[Vanessa20]

This is inspired by RainbowJude's Miss Saigon poll on that show's forum. I just wanted to see a similar poll involving the other major musical that's loosely based on an opera.


1. What do you like about this show? Or, if you're not a fan, what makes it unmemorable for you?

2. Pick your favorite song in the show and tell us why it's your favorite?

3. What is your favourite lyric?

4. Got a number you just can't stand? Tell us why.

5. Who's your favorite character?

6. Who is your favourite Rent-related performer?

7. Got a favorite production? What made it so special?

8. What do you think of the show as an adaptation of La Boheme?

9. Which version on DVD do you prefer and why: the movie, or the one filmed live on Broadway?

[ActingDude17]

1. What do you like about this show? Or, if you're not a fan, what makes it unmemorable for you?

The message is very powerful and the music is diverse.

2. Pick your favorite song in the show and tell us why it's your favorite.

"Rent" - I just love the rock feel to it.

3. What is your favourite lyric?

"There's only us,
There's only this.
Forget, regret
Or life is yours to miss.
No other road, no other way.
No day but today."

4. Got a number you just can't stand? Tell us why.

I love all the songs.

5. Who's your favorite character?

Mark (with Collins coming in second)

6. Who is your favourite Rent-related performer?

Anthony Rapp

7. Got a favorite production? What made it so special?

The 2009 Farewell Tour. Three of the OBC members being in it was pretty awesome (Gwen Stewart's solo was worth the ticket price alone).

8. What do you think of the show as an adaptation of La Boheme?

Larson modernized the story, making it more interesting to today's generation. I think Puccini would be happy that his work is living on, even in an adaptation.

9. Which version on DVD do you prefer and why: the movie, or the one filmed live on Broadway?

FLOB. I'll take theatre over film any day, kthxbi.

[Disney-Bway27]

1. What do you like about this show? Or, if you're not a fan, what makes it unmemorable for you?
I loooove this show. Initially, it was the edginess that attracted me to it (a silly 13-year-old Elliott thought that "La Vie Boheme" was one of the dirtiest musical song ever...the only one I could think of back then that came close was "Privelege to Pee." ) but after I got really familiar with it, the message and the rest of the score hooked me. And of course, the whole Jonathan Larson backstory helps. :]

2. Pick your favorite song in the show and tell us why it's your favorite?
"La Vie Boheme." It's one of the most memorable songs in the score and it really fueled my aspiration to be Mark one day. :]

3. What is your favourite lyric?
"HOT--HOT--HOT--SWEAT SWEET!"
Ahahaha just kidding.
Hmm...
Just about every lyric in "Without You." The simple, yet heartwrenching, lyrics are among the best in the show.

4. Got a number you just can't stand? Tell us why.
"Contact." It just doesn't fit in for the rest of the show, I think, and, since I saw the film before the actual show, I think showing Angel's gradual death through "Without You" and then going straight to the reprise of "I'll Cover You" works fantastically...much better than the mildly creepy Angel-died-while-having-sex thing.

5. Who's your favorite character?
MARK.

6. Who is your favourite Rent-related performer?
Probably Anthony Rapp or Idina Menzel. Rapp is just a ball of fun, and Menzel is absolutely breathtaking in everything she does, be it Wild Party or Wicked.

7. Got a favorite production? What made it so special?
The OBC is great, but I love the last cast.

8. What do you think of the show as an adaptation of La Boheme?
I think it's a very well-made adaptation. I mean...it's not perfect and there's always room for improvement but it could've been a LOT worse.

9. Which version on DVD do you prefer and why: the movie, or the one filmed live on Broadway?
FLOB for several reasons:
1) "FLOB" (pronounced FLAWB) is more fun to say than "2005 Motion Picture."
2) It's much better, even though I can thoroughly enjoy both.

[ActingDude17]

In regards to question 9, I should mention I haven't seen the 2005 motion picture, only FLOB.

On the subject of Contact: in the libretto it's described as a dance of "life and death", if that makes it sound any cooler. I really don't mind it that much to be honest. Justin Johnston's Angel solo in that song is FIERCE.

[Nettik]

1. What do you like about this show? Or, if you're not a fan, what makes it unmemorable for you?
I like Rent, but I wouldn't consider myself a fan of it. I feel that Rent is very overhyped as being an edgy, groundbreaking musical when the name "Hair for the 90s" sums it up perfectly. I will admit that the music and plot is very good, but it gets more hype than it should.

