Page 4 - 2018HOLIDAYS

4 January 27 - February 2, 2019 cover story
By Kyla Brewer
TV Media
Television offers a respite for many weary viewers, but there’s nothing like the thrill of live theater.A major broad- caster is about to make live performance
Sing out
Fox brings Broadway to television with ‘Rent’
El Dorado News-Times
cause, mama-girl, I’m always live,” Valen- tina quipped.
Dixon was equally optimistic about the televised version of the musical:
“I think particularly at this time with a lot of the distress and the conflict we see, I think it’s so important to see a group of friends that really learn and discover that love transforms anything,” Dixon said. “Love transforms disease — the disease of prejudice, disease itself, transforms the disease of poverty, xenophobia, patriar- chy. Our message is to measure yourself in love — the love you give and the love you allow yourself to receive.”
The original Broadway run of “Rent” lasted 12 years, was performed 5,123 times and grossed more than $280 million.There have been a number of national tours as well, in addition to international productions performed in 25 languages. In 2005, Chris Columbus (“Home Alone,” 1990) directed a big- screen adaptation of the musical starring most of the original Broadway cast.
Through the magic of television, Fox brings “Rent’s” uplifting message to mil- lions of people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to see it, whether because of cost, location or other fac- tors.There was a time when many of the programs shown on television were live, but these days live TV isn’t as common. However, Fox’s live production of “Rent” is part of a growing trend among major broadcasters, who have been strug- gling to compete with on-demand and streaming services. In 2013, NBC kicked off the recent trend with “The Sound of Music Live” starring Carrie Underwood (“American Idol”), and followed it up with “Peter Pan Live” (2014), “The Wiz Live” (2015), “Hairspray Live” (2016) and “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” (2018). Fox’s past offerings include “The Passion” (2016), “Grease: Live” (2016) and “A Christmas Story Live” (2017).
Such programs have fared well in the ratings department and “Rent” has the potential to be a hit.At times gritty and
heartbreaking, the story has resonated with thousands,
if not millions, of theater- goers, some of whom
even refer to themselves as RENT-heads. Now, many more will have the opportunity to see
the show as the musical “Rent,” premieres Sun-
day, Jan. 27, on Fox.
Valentina as seen in “Rent”
more accessible with a televised produc- tion of one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals.
Seven struggling artists reach for their dreams in New York City’s East Village in an era of political and social unrest in a live/tape delayed production of “Rent,”
airing Sunday, Jan. 27, on Fox. Inspired by Giacomo Puccini’s “La Bohème,” “Rent” was written by late composer and play- wright Jonathan Larson, who also wrote the music and lyrics.
The show first premiered Off-Broad- way at the New York Theatre Workshop on Jan. 25, 1996, before moving to Broadway in April of the same year. Unfortunately, Larson didn’t live to see its Off-Broadway premiere, as he died of an aortic dissection that morning, at the age of 35. He was awarded a number of posthumous awards for the rock musical, including three Tonys and a Pulitzer Prize.
It’s been more than 20 years since the play first premiered, but many feel that it’s just as relevant today as it was back then.
“The title is so iconic, the music is so beloved, and the themes are as meaning- ful today as they were when the show first premiered on Broadway,” Fox execu- tives Dana Walden and Gary Newman said in an official release.
“Rent” was a groundbreaking pro- duction in the ‘90s because it addressed AIDS, homophobia, addiction and other taboo subjects, and producers have as- sembled top caliber talent to bring the story to a whole new generation. Some of the world’s most renowned musical theater artists take to the soundstage for this television version.
Jordan Fisher (“Liv and Maddie”) stars as Mark Cohen, a Jewish- American filmmaker who also serves
as the narrator of the show. Country music singer-songwriter Brennin Hunt (“Nashville”) plays Mark’s roommate and best friend, a struggling musician named Roger Davis. Mark and Roger’s former roommate-turned-landlord Benjamin Coffin III is portrayed by R&B artist Mario (“Step Up,” 2006).Tony and Emmy-nominated actor Brandon Victor Dixon (“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert”) has been cast as MarkandRoger’sfriend,TomCollins,a computer scientist who returns to New York after being expelled from MIT. One- time Disney darling Vanessa Hudgens (“High School Musical,” 2006) stars as Mark’s ex-girlfriend, Maureen. Kiersey Clemons (“Dope,” 2015) appears as Maureen’s girlfriend, Joanne Jefferson, an Ivy League-educated lawyer. Pop singer Tinashe (“The Polar Express,” 2004) tackles the role of Mimi Marquez, a dancer who struggles with addiction. Finally, drag queen Valentina (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”) makes her debut as Angel, a drag queen and street musician.
Performing alongside such seasoned artists may be intimidating to some, but Valentina seems to be handling it all with her usual poise.When “ET’s” Keltie Knight stopped by the set of the live musical in November, she spoke with Valentina and Dixon about the upcoming production and asked Valentina about the show.
“I’m definitely taking on a lot, but I’m so excited, especially because it’s live be-
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