Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Broadway4Life2
Chorus Member Joined: 1/8/06
#0Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 8:15pm
I'm supposedly a newbie since I didn't see the obc and didn't even hear about the show until the movie. I can't help it I live in cali for pete sake!!! Anyway, I hate how newbie people are being treated. All 'RENTHEADS b4 the movie' shut us out like we don't understand. I don't like it one bit but people seem to be ignoring my opinion. I just don't see why original fans treat a show like it's all theirs and no one else can be apart of it. It really hurts cuz to me RENT is all about love not hate and RENTHEAD refers to fans of RENT. To me it shouldn't matter whether a person has seen it or not b4 the movie. They think that newbies just like RENT becuz it's what's cool right now. They all think it's becoming a fad and thye don't want that. I say that if you're a fan of the music and understand what Jonathan was trying to share with us you're a fan. Enough said. Sorry I rambled so much it just really gets to me how unappreciative people can be. If you're a true fan you should appreciate both the movie and show. Can anyone give their opinion?
Updated On: 1/8/06 at 08:15 PM
#1re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 8:37pm
I'd heard about Rent a couple of years ago and had expressed interest in seeing it, but I never got around to it. Then I heard about the movie and started looking into it. I couldn't get tickets, so I figured I'd see the movie to make sure I really wanted to see it, and, well, the rest is history. Now I'm a complete Renthead (loving both the movie and OBCR) and I'm greatly looking forward to when I finally see Rent, which will probably be in March. 
Just in general, a lot of people who are "original" fans of something act rather elite. Whether you saw the movie or the show first, you're still a fan of the show, the music, and the message (unless you're a complete moron who only likes it because everyone else does). We're all Rentheads in the end, so does it really matter?
"A little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing." - Thomas Jefferson
Updated On: 1/8/06 at 08:37 PM
#2re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 8:52pm
I knew nothing of RENT when I saw it for the first time in August of 2004, but after I saw it, (actually while I was seeing it) it became my favorite show and has stayed as such. So I have been a RENThead for over a year now, and yes I have seen the show several times, but I understand how it can be tough for people to get to see shows. I really couldn't have been a RENThead too much earlier, because I was only 14 when I saw it the first time. I would have been 6 when the OBC was performing, so that's definitely out.
I'm happy of anyone who is made a RENThead by the movie. I just hope they will go see the show. And people, do not take the term RENThead lightly. It is a serious responsibility to be obsessed with the show and know all sorts of strange facts that are absolutely useless. Read the Rent bible like it is your life. Because it soon will be. 
Yay RENTheads!!!
Measure your life in love, RENTheads, and keep it always in your heart.
Avatar: Me with Al Larson, Jonathan Larson's father.
Avatar: Me with Al Larson, Jonathan Larson's father.
iluvtheatertrash
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/9/04
#3re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 8:55pmBeen a RENThead for about 7 years now.
"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman
#4re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 9:01pmI do not like the way "Newbie" people are treated either. even though i have seen the stage version 7 times it always bothered me how the RENTHEADS treated other people. GOOD FOR YOU!THAT TOOK GUTS!
#5re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 9:06pm
Broadway4Life2- I am a 'almost original' RENThead (late 1996/ early 1997). The thing I find among MOST (BUT NOT ALL) newbies is that they don't care about the message or even the music, just the 'Hot Actors'. While it sounds like you understand and appreciate the message of RENT you must realize that most of the newbies do not.
If you get the chance you should try and see the show live (either on Broadway or on tour). I strongly believe that the message comes across much stronger live.
David walked into the valley
With a stone clutched in his hand
He was only a boy
But he knew someone must take a stand
There will always be a valley
Always mountains one must scale
There will always be perilous waters
Which someone must sail
-Into the Fire
Scarlet Pimpernel
#6re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 9:06pm
I have no problem with anyone whose seen the movie and its had an impact in their life. RENT is very important to me, and I think everyone should have RENT in their life. It's had a positive impact in my life, and I have followed this whole movie process for over seven months since before the blog started back in May. I have taped every single appearance and TV trailer for RENT, and saved newspapers/magazines.