2. Pick your favorite song in the show and tell us why it's your favorite?
What You Own. I love the lyrics and the tempo, and just the power to the song. "The filmmaker cannot see, and the songwriter cannot hear..."

3. What is your favourite lyric?
Either "It's a dark dizzy merry-go-round, as she keeps you dangling, your heart she is mangling..." or "...The stars gleam, the poets dream, the eagles fly without you."

4. Got a number you just can't stand? Tell us why.
Either "Rent" or "Contact." I don't know why, but I just don't like "Rent." As for "Contact," the number just is exhausting to listen to for me.

5. Who's your favorite character?
Roger.

6. Who is your favourite Rent-related performer?
Adam Pascal.

7. Got a favorite production? What made it so special?
No, I don't have a favorite.

8. What do you think of the show as an adaptation of La Boheme?
It's a loose, modernized adaptation. The two works are too different to really compare to one another but both are amazing in their own rights.

9. Which version on DVD do you prefer and why: the movie, or the one filmed live on Broadway?
I haven't seen either.

[And All That Jazz]

1. What do you like about this show? Or, if you're not a fan, what makes it unmemorable for you?
I like Rent because it pretty much introduced me to musical theatre. I think the score is memorable and the message it sends is timeless.

2. Pick your favorite song in the show and tell us why it's your favorite?
"Will I?" It's an incredibly short song that just repeats over and over with different groups, but it sort of sums of the whole situation about not knowing. I hope that makes sense.

3. What is your favourite lyric?
"There is no future, there is no past. Thank God this moment's not the last."

4. Got a number you just can't stand? Tell us why.
"Santa Fe" I like Collins' voice and all of that, but it just doesn't seem to fit into the musical.
5. Who's your favorite character?
Maureen

6. Who is your favourite Rent-related performer?
Idina Menzel

7. Got a favorite production? What made it so special?
No favorite.

8. What do you think of the show as an adaptation of La Boheme?
I'm not too familiar with La Beheme so I really can't say.

9. Which version on DVD do you prefer and why: the movie, or the one filmed live on Broadway?
I have seen the DVD and own the film soundtrack. I want to see the filmed live on Broadway version but my local Blockbuster DOESN'T HAVE IT

Very nice poll

[Gwen]

1. What do you like about this show? Or, if you're not a fan, what makes it unmemorable for you?

It has a lot of energy, I love the music and it has a lot of raw emotion that I like.

2. Pick your favorite song in the show and tell us why it's your favorite?
I always liked One Song Glory. I don't think it's the most complex song in the show, but it's the one that made me sit up and say, "okay, no more excuses! I'm SO learning guitar to play this song!"

3. What is your favourite lyric?
These two:
"Time flies, and then no need to endure anymore. Time dies..."
"To days of inspiration playing hooky making something out of nothing, the need to express..." --ONLY Mark's solo.

4. Got a number you just can't stand? Tell us why.
I used to like Over the Moon, but now it depends on who does it.

5. Who's your favorite character?
It's a tie between Mark and Roger.

6. Who is your favourite Rent-related performer?
Adam Pascal!

7. Got a favorite production? What made it so special?
I'd have to say the original broadway cast production. I never got a chance to see it, but I dare to say there was probably more chemistry between Roger and Mimi back then than on the current tour...

8. What do you think of the show as an adaptation of La Boheme?
I don't know much about La Boheme, but from what I do know, Larson did a fine job with it.

9. Which version on DVD do you prefer and why: the movie, or the one filmed live on Broadway? [/b][/quote]
GYAH!! I'd have to say Broadway, but both that has more to do with the fact that it's the full show. Both casts are great, but my one complaint with the movie is Rosario Dawson. I would've liked to see someone who wasn't new to the show play Mimi. Wouldn't have had to be Daphne, but...not Rosario.

[ActingDude17]

[Hairspraydude]

1. What do you like about this show? Or, if you're not a fan, what makes it unmemorable for you?
I love the entire message of RENT, the music, and of course, the characters.

2. Pick your favorite song in the show and tell us why it's your favorite?
"La Vie Boheme" -- I just can't get the song out of my head. It's so fast-paced, and I love how everyone is all over the place during it. Also, everyone seems so happy.

