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Wednesday, January 16, 2008

How do you measure?

The New York Times is reporting that Rent, the long-running Jonathan Larson rock opera is closing on June 1, 2008. Personally, I'm a big fan of this show, but even its detractors have to admit that this ground-breaking production forever changed the way we look at musical theatre. I believe that if there had been no Rent, there never would have been a Spring Awakening, another favorite of mine at the moment.
In other Rent-related news, Idina Menzel's new album, I Stand, will be in stores January 29, 2008. You can pre-order a special package deal at her website. (I don't know, there's a tote bag or something.)
Just as I believe that Spring Awakening would not exist if not for Rent, I believe also that Rent would not exist if not for Hair, and it looks like The Avenue will be mounting their version of the 60's free love, anti-war, tribal rock musical this summer. I'm very excited for that, but I'll just have to wait.
A few shows for which I do not have to wait are:
-Uncorked Productions' Closer, featuring two of my favorite actresses, Trina Magness and L. Corwin Christie, opening this weekend,
-Firehouse Theatre Company's Music From A Sparkling Planet directed by Bernie Cardell and featuring a number of NextStage alums,
-and Spotlight Theatre Company's The Tender Trap directed by Pat Payne (who brought us last year's farcical duplex Run For Your Wife and Caught in the Net) and Deb Flomberg.

By the way, piglets, are you sad that Rent is closing, excited about Idina's new album, want to talk about theatre in Colorado, or theatre in general? Swing by the Theatre Colorado Message Boards and join the online discussions. I just started one over there that raises the question of "Are there too many theatre companies in the area?" Ooh, juicy. Come on over and tell me to "get stuffed." (You know you want to, don't you?)

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