What bothers me is people who have just discovered the movie who go around saying how they are the biggest rent fan. And talking how they know everything. I have had people who I know come up to me telling me how they're obsessed with it and how they like it more then I do. It's almost an insult. Following the RENT movie was my life this past year, as sad as that might be. And, it's almost annoying. I'm not saying everybody, but there are certain people who can be annoying. I don't want to get beat up for anything I say, I think its wonderful if you love RENT, I really do..there are just some people who can tend to be annoying.
and also, i think that it took me awhile to really understand RENT, and I feel that sometimes I still learn about things from the show..and I don't feel that after seeing it once you can really 'understand' RENT
Updated On: 1/8/06 at 09:06 PM
#7re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 9:07pm
Some RENTheads do have a rather elitist attitude. There are some sites where people get really pissy... But if you're a RENThead, just be proud of it and share in the love with other RENTheads who are in love with the show like you (and me)!
xM3L24x I agree with you completely.
Measure your life in love, RENTheads, and keep it always in your heart.
Avatar: Me with Al Larson, Jonathan Larson's father.
Updated On: 1/8/06 at 09:07 PM
Avatar: Me with Al Larson, Jonathan Larson's father.
MissElphie
Broadway Star Joined: 4/4/05
#8re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 9:07pmI've been a fan since the OBC, but I have no problem with newbies, as long as they see the show for what it is and aren't just fans cause Idina was in the movie. As long as they are a true RENT fan, than I say the more RENTheads the better.
SweetQintheLights
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/12/05
#9re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 9:11pm
A few years ago I was interested in seeing RENT on Broadway but my parents didn't like it- in fact, my whole family didn't like it. I trusted them because they have pretty good taste. When I heard the movie was coming out I was excited because I could see it for 7$ and decide if I like it.
A few months later I was in NY and I was with my friend and heard RENT lotto was easy. We won and enjoyed it from the first row for 20$. I enjoyed it very much and I'm glad I got to see it on Broadway.
With that said, I do not consider myself a "RENTHEAD."
"How bout a little black dress?"~hannahshule
"I have a penis, not a vagina." ~munkustrap178
plastic-pickle-tub
Swing Joined: 1/12/05
#10re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 9:11pm
I agree with you nolatheatre. I have loved RENT for many years now and am in love with the music and story. But i think people need to get off of their high horses and just be happy that this story is getting into the mainstream. I think its funny how protective people get over shows. If someone likes it awesome, even if its just the movie, although i would encourage them to see the stage production as it is much more powerful. But non the less Jonathan Larson wrote this show not just to be, but to be heard and seen. He wrote it for the message. So let the message be heard. The movie was not watered down that much so all you RENTheads, be proud and happy that so many people love RENT as much as you!!!!! 
#11re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 9:11pm
OMGZ ADAM PASCAL HAS THE BEST ASS EVER!
Sorry. I don't know. I mean, for me, it's only been a couple of years. Four, I think. I have a tendency to be offended when people say and mean seriously that there should be requirements for what it means to love the show -- I can take a joke about how I was only ten in '96 and didn't sleep on the street, of course, but I think nobody has the right to tell me that the show means less to me, and all. I hate this topic because it makes me feel like a dirty hypocrite. I have no right to think newbies have no brains, and maybe it's incorrect to pick and choose, but I have to look around at some of what goes on and think "have you a brain cell in your head?" Perhaps they do, but I wish they acted like it. That said, I've no issue with people who discovered Rent through the movie, and who can act maturely about it. I hope that whatever they see in Rent will get them to see more theatre if that's where they stand now, etc. But I'm sorry, I have no patience for people who can do nothing but spout unintelligible squealing.
#12re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 9:13pm
I think that you should like the show for the right reasons.
and i'm also very happy that the stage show is doing so much better
Updated On: 1/8/06 at 09:13 PM
#13re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 9:18pm
It's not a time thing specifically I don't think. Some people get it sooner than others. And yes, if you love the show, your love does grow over time and you understand more over time. But you don't have to, like, have known the show for 3 years or something to be a RENThead. Some people saw the obc, liked the show, but are still not RENTheads. And that's ok. Part of being a RENThead is respecting people who like the show but aren't RENTheads. (Though those people who hate RENT are just crazy... )
Measure your life in love, RENTheads, and keep it always in your heart.
Avatar: Me with Al Larson, Jonathan Larson's father.
Avatar: Me with Al Larson, Jonathan Larson's father.
renthead92
Broadway Star Joined: 10/23/05
#14re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 9:56pmI've been a Renthead for about 2 years now. I do realize the message behind it. I can't imagine my life without it. It has changed my life so much. It tought me to accept me people no matter what there sexuality, race, sex, or age. Long live the REAL Rentheads!
