CMU School of Drama


Friday, September 05, 2008

Sony Follows the Met Opera to the Movies

MusicalAmerica - Performing Arts News: "With such phrases as “for the first time ever,” Sony Pictures’ Hot Ticket division has announced plans to “cinecast” the final performance of “Rent,” which closes on Sunday after a 12-year run on Broadway. The event will be cinecast in “select movie theaters….utilizing the latest in High-Definition video and digital audio technology.”
Sound familiar?"

13 comments:

Kelli Sinclair said...

The idea of the last performance of Rent being shown on a movie screen makes some sense. There are many fans of Rent all across the country and many of them would love to be there for the last showing. Though this isn't possible many of them will be grateful for this opportunity. Although I hope other Broadway shows do not do this with their show. It is an appropriate reason for Rent, but other shows there is no reason for them besides advertising. Though I hope it doesn't grow into that.

Brooke Marrero said...

I think it was a good idea to do this with Rent, seeing as those who don't know much about it on stage already at least have a clue as to it being produced in theaters. This is a way to give people who normally would not be able to see a Broadway show the chance. I also don't think that it should become a regular occurrence, but in Rent's case I think it is a good idea.

Anonymous said...

This is a monumental first step in bringing stage performances to a wider audience. It can help with a lot of issues for towns and cities that can't support touring shows and will help hook the younger generations by creating a more affordable and casual experience.

Anonymous said...

Although seeing this stage musical performed on the big screen can in no way compare to seeing it live on stage, I think this is a great way to help bring this groundbreaking musical to the masses as it ends its Broadway run. There are people who want to see this who can't make it to NYC, and this will help give them a small taste of the "Rent" experience. Hopefully it will excite people and encourage them to go see more plays and musicals on stage.

Anonymous said...

This definitely is a step forward for not only Broadway but also for Distributing companies such as Sony. Hopefully other theatres will work with companies to do this and generate more income. However it's not only a good thing because of income but also to remind audiences that theatre still exists and hopefully there will be a larger demand for theatre.

AllisonWeston said...

I agree with many of the other commentors that the idea of taping the last performance of Rent does make sense, but that is because this is a special case. Like Kelli, I think that it would be inappropriate for other less popular shows. This is a great way to bring the magic of Rent to those around the country who cannot afford to see a Broadway show. Hopefully this will help increase the demand for theatre in the U.S.

Hjohnson said...

Not only does this make sense for people who would really want to see the final performance of Rent but are unable to, it's a great opportunity for people who hated the movie. I'm not in love with the movie either, but I feel like a lot of people hate it intensely because they expected it to essentially be a filmed version of the theatrical performance.

arosenbu said...

I agree with most of what is being said, although I find the importance of Rent being shown on screen different from the others. Yes, it is a very popular show. But I think the added appeal of showing it is in the storyline about documenting real life to show audiences everywhere and spread the word to "ACT UP...FIGHT AIDS..." Johnathan Larson wanted to get his message across, which such a long run has certainly done. But it adds to the spreading of the true message behind the show. That we must pay attention and help our fellow man. The movie did not do this message justice, and I hope that the screening of the last performance does.

AndrewLeitch said...

I'm sad to see RENT finally go after so many years; however, I'm glad they're filming the final show and doing the farewell tour. RENT's always been one of my favorite shows, despite any writing or plot problems due to the show not being completed. By showing the final performance in movie theatres is really exciting and I think allows a new, perhaps more diverse, audience to see the show. This is so exciting!

Anonymous said...

I am not surprised to see the show getting broadcast for its final performance, which simply stands as a testament to the importance of the show. This trend seems to be catching on. Of course, there was the Legally Blonde disaster on MTV. Also, Spike Lee filmed Passing Strange before its (untimely) closing, with plans for that to eventually be broadcast on BET.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm.... I don't really understand why they're doing this. I mean, I do, it's to make money. But it seems like just about everyone has seen RENT, and theatrical productions never look good over television, so I kind of don't know why this idea went through. After the MTVcast of Legally Blonde, and now this, I am starting to wonder if the 'dying art' of the theatre isn't just turning into some sort of 21st century monster.

NorthSide said...

I love this idea of bringing experiences to you. I hope that Sony plans to at least distribute their special broadcasts eventually becuase the quality is amazing. I don't think enough people take advantage of this and the engagements aren't long enought, but there's something amazing about how this idea is bringing the world experiences closer to us in it's original form and not just fabricated in Hollywood. Seeing Rent and seeing the movie Rent are two entirely different experiences.

David Beller said...

I appreciate the want to keep a record of such an amazing show that has, in many peoples opinion, changed musical theatre. However, I do believe that there are many potential negatives that could come out of this type of recording and re-showing. Live theatre is still utilized because it allows the audience to connect with the characters/story in a much more human way than through a camera and movie screen, and because of this, I do not believe that this method could transfer the emotions and experience of being an audience member. And although those who have experienced a live performance, the people who haven’t may get a bad idea of what live theatre is about.