rent... there's nothing like the first time

So I originally saw the amazing Broadway musical RENT on Broadway, circa 1996, with the original Broadway cast. It was an AMAZING experience.

Then I saw the touring version in LA at the Ahmanson (I think), starring Neil Patrick Harris as Mark. I was pleasantly surprised by his talent and the production, even though nothing could compare to the original.

Last night, 14 years after the original's Broadway premiere, Neil Patrick Harris directed a new production of the show at the Hollywood Bowl. My friend Diana and I decided to go at the last minute out of sure curiosity... How would they stage an intimate Broadway show in an amphitheater that seats 70,000 people? Would the cast of Broadway vets mixed with Hollywood names (to sell the tickets) mesh? And most importantly, how much would my ears hurt as Vanessa Hudgens (Disney starlet of High School Musical fame) sang the songs that Daphne Rubin Vega originally made famous as the character of drug addict "Mimi"?

The answers in order:
The sets were pre-set all over the Bowl's giant stage, and lighting focused you in on where to look... well, that and the jumbotrons, since anyone not in a box seat really couldn't see much of what was actually happening on the stage.

The cast -- overall -- was awesome. Telly Lueng (the Broadway production's last "Angel"), Tracie Thoms (who was Joanne in the film and also at the end of the Broadway run) and Aaron Tveit (as Roger) anchored the Broadway vet side, along with original cast member/"Seasons of Love" soloist Gwen Stewart. The "Hollywood names" were led by a very impressive Wayne Brady as Tom Collins (the role originated by Jesse Martin), and Nicole Scherzinger (last season's Dancing with the Stars champ, and lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls), who surprisingly took the role of Maureen, originated by the amazing Idina Menzel, and made it her own in a humorous, strong and powerful way. (She and Tracie Thoms killed it on "Take Me or Leave Me.")

Then there was Miss Hudgens as Mimi... you know, the sultry drug addict who steals Roger's heart. I will give her credit. After a very shaky start with the Mimi/Roger "Light My Candle" duet (Look! You can hear it for yourself here ... YouTube is awesome.), she came back out for "Out Tonight" and attacked the role, slinking and strutting across the stage in those shiny blue hotpants. Her vocals were definitely the weakest link in the production -- and kind of took you out of the moment at some key plot moments -- but she didn't make my ears bleed as I originally feared she might, so good for her.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable, if not FREEZING (Why did I consciously decide to leave my Bowl blanket in the car again?!?!), evening. It was in no way, shape or form as moving as when I first saw it on Broadway, but it was worth the price of admission. The crowd (and Entertainment Weekly) seemed to agree. The only bummer was no curtain call by NPH. I know he knows the words to Seasons of Love... he could've come out and joined the chorus line. Oh well.