3. What is your favourite lyric?
"There's only now, there's only here, give into love, or live in fear."

4. Got a number you just can't stand? Tell us why.
If I had to pick, I'd probably say "Contact."

5. Who's your favorite character?
Angel -- She is just so full of life, and she doesn't let the fact that she has AIDS stop her from living life to the fullest.

6. Who is your favourite Rent-related performer?
Justin Johnston

7. Got a favorite production? What made it so special?
I've only seen RENT once live, so my favorite production would have to be the 2009 Farewell Tour. I think getting to see Adam and Anthony for my first time seeing the show is pretty incredible.

8. What do you think of the show as an adaptation of La Boheme?
I don't really know much about La Boheme, to be honest.

9. Which version on DVD do you prefer and why: the movie, or the one filmed live on Broadway?
Definitely the FLOB DVD -- I love the movie as well, but the show is a lot better, in my opinion.

[wtfchuck]

1. What do you like about this show? Or, if you're not a fan, what makes it unmemorable for you?
It stand out from the crowd by being a serious and powerful musical about a number of issues but without losing the fun and energy that a musical should have.

2. Pick your favorite song in the show and tell us why it's your favorite?
"Goodbye Love" - It's so powerful and has different sections that all work together really well

3. What is your favourite lyric?
either.. "I'd be happy to die for a taste of what angel had.. etc" as it is so powerful. Or "The narration crackles and pops with incendiary wit."

4. Got a number you just can't stand? Tell us why.
I've never been a fan of Contact, it just isn't much of a song.

5. Who's your favorite character?
I really like Benny, because you see both sides of him from when he is arrogant at the start to when he is understanding of his friends etc at the end.

6. Who is your favourite Rent-related performer?

7. Got a favorite production? What made it so special?
Adam Kantor, as he will always be Mark in my opinion.

8. What do you think of the show as an adaptation of La Boheme?
I accept it is an adaptation and therefore doesnt have to be exactly the same in terms of plot.

9. Which version on DVD do you prefer and why: the movie, or the one filmed live on Broadway?
Live definitely, it has twice as much singing.

[Alabesque]

1. What do you like about this show? Or, if you're not a fan, what makes it unmemorable for you?
I just love everything about it. The music, the staging, the actors, the characters, the overall theme... It's just a really great show.

2. Pick your favorite song in the show and tell us why it's your favorite?
I can't pick just one! I love One Song Glory, I'll Cover You (and its reprise), Seasons of Love, Finale B, I Should Tell You... I guess those would be my overall favorites, but others switch in and out of the list.

3. What is your favourite lyric?
I couldn't possibly choose. Again, it changes reglarly.

4. Got a number you just can't stand? Tell us why.
Contact, because it's just... Odd. Also, I dislike Over the Moon because it gets on my nerves. I've never been a big fan of Maureen.

5. Who's your favorite character?
Either Angel, Mark, or Roger, I think.

6. Who is your favourite Rent-related performer?
Again, it changes! Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal are definitely there, along with Jesse L. Martin and Wilson Jermaine Heredia. I like Nicolette Hart, too, because her Maureen was the only one I've ever been able to stand.

7. Got a favorite production? What made it so special?
The Broadway Tour, because it was the first (and apparently last) time I've ever seen the show live, and because it had three original cast members. It was a fantastic production.

8. What do you think of the show as an adaptation of La Boheme?
As other people have said, the two shows are so different that it's hard to compare them. They're both brilliant, though.

9. Which version on DVD do you prefer and why: the movie, or the one filmed live on Broadway?
I like 'em both! I love the movie because of the cast, but I love the live version because it's how the show actually is, instead of an adapted version, if that makes sense.

[Vice]

1. What do you like about this show? Or, if you're not a fan, what makes it unmemorable for you?
I don't know why I like it so much. I love the music it's self... But I love the message the show contains.

2. Pick your favorite song in the show and tell us why it's your favorite?
Either La Vie Boheme, Santa Fe, or Finale B.
I love the bombastic energy behind La Vie Boheme, and it's celebration of life. I love the mellow, rhythmic feel of Santa Fe. And with Finale B... The layering lyrics and the feeling of joy and life that it has and the meaning the lyrics have just... I love it.

3. What is your favourite lyric?
Forget regret, or life is yours to miss.

4. Got a number you just can't stand? Tell us why.
It's not a "number" per se... but I've always disliked the rambling of Mimi when she's "reborn". I think it shatters the mood.

