There simply had to be a better way to rescueRent: Live.
The Fox musical extravaganza experienced two tragedies over the weekend.
1: StarBrennin Hunt broke his ankleduring dress rehearsal.
Credit: Ray Mickshaw/FOX
2: No one makingRent: Liveever heard the word understudy.
With no backup Roger, the show pulled the ripcord.
TV viewers on Sunday were mostly watching a replay of Saturdays filmed rehearsal.
Was the production just too ambitious for its own good?
There were so many cameras swirling around that giant set.
Rent: Livewas best in small interactions like this, quiet moments filmed grandly.
(Tinashe can really sing, but some of the other cast members had high-note issues.
Were they saving themselves for the Sunday that never came?)
A bit of nostalgia here, no question: Imagine young adults who still care about selling out!
Some magic all of it?
was lost in the tape delay.
My wife wondered why the producers didnt just quickly hire someone who played Roger onstage.
Okay then, smart guy, why not just put Hunt on the table for the whole show?
Mumble mumble choreography mumble mumble.
You wonder ifRent: Livewouldve been better as a messier, on-the-fly, put-Brennin-Hunt-in-a-wheelbarrow show.
You wonder if something is lost when a glossy recreation of an Off-Broadway masterwork is too elaborate for improvisation.
But going non-live still felt awkward, like some basic existential rule had been breached.)
Heres one final late fix for the Broken Foot Breakdown:Rentwithout Roger?
you’ve got the option to never praise the shows late creator Jonathan Larson too much.
In 2019, I swear Ive seen that subplot on two different superhero shows.
DidRentget some new teen fans tonight?
Tinashes performance was very strong.
As Tom Collins, Brandon Victor Dixon really brought the house down in his big funeral number.
(The Greatest Showmans Keala Settle stole some memorable moments as the support group leader.
)Vanessa Hudgensgot the superstar treatment, introduced via motorcycle flourish, flying overhead during Over the Moon.
Vanessa Hudgens should be in every live TV musical, in conclusion.
Lots to enjoy and yet, there was something a bit remote about thisRent.
ButRent: Livemay be best remembered for teaching us all an obvious lesson.
If youre gonna call yourself alivemusical, then, well.B-
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