Neil Patrick Harris in TTB

[katancelt]

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Comments

[mnmstarr]

I just left London but luckily, I was able to catch it while I was there. It was my second time seeing the show (I saw a small performance of it in Charlotte, NC a few months ago) and I thought the actors did a great job. I even got to meet Neil Patrick Harris after the show. He definitely played Jonathan differently though.

The thing I was saddest about was the loss of props. When I saw the production the first time it had a gorgeous set and a bunch of small props that really added to the play. (A telephone with the wire connecting Jon and Susan in Therapy, a steering wheel for the driving scenes with Jon and Michael, diner stools for Sunday, and my favorite, blocks that spelled Rent when compiled togeter.)

Other than that, I thought it was a great performance - especially considering the price! I must agree that Come to Your Senses was done beautifully. At my performance, Jon was mouthing the lyrics as Karessa sang which was just a nice addition.

[katancelt]

Wow, I don't remember the Rent blocks--maybe they weren't in the other production of it that I've seen, or maybe I just didn't notice them. That's really cool, though.

Shit, he mouthed the words?! That's so amazing. Oh man. NPH needs to do TTB again in the US so more people can see that performance!

[mnmstarr]

I'm wondering if that was just something the Charlotte company decided to do. It was SOOO amazing though. If that had done that in your production, I doubt you would have forgotten.

Yeah, that would be great if NPH brought TTB back to the US... especially since it's so hard to find productions of it in the first place. I have a bunch of friends that really want to see it but just haven't had the opportunity.

[katancelt]

That's true, it could have just been that production. What did they do with the blocks? Were they by the piano or something?

TTB is really a show that should always have a production of it running somewhere. It's so small and cheap there's no reason not to do it! I know Oberlin is actually doing a production this coming school year, so if you're in Ohio (or can get there), there's that!

[mnmstarr]

I'll try to explain the blocks as best as I can. Throughout the play, the blocks were set up all across the stage as places where the characters could sit and what not. Then, after the intermission a bunch more appeared in the rooftop area (that doubled as the stage for Superbia). The blocks were all turned at different angles so it didn't look like they were anything special. Then during "Louder than Words" the actors began moving all of the blocks together creating a large sign with the Rent logo on it that was (if I'm remembering correctly) 4 blocks long and 2 blocks high.

I have to agree with you about the show. I mean, Jonathan made it a low budget production for a reason and it's so sad that it's so hard to find. I don't know that I'd be able to make the Oberlin production but my dad lives in Michigan which is only a state away so maybe... *is hopeful* Thanks for the information. You don't know of any New York productions, do you? lol

[katancelt]

I don't know of any NY productions, sorry--if I do hear of any, though, I'll be sure to let people know.

[mnmstarr]

Okay, thanks. :)

I adore the icon, btw. :)