Final Rent Performance to Be Filmed

The final performance on September 7th of the long-running Broadway musical Rent will be filmed for "future screenings in movie theaters around the country," according to Playbill.com. No doubt "director" Chris Columbus's execrable film version of Rent wasn't document enough of this landmark show.

This effort is apparently part of a new venture from Sony Pictures called The Hot Ticket, which will film live events such as concerts, sporting events, and arts performances for viewing in special digital movie theaters nationwide. Among the other Hot Ticket performances will be Cirque du Soleil's music concert Delirium, which is currently touring Europe.

I wonder if, after the new filmed version of Rent is through touring the country, the movie will then be released on DVD. It certainly stands to reason: Why would Sony eschew this additional revenue stream?

I also wonder if the notion of filmed Broadway shows will catch on, much in the same way that The Metropolitan Opera has started simulcasting productions in movie theaters nationwide. Of course, operas are more limited-run events, and often quite dependent on the particular performers involved. And operas don't tend to tour the country as Broadway musicals do. But then, the recent MTV broadcast of Legally Blonde has demonstrated that people will still see a show live even when they've seen it on TV. The show is even going to tour as part of Broadway Across America's 2008-2009 season.

Of course, future efforts similar to the Rent event will be contingent on whether this one makes money. So, if you're interested in seeing more Broadway shows at a theater near you, you might want to check out Rent when it comes to your cineplex.

Comments

[Vance]

As much as I love live theatre, I think this could be an exciting idea. It seems to be working for the Met and Opera and apparently the quality is fantastic. Plus, something better should be documented for Rent to erase mediocrity of the movie.

[chris caggiano]

Yeah, I'm totally with you, Vance. Plus, the new version will presumably have the advantage of performers who are slightly...fresher, shall we say?

[Vance]

Granted i actually didn't mind Pascal and Rapp last summer when they returned for a stint on Broadway. In fact, IMHO they were the best performers in the show still.

But I'm excited about Will Chase and Eden Espinoza!

[Colleen Barber]

I have a friend who LOVES RENT.
She fell in love with it, since she heard the song
ONE SONG GLORY. When the show appeared in 1996.
And she ALWAYS does the ENTIRE ACT I/last 15-20 minutes of ACT II EVERY Christmas Eve.
Synching the time of night too.
She told me and my daughter Alicia, she hopes that
she sees the FINAL RENT ON BROADWAY at the movies on September 27th/28th.
If they play it at Tucson,Az.