Run and Tell That: Rent Pre-Recorded

Note: Wowza. By now ya'll know that I'm a terrible editor. So be prepared for me to be editing this AFTER I upload it. Also, I'm not a professional reviewer nor do I try to be in these. I'm simply stating what I thought.

"Rent... was over the top and did not really... grasp the message that Jonathan Larson had envisioned"

My first experience with Rent was when my mom bought me the movie for Christmas one year. It was eventually lost in the depths of my messy room for a few months before I started cleaning it. I eventually found it and said: "Okay let's give it a shot." So I put the DVD into the laptop and I watched it and I was changed. I have no idea what, but something inside of me clicked and I was hooked. I would watch it over and over. I then watched the Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway performance and I also saw a local high school do a production of it. I was enamored with the show. Fast forward about 8 years and Fox announces

Company

they are going to do Rent Live! (Well now more like Rent Pre Recorded!) and my first thought was "Well f*ck! They're gonna ruin this." Guess what? I was right! The production was absolutely awful! First and foremost what needs to be talked about is the annoying screaming coming from the audience that drowned out everything. Then there are the absolutely atrocious changes made to the script by Kristoffer Diaz. As soon as Mark, portrayed by Jordan Fisher, said "December 24, 1991" my face went still. Seriously? You can't change one of the most iconic lines of dialogue in this show. Then we had all of Mark's unnecessary monologues and that awful new dialogue between Collins and Angel before "I'll Cover You" that did nothing to advance their relationship. I understand that they changed some of the lyrics to make it less explicit, but there were many things that Diaz changed that should not have been touched. While the show was helmed by original Rent director Michael Grief his directing turned the show into a circus and Sonya Tayeh was trying to turn Rent into a dance musical with the Bohemian ensemble popping and locking during some of the most inappropriate times, such as the drug dealer section of "Christmas Bells." To make matters even worse there was the atrocious production design by Jason Sherwood which was in no way effective. Rent is supposed to be simplistic and there was too much going on with the maze style jungle gym he designed. 

Vanessa Hudgens

Next, is the completely over the top lighting design by Al Gurdon who clearly was trying to induce seizures. However, what was really the stale icing on this moldy cake was the camera work by Alex Rudzinksi who clearly had diarrhea of the camera angle considering it changes every five seconds. I was getting motion sickness during "Christmas Bells" and how many times can you have the camera go in a 360 movement? (I'm going to make a compilation of those later.) The more simplistic Rent is the better. Clearly, the above people didn't get that memo. The only good production element of the night was the costumes designed by original Rent costume designer Angela Wendt. Wendt managed to update the costumes and brought new things to the table while still keeping the spirit of the original production. My personal favorite change being Maureen's cow pants. Now, before I go any further I would like to say that up until the final scene everything was pre-recorded from the night before's dress rehearsal. It was obvious that people were holding back to save their voices for the big night, but since Brennin Hunt, somehow, broke his foot during the dress rehearsal, that night never came. (THIS IS WHY YOU NEED UNDERSTUDIES PEOPLE!!!) This is a shame because what was

Jordan Fisher, Valentina, Brandon Victor Dixon
and Brennin Hunt

shown was an unfinished product and I'm sure had we gotten the real show it would have been much different. However, I think instead of showing us the dress rehearsal footage they should have showed us the concert that the cast performed for the live audience. I think that would have been much truer to original show then the over the top showing we recieved. Despite the medical problems, I'm still going to review the actors for their performances. The supporting roles of the parents, homeless, life support and other soloists were played by many stage veterans (Most memorable were Keala Settle, Alton Fitzgerald White and J. Elaine Marcos) all of which had exceptional vocals and acting skills... except for Matt Saldivar who played Gordon. His voice was clearly struggling to hit the notes and even when he did hit the notes it was not pretty. One of the better performances of the night is accredited to Mario as the douchey landlord Benjamin Coffin III. While I don't normally pay attention to Benny Mario had strong vocals and good acting chops. Kiersey Clemons portrayed a vocally weak Joanne Jefferson who didn't really challenge Maureen at all during their duet "Take Me Or Leave Me" and her acting left much to be desired. Joanne's on again off again girlfriend Maureen Johnson was delivered by a surprise standout from Rent alum Vanessa Hudgens (She previously played Mimi in the Hollywood Bowl production.) Hudgens vocals have improved immensely and she opened her mouth and out of nowhere, she had this strong belt. Not to mention her acting which was a huge improvement from Grease Live! It felt like I was looking at some brand new human being who acted and sang like she was in a Broadway show.

