Rent. I think I have seen it four times on stage, which is the most I have seen any show without being involved in the production. I do believe that a vast majority of the dislike for the show is a reaction against the show's popularity with the masses.

A small percentage of the hate for Rent comes from the many errors in the book and other problems that would have been fixed had Larson not died first. Some of those glitches are very annoying and understandably difficult to get over.

The characters did change throughout the years as well, not all of them changed for the better, so some that started off loving Rent may have changer their minds as time went on. It certainly became less gritty as time went on. The stunt casting really did not help either, some of those choices were pretty bad.

Then there was Christopher Columbus' very misguided film. The film distanced many more fans for varying reasons. Fortunately we were offered Rent Filmed Live to replace that dreck.

I also agree that a lot of the hate stems from the show being the exact opposite of what the show stands for. Rent did most definitely sell out. The producers were more Benny than they were Mark. Unfortunately if you don't sell out you remain a poor nobody, so you have to do what you have to do.

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 6:44am

And THAT'S show business ^^

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 9:42am

There are SO MANY plot holes. I can't stand plot holes in anything. Read the Broadway Abridged script to see them pointed out.

Also, I mean some of the stuff the show glorifies or turns into comedy: stealing from ATMs, killing dogs, etc etc. Not to mention the characters going "ohhh, we're so poor" because they chose to lead the "Bohemian life" and then exploiting actual homeless people for their art.

I still love (most of) the show's music, though. I will admit to that.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 12:23pm

My dislike of the show has nothing to do with it being "popular" -- I saw it very early in its run with the OBC.

I didn't find any of the lead characters likeable. I didn't like what the show was glorifying (casual sex, sloth, being owed something). I'm not saying there aren't people like this, but what was worth exhaulting? I never bought the love story. Lust and love are different. And don't get me started on the whole 'back from the dead' thang.

I had always said it was obvious there was a whole lot of talent on the stage. But the production was indeed flawed. One thing I'll point out that I haven't seen mentioned yet....I was so tired of being YELLED during the show. No matter whether they were singing a ballad, an up tempo or anything else, the actors were yelling at me and I just wanted to tune them out.

I understand that quite a bit of that got worked out eventually, but I was so unhappy with my first experience, that I never wanted to see it again. In fact, a number of years later a group that I was with chose to see it -- I went elsewhere and met up with them later.

I also think some of the derision you might hear about within the business is much of the "of course you were in Rent, wasn't EVERY b'way performer?" Just like there is a running of joke of sorts that gads of bway performers have a Law & Order credit in their bios (I think its L&O). So much of a 'joke' that Chris Sieber specifically mentions he has NEVER appeared on any version of it.

Updated On: 7/24/12 at 12:23 PM

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 2:24pm

But it's not like they are mocking that they were able to get work in RENT or the various Laws & Orders. I don't really understand why being in RENT is something that people would get mocked for. It just doesn't add up for me. It was a long run. It employed many people. So?

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 2:40pm

It is true, when you think about it none of the characters, except for Angel are likeable. They are all lazy, selfish, and expect something for nothing. They have a sense of self entitlement. I think that is one of the many problems with the book, unfortunately that is something that would probably never have been fixed.

I think the reason I kept returning was because of the score, which I loved, and the high energy on stage. Sadly the film and the most resent tour lacked that energy and were less enjoyable.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 2:41pm

To be honest, I've never heard of it being made fun of within the industry.

[blaxx]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 2:49pm

"I thought you wanted to do a good show? If you wanted to do a bad show, why don't we just do ReNt?" - Peter Griffin, FAMILY GUY

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 3:07pm

blaxx: Haha, I used to quote that a lot.

Angel is the only "good" person in the show, but she pretty much lacks a personality and only serves to make the characters feel better about themselves or do better things. She's like... the transgender equivalent of the "Magical Negro" trope.

Except for killing the dog, of course!

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 3:13pm

I think to people who don't think to much about it, it's a valid credit as any.

"For me, the pacing is really weird. The first act takes place in three hours, and then the second act jumps around for nine months."

