It's great to see that the live audience are excited and fully immersed in the story until most pivotal scenes of the show is distracted by the noisy audience.
- Jan 28, 2019
AceShowbiz - Many people who tuned in for FOX's "Rent (2019)", which aired on Sunday, January 27, have taken to social media to express their frustration. It's not because of the live production of popular Broadway musical is disappointing, but it's because of the live audience who seemingly would not let them enjoy the show in peace.
Fans were enraged, complaining that the live audience's cheering was too loud during pivotal scenes of the show that it drowned out the music. During Angel's big number "Today 4 U", Valentina appeared on the stage and people welcomed her with thunderous applause.
It was great to see that the audience were excited and fully immersed in the story until the first half of her performance was distracted. Audience members made so much noise as she strutted passed a group in the audience.
"Like why the audience…. whyyyyyy…. why are you ruiningggg thissss?" a Twitter user complained. "The real villain of #rentlive is this AWFUL AUDIENCE," added one other.
The real villain of #rentlive is this AWFUL AUDIENCE.
— Arielle Cole (@whenariyells) January 28, 2019
Another critic wrote, "The sound quality, audience noise and lack of understudies (so that it would actually be live) are all working hard against this event. 'The show must go on' doesn't mean taped. #RentLive." Another user, meanwhile, revealed that she "can't with all this noise from the audience #RentLive," alongside a GIF of Arnold Schwarzenegger yelling, "Shut up!"
The sound quality, audience noise and lack of understudies (so that it would actually be live) are all working hard against this event. “The show must go on” doesn’t mean taped. #RentLive
— Rob Clendening (@monon1971) January 28, 2019
I can’t with all this noise from the audience 🤦🏽♀️ #RentLivepic.twitter.com/FNW0GJGYXd
— Marismom83 (@MARISMOM83) January 28, 2019
While some live TV musicals had gone without audience members, it is said that FOX opted to have live audience after the success of its "Grease Live" in 2016. According to American Theatre, there were around 1,500 people in the audience for this semi-live production.
The distraction aside, "Rent" wrapped up things in an epic ending. Original Broadcast stars joined the cast members, who included Vanessa Hudgens, Kiersey Clemons, Tinashe, Valentina, Mario, Jordan Fisher, Brandon Victor Dixon and Brennin Hunt, on the stage to perform "Season of Love".
Among them who made a return for the special performance were Idina Menzel, Taye Diggs, Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jesse L. Martin, Wilson Jermaine Heredia and Fredi Walke.
A day prior to the premiere, "Rent" revealed that one of its cast member, Brennin Hunt, suffered a broken ankle during dress rehearsal on Saturday, January 26. Through an official statement, the live production assured that Hunt, who plays singer-songwriter Roger Davis in the adaptation, would still appear at the production with the producers using pre-recorded segments from the Saturday rehearsal for the broadcast.