5. Who's your favorite character?
Mark and Angel. (Who doesn't like Angel? XD)
I identify very closely with Mark.

6. Who is your favourite Rent-related performer?
... I NEVER pay attention to actors sadly... Even in my favourite things. (Minus a couple movie actors...)

7. Got a favorite production? What made it so special?
No, Sadly.

8. What do you think of the show as an adaptation of La Boheme?
I haven't seen La Boheme, unfortunately. (I had a chance, but I was broke... ): ) I'll make my decision when I see it.

9. Which version on DVD do you prefer and why: the movie, or the one filmed live on Broadway?
FLOB.
I dislike the disjointed feeling of the movie. (I do have a fondness for the movie though, it introduced me to the show. )

[Oli-Ol]

1. What do you like about this show? Or, if you're not a fan, what makes it unmemorable for you?
I heart this show. A close member of my family is terminally ill and the message from this show always makes me feel better. It has got me through so much. It is edgy, unusual, not afraid to be different and the music is incredible.

2. Pick your favorite song in the show and tell us why it's your favorite?
I have three...
Rent- diffierent, edgy, great tune and harmonies.
One Song Glory- I love the message of this song. It attracts my dark depressive side and, again, the tune is beautiful. I can't really explain my love for it but it fits a part of my personality like no dong I've heard before.
What You Own- again, a slightly angry, depressive song, although not as despairing as One Song Glory. I think it's beautiful.

3. What is your favourite lyric?
I'm sorry, I can't answer that. I'd have to quote the whole play.

4. Got a number you just can't stand? Tell us why.
Over the Moon because it's very clever and political and goes waay over my head.

5. Who's your favorite character?
Well... everyone loves Angel. Mimi is the struggling drug addict who attracts everyone's sympathy. Collins is a pure good guy, Maureen I can relate to, Joanne doesn't feature that much.
I love Rodger. The depressiveness, the junkie, living with HIV... I can't explain it. I know it's not original but I'm honestly not a very original person.

6. Who is your favourite Rent-related performer?
Hmm... Adam Pascal and Rosario Dawson maybe? I'm not really familiar with any of the cast other than those on the movie so I can't comment

7. Got a favorite production? What made it so special?
I've never seen it live
So I have to say the movie

8. What do you think of the show as an adaptation of La Boheme?
I LOVE La Boheme. It's beautiful. I think that it's a very good adaption, although very different, as well as a brilliant show in its own right. No complaints from me.

9. Which version on DVD do you prefer and why: the movie, or the one filmed live on Broadway?
There's one filmed live on broadway??????? They'd better sell it on Amazon... *frantically goes to check*

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[carnivalfreakshow]

1. What do you like about this show?
I love the way the ensemble cast works together

2. Pick your favorite song in the show and tell us why it's your favorite?
I love the energy in La Vie Boheme, and the chemistry in I should Tell You. I also just love Roger in general, so One Song Glory.

3. What is your favourite lyric?
Probably something from Over the Moon...

"The dish and the spoon, for instance, they're down on their luck, they come knockin' on my doghouse door, and I said "Not in my backyard utensils, go back to china!" (bideeBONG!!)"

4. Got a number you just can't stand? Tell us why.
Don't particularily like I'll cover you or Santa Fe, they just don't stand out to me. And not to critisize Roger's songwriting skills, but I don't really like the melody or the repetitive lyrics and seemingly redundant rhymes in "Your Eyes" either.

5. Who's your favorite character?
I'd say Mimi, or Roger, or both as a pair!

6. Who is your favourite Rent-related performer?
Without a doubt, Adam Pascal!

7. Got a favorite production? What made it so special?
I've only ever seen it once live in Toronto, and of course the movie.

8. What do you think of the show as an adaptation of La Boheme?
I wish I could tell you, I've never had the opportunity to see La Boheme!

9. Which version on DVD do you prefer and why: the movie, or the one filmed live on Broadway?
I've never seen the live DVD, only the movie!

[OJD234]

1. What do you like about this show? Or, if you're not a fan, what makes it unmemorable for you?
I like the overall message, especially the "friendship, acceptance, and love" part of it.

2. Pick your favorite song in the show and tell us why it's your favorite?
stage - Happy New Year A/B
film - La Vie boheme A/B

I like Happy New Year because I think it's just a fun song, and some parts are really funny, that they didn't include in the movie during that scene. (Like When Angel sings "I was a boy scout once - and a girl scout - until some brat got scared")
And I like La Vie Boheme because it's really fun to sing, and it's funny to see people's reaction when you start singing a bunch or random words really fast. =) -- and i also lovee the definitions of dance, film, anarchy, and especially music, in LVB B. They're so true!