And actually, it's one of the things that worked so well onstage, but fell so flat in the movie - urgency. The events of act one are a whirlwind onstage, but stretching it out over three days, like we're waiting for the Resurrection or something, in the movie is just just deadening.

And I love to criticize ReNt as much as the next, but I've never denied how much I got out of it when I was younger. As long as I don't have to pretend I like the movie (it hurts soooo much every time I try to give it another chance), seeing a great production of it onstage, warts and all, can be really thrilling.

The "so much hate" is so strawmanny, anyway. Because it has set up something that wasn't even there. I feel the every other thread about ReNt that we've had on this board alone has covered just about everything can be said about renT. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I feel myself typing the same things over and over. Play good, sometimes productions bad. Movie bad. Make Phyllis sad.

I think sometimes the majority of the youth - or population really - that has only seen or listened to a handful of musicals in general and therefore love the production's catchy tunes. The productions tunes, you see, are quite and indeed so lovable.

Marcy Harriell was the best Mimi ever. Can't wait to see her on stage and dvd... ReNt.... MarCy...

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 3:15pm

I saw the first national tour and it was everything I hoped it would be. The next 3 times I saw it, not so much. That was the movie, the 'FINAL" b'way performance and that final tour. The filming of the "final" performance was awful and the final tour was too loud and played more like a rock concert.

When the revival came around I was excited especially since they brought the creative team back onboard. I have to say that after seeing it a few times, I really came to like the revival. I am sad to see it close. Love the set and it has had good cast members. My only problem with the orchestrations is the tempo of "I'll Cover You" in Act 1. Too slow and adult contemporary sounding. RENT is one of my favorite scores.

[jv92]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 3:22pm

I suppose there's a little snob in me, since loud, obnoxious, poorly written rock shows like RENT and SPRING AWAKENING didn't affect me in my younger days. Instead, I found them shallow, loud, obnoxious and poorly written. I was singing along to the cast albums of GREY GARDENS and FOLLIES instead. Why did I like unhappy, middle aged people and not sexy, good-looking young people? God only knows.

I'm glad RENT brought some people to the theater and got some people interested in the theater. The problem is, most of them think RENT (and its kind) are the only things in the theater worth seeing and listening to.

[mjroberts972]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 3:23pm

People on these message boards usually just hate any show that is somewhat popular even if it is a fantastic show. They will always find the flaws and never pay attention to the fact that it is a brilliant show.

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 3:33pm

JV92, I think one can like all four of the shows you mentioned. I know I do.

[jv92]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 3:44pm

Well, uncageg, I'm glad to hear that. I wish there were more theatergoers like you with eclectic tastes in show music.

For the record, though, I thought NEXT TO NORMAL was ridiculously good, and saw it about six times, simply because it was refreshing and interestingly told. I didn't think it shoved youth down the audience's throats like other "pop/rock shows" do. It dealt with grown-up issues in a very mature way. So I'm not really an old fogey.

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 3:53pm

I enjoy Rent. Is it the masterpiece some people consider it to be? Probably not.

The fans are my main issue with this show. I'm seeing a production in Seattle next week and the Rent-Heads are what I'm dreading.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 4:00pm

WTF is up with spelling this show's title "ReNt"...does the "N" on your keyboards get stuck when you type it out?

[Owen22]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 4:01pm

After seeing David Cromer's recent Chicago GREATEST PRODUCTION OF RENT THERE HAS BEEN OR EVER WILL BE I talked to an early 30 something friend who said you go through different Rent stages: loving Rent, Rent-heading Rent, tiring of Rent, hating Rent and then out of nowhere something reminds you of Rent and nostalgia and age put you back somewhere in the middle, but closer to loving it.

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/24/12 at 4:02pm

I thought "Next to Normal" was ok. I hated the music when I first heard it but enjoyed it a bit more while seeing the show. I saw it on tour in Denver. Her voice was not what it was on the recording. It worked for a few of the songs but you could tell her voice was really tired. She hit a few bad notes also. But it is still not a favorite of mine.

Mildred, I am one of those who consider it to be a masterpiece, musically.