Tinashe

Hudgens managed to find her own comedic elements in "Over the Moon" and she truly raised the bar on my expectations of her. She especially surprised me with her strong vocals during the ultimate diva-off "Take More Or Leave Me." Unfortunately, not all the performances were as good as Hudgens. Valentina was a huge disappointment as the fabulous drag queen Angel Dumott Schunard who did not handle the score at all. She clearly struggled with all of it. Her performance of "Today 4 U" was incredibly lackluster and I wish I could say her acting made up for it, but alas she hit all the wrong notes in every way possible. Angel's love interest Tom Collins is portrayed by Brandon Victor Dixon who again just was lackluster to me. I didn't think he was anything special he was rather bland and didn't stand out in any way. Just like in Jesus Christ Superstar his high notes sounded like screaming as opposed to good clean belting. The most memorable performance, in my opinion, goes to Tinashe as Mimi Márquez. She thoroughly surprised me delivering strong acting and absolutely sublime vocals. Her rendition of "Out Tonight" was powerful and sexy. If only the same could be said for her scene partner Brennin Hunt who delivered a mediocre Roger. Where he had some strong vocal moments it didn't make up for his overall blandness as Roger. I could tell that Hunt was trying to

Brennin Hunt and Jordan Fisher

deliver to all the fans, but he just fell short. Finally, we have Jordan Fisher who clearly did not understand his character at all. Fisher portrays the dorky, geeky, awkward, camera lover Mark Cohen. However, Fisher rather decided to play Mark as someone who is dipping it and doing it as well as crawling sexually across the floor instead of being a lovable dork. I'm not saying that dorks can't be sexy, but Fisher was doing the most with his sexual moves and that simply isn't Mark, in my opinion. Fisher also seemed to have cared less about his camera from some of the ways he was holding it. Fisher did have strong vocals and was a good actor, but he wasn't the dorky and lovable Mark Cohen. Overall, Rent Live Pre-Recorded was over the top and did not really seem to grasp the message that Jonathan Larson had envisioned. If you want to watch a production of Rent either go see a local community theatre production, the tour or just watch Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway it will be a much more enjoyable experience than whatever Fox was trying to accomplish last night.

"There's only now, there's only here. Give in to love or live in fear. No other path no other way. No day but today."

The Last Midnight: February

Don Quixote
Theatre: Garrick Theatre (West End)
Opened: November 8, 2018
Closing: February 2, 2019
Olivier Awards: N/A

Nine Night
Theatre: Trafalgar Studios (West End)
Opened: December 6, 2018
Closing: February 9, 2019
Olivier Awards: N/A

True West
Theatre: Vaudeville Theatre (West End)
Opened: December 4, 2018
Closing: February 16, 2019
Olivier Awards: N/A

Pinter at the Pinter
Theatre: Harold Pinter Theatre (West End)
Opened: September 6, 2018
Closing: February 23, 2019
Olivier Awards: N/A

Run and Tell That: Wicked

Note: This review is going to be a little different. It's not going to be as long and detailed as previous ones. Also, again I'm horrible at editing my thoughts.

"Johnson's performance as Glinda the Good is not only a triumph in shattering racial barriers it is a triumph in acting and skill."

