I became acquainted with"Rent" via a music video playing in a restaurant where I was waiting for some takeout food. Cool, I though, so that's "Rent". I filed the information away, and a year later when I found the video for sale at a rental place, I snapped it up. And loved it, which I knew I would, somehow. I never thought I'd get to see it live, so when I saw the poster for it in Seoul a few months ago, I was ecstatic.
Two friends said they would go with me: Alan and Steve. The cheaper tickets were sold out, so we had to get $90 tickets. We saw the 3:00 show on Saturday.
The good? Good view from pretty much everywhere. Acoustics. Lots of energy. People excited. The two original members who played Mark and Roger, who were extremely comfortable in the roles. Great band who played without missing a beat.
The bad? The story was a little difficult to understand for people who didn't know it, and some of the lyrics were unclear. Small stage. Personally, I found myself missing some of the big scale effects of the movie. For instance, Angel in her Santa Claus suit. In the movie, she did a lot more acrobatics and drumming on pipes. Also, in the "La Vie Bohemme", I found myself looking for the things I saw in the movie that I didn't see in the play.
Don't get me wrong. It was a grand performance, and I'm glad I went. But just like usual, the reality couldn't match up with my anticipation of it.
Sounds like a good time. :)
ReplyDeleteIf I hadn't had the sinus infection I might have gone up to Seoul for the afternoon/evening.
If you see Phantom with the original cast coming let me know. :)
I saw Rent on stage five times, before there was a movie even in the works. I saw it once in Canada, and four times in the USA. When I saw it in Chicago, Anthony Rapp (The original cast Mark) was making an appearance as Mark.
ReplyDeleteWhen the movie came out, it was so true to the stage play, it was hardly worth mentioning any of the differences, they did such a nice job of the adaptation.
Sorry to hear that the Seoul production didn't meet with your expectations for the large scale effects, but I can assure you, they were present in the stage versions I've seen.
Hey Dyale,
ReplyDeleteI didn't see an email so I am writing you through the comment box.
I needed more information on Rent in Seoul. It's hard finding ticket information regarding musicals.
Where do you buy the tickets? (if you could be so kind in providing a link that would be great) Is it still playing? And where?
Thanks,
Enu.
email is inwooatgmaildotcom