3. What is your favourite lyric?
Ohh boy... basically the whole play, but especially
"Forget Regret, or life is your to miss"
"Give into love or live in fear"
"No Day But Today"
...you know, everything. But ESPECIALLY the lyrics that basically sum up the meaning of the play.

4. Got a number you just can't stand? Tell us why.
the finale on stage... just the part where they decided to SING about Mimi.
and, especially when Roger sings "NOOOO" and holds it out for awhile, and THEN decides to go help Mimi. It's like really? she needs help NOW, stop singing about it!!!

5. Who's your favorite character?
Roger =)
Hahaha. maybe that's just b/c I'm obsessed with Adam...
But actual CHARACTERS... I can't choose between Roger, Mark, and Angel...

6. Who is your favourite Rent-related performer?
ADAM PASCAL! =D

7. Got a favorite production? What made it so special?
Never seen it live. :/
But i get to on June 3rd! I'm really excited!!!!

8. What do you think of the show as an adaptation of La Boheme?
I haven't seen La Boheme, all I know about it is what was mentioned in any rent-related books or interviews, so I can't really answer this one...

9. Which version on DVD do you prefer and why: the movie, or the one filmed live on Broadway?
Well... I prefer the movie... but that might just be because that's the first version I saw and seeing it on stage without those actors playing the characters was different...
Plus, I've only seen FLOB one and a half times, so I don't know it that well.

[Jess046]

1. What do you like about this show? Or, if you're not a fan, what makes it unmemorable for you?

I love RENT because of the beautiful and catchy score, the memorable and realistic characters, the edginess, the issues raised and the overall mantra: no day but today! I also really enjoy the abstract staging, as well as the constant singing.

2. Pick your favorite song in the show and tell us why it's your favorite?

It's a tie between Another Day and La Vie Boheme. Another Day, because it is the central message of the musical and also because it is a really catchy and emotional song. La Vie Boheme because the song is simply FUN (yes, it is that much FUN it needs to be caps). The lyrics are clever and creative and I love what it is celebrating.

3. What is your favorite lyric?

Would it be totally cliché of me to say viva la vie boheme? For me an important piece of lyrics isn't just important because of what it is saying, but the emotion that it carries. Viva la vie boheme is one of my favorites because it is the highest point of energy in the musical and it makes me feel like being a dork and punching the air with the rest of the cast- almost as if I am a part of the experience and there with the bohemians (which I have refrained from doing so, whilst in a public area. Can't say the same for home...)

4. Got a number you just can't stand? Tell us why.

Not really. I never liked Seasons of Love much, though. It's a nice song, but it's overrated.

5. Who's your favorite character?

Always been Mark. I identify with his character the most and I really feel for him as he watches his friends suffer and responds by detaching himself. I know it's something I do all the time. Plus he has a really likeable personality- he's the confident dork and adorable when played by Anthony Rapp.

6. Who is your favorite Rent-related performer?

See above. I feel Anthony Rapp gives the most in his performance- you can just see the passion and the energy. And as Mark, he has the responsibility of carrying a lot of the show.

7. Got a favorite production? What made it so special?

Well, the OBC duh . If you mean in terms of the cast...What makes it so special is the chemistry between the cast, having known each other for so long and been bonded by Jonathan Larson’s death. They created these characters and often, they pretty much are these characters.

8. What do you think of the show as an adaptation of La Boheme?

I have never actually seen La Boheme. I'm not a big opera fan (nor have I ever had access to see the show), but I think it shows that RENT could never be an outdated piece of work since it essentially recreated an even older show (set in an older time period and a different place), showing that its themes are universal and timeless. If it’s not AIDS, it’s something else- the inner problems Mimi, Mark and everybody else are confronted with in the musical will always occur in some form and I imagine La Boheme would show this.

9. Which version on DVD do you prefer and why: the movie, or the one filmed live on Broadway?

That's a hard question for me. I prefer the stage show, but I much prefer the OBC. I fell in love with the stage show, but I also really like the movie as an alternative take on the actual show- I think it sort of stands on its own feet, but it doesn’t quite have the same feel or edginess that the show has. It isn’t bad, just different. Without breaking any forum rules related to certain…erm...'footage' of the show, I obtain alternative versions that satisfy my...erm...needs.