My first experience with Wicked was when I was in the 5th grade. It was my first Broadway show (meaning the first time I saw I show on Broadway) and I saw it with the amazing Dee Roscioli and Katie Rose Clarke in the lead roles. It was absolutely amazing and an experience I will never forget. Even if it was a "no-fly" show. My next experience with Wicked was winning the lottery for the tour when it was in Philadelphia and starred Jessica Vosk and Ginna Claire Mason. I knew my next experience with Wicked had to be seeing Brittney Johnson as the first P.O.C. Glinda on Broadway. My wish finally came true and I planned out my day for January 10, 2019. I went to NYC to witness her debut as the blonde witch. First and foremost I have to say that Joe Mantello is a brilliant director and has directed an absolutely gorgeous production. The design aspects are absolutely brilliant. Featuring some wonderful sound design by Tony Meola and the absolutely

Nancy Opel

brilliant and inventive costume designs by Susan Hilferty. The world of Oz is created by the genius Eugene Lee and his utterly spellbinding set design and when paired with Kenneth Posner's lighting design you get the most brilliant designs ever to grace a stage. The cast has strong supporting roles from the fantastic Jamie Jackson as Doctor Dillamond and the wonderful Jesse "JP" Johnson as Boq. This was my second time seeing Kristen Martin as the "tragically beautiful" Nessarose and to be quite honest she had more depth the first time I saw her. Then we have the brilliant Nancy Opel as the devious Madame Morrible who was absolutely wonderful. Then in an amazing turn as The Wizard there is 3 time Tony Award nominated actor Kevin Chamberlin who seems to be the first Wizard in many years who can actually sing. It was a refreshing change because most Wizard's I have witnessed in the past did have that great a voice. Chamberlin delivered a wonderful performance with great acting chops and again a wonderful, rich singing voice. Another good performance was Jake Boyd as Fiyero who is a temporary replacement for Ryan McCartan who is on medical leave. The next woman I am going to talk about is the reason I went to

Brittney Johnson

see Wicked and she made history. Over the years there have been several people of color in the roles of Elphaba, Fiyero, Madame Morrible, The Wizard, Dr. Dillamond, Boq and Nessarose, but there has never been a P.O.C. as Glinda and after 15 years Wicked has finally cast its first P.O.C. Glinda. On January 10th, 2019 Brittney Johnson debuted as Glinda and she was mesmerizing. Johnson's performance as Glinda the Good is not only a triumph in shattering racial barriers it is a triumph in acting and skill. Johnson gave a performance that proves why understudies should not be scoffed at and should definitely not be underestimated. The moment that Johnson descended in the bubble for her very first entrance she received 30 seconds of straight applause, cheering, hollering, yelling and whistles. You could see the joy on her face and the minute she opened her mouth the room fell silent and people were hung up on every single word. Johnson's vocals were top notch and strong and because she had classical training she had this gorgeous rich operatic tone during the soprano parts. Not only were her vocals top notch, but so was her acting she portrayed Glinda in a new light finding humor and sadness in new places. I had three favorite parts of her performance 1) Was during her hilarious "Popular" Glinda says "Your whole life is about to change and all because of me"

Brittney Johnson and Jessica Vosk

and Johnson started to go into a trance and bow as if envisioning an audience applauding for being so nice. 2) During the train station scene where she says "Well it's Glinda now!" 3) During "Thank Goodness" after Fiyero leaves during that scene you can see that Glinda is holding back tears and she is trying to stay strong, but she misses her best friend and she feels Fiyero slipping away from her. I have no doubt in my mind that Brittney Johnson will become principle one day. She is truly magical. I could go on and on about Johnson's absolutely stellar performance, but I have to keep this review moving. The only person left to talk about is the stunning Jessica Vosk who delivered a vocally stellar performance as Elphaba. Vosk, but her acting was not as good as when I saw her on tour. Wicked has solidified its place in history not only as a record-breaking show but as a diverse show packed full of talent. The performers are top notch and the understudies are just as good as the leads. If you have the chance to see this show then go see it. It is truly magical from the wonderful design elements to the phenomenal performers.

"I do believe I have been changed for the better. And because I knew you... Because I knew you... Because I knew you... I have been changed for good."