#15re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 9:58pmI found out about it in 2000 so I am a mid-RENTHEAD
"They're eating her and then they're going to eat me. OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!" -Troll 2
Dramatic_Irony
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/26/05
#16re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 10:12pmI'm a newbie as in I never saw the OBC on Broadway, and saw the play for the first time last year. But I'm an "original" as in I fell in love with Rent before hearing about the movie. I also don't like the way people that have only seen the movie are treated. True, some of them don't seem to understand the message, but most of them do, and a lot are verbally attacked once fanatics hear that they haven't seen the play yet.
Grief does not expire like a candle or the beacon on a lighthouse. It simply changes temperature. -Nocturne
DramaDork925
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/4/05
#17re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 10:15pmNewbie... I've been a fan since last June-ish...
Am I cut out to spend my time this way?
#18re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 10:15pmI only got to know Rent about a year, but I do consider myself a "real renthead". I think anyone who loves the show, the music, and gets the message is a renthead. What DOES make me mad, though, is when people have "standards" for being a renthead- like you have to have seen the show 6 times, and the OBC at least once. Or when people say "OMG I love Rent! Like the seasons of love song? 5 kabillion, 7000 million and 62 seconds! Its the best show ever!"
AngelofAvenueB
Understudy Joined: 3/1/05
#19re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 10:20pmI'm a 'newbie' in the fact that I've only known about Rent for a year and a half. But I fell in love with it and had seen the show twice on tour before I found out it was being made into a movie. I'm really glad that so many people have seen the movie and gotten the message it sends (granted, most people who see it and haven't seen the stage show really DON'T get the message) but I am confused by the people who treat movie-newbies badly. Like you said, Rent is about love and accepting new people into a family. So (at risk of being severely bitched out) people should drop the drama and accept newbies because frankly, they give Rentheads a bad name.
forget regret...
#20re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 10:21pm
I am going to come up with a RENThead quiz. And hint: if the first song that comes to your mind when someone says RENT is Seasons of Love, that is not being a RENThead. lol. I'm sorry. I love that song but it's not my favorite from the show. RENT makes me thing of La Vie Boheme, plain and simple. Seasons of Love got so overplayed in November. And suddenly everyone who knew that song thought they were RENTheads. Agh. Do not disgrace the name of RENThead!!!
Measure your life in love, RENTheads, and keep it always in your heart.
Avatar: Me with Al Larson, Jonathan Larson's father.
Avatar: Me with Al Larson, Jonathan Larson's father.
#21re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 10:28pmAlthough I have been one to speak out against the "newbie" RENTheads, I think that if you truly understand what RENT is about and love it as much as the rest of us who have known RENT since the beginning, then thats great and welcome to RENTheadom... my problem is, like others have said, that MOST and not all but most newbies truly only like RENT because it is now a movie, and Adam Pascal is sooo hott and bla bla bla and dont really understand RENT at all... on top of that the movie leaves a LOT out and as good as it was, it could have been a lot better. So honestly if you are claiming to be a RENThead only because of the movie, and only after seeing just the movie, you can't really be truly one because its not the whole story or the original songs or lines for the most part, but if you love RENT great! learn it live it love it! Just don't be surprised that others who have loved the REAL RENT for years don't think your love will add up or whatever or some bull**** like that. the world needs more rentheads! lol okay sorry this was long, I just hattee these stupid girls who think RENT is cool now so want to be RENTheads and really dont give a ****... if you are not one of them, go for it be a real renthead and have fun!
"That boy could use some Prozac"
elphatine
Broadway Star Joined: 5/1/05
#22re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 10:30pm
I guess I'm a newbie... I first saw the show in March on a whim. I was supposed to be seeing Brooklyn - talk about good fortune!!!!
It was immediate, though. I fell head over heels with it's spirit, and passion, and irreverency, and... well, I guess you all know. I had heard so much about the show, and when I finally got the opportunity to see it, I guess I just didn't know what to think. I mean, when I was 9, I had family friends who went into NYC all the time and just kept seeing Rent over and over, so I knew it must have something to it... didn't know it was gonna be like it is today, though. I consider myself a true Renthead. As soon as I see a show, it becomes my life. I can honestly say I knew almost every word to the OBCR in about two weeks.
People who are introduced to movie versions of shows first usually get bad raps and are considered posers and whatnot by people who've experienced the show first, but I really don't think that's fair. And I know what I'm talking about, because I saw the Phantom movie before I saw the Broadway show, and that's one of my favorite shows of all time, as well.
I guess what I'm trying to say is this - it's art. It's for everyone. It doesn't matter what version you saw first. As long as you love it.
#23re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 10:41pmAlmost original...
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
#24re: Original RENTHEAD or 'Newbie'?
Posted: 1/8/06 at 10:46pm
Although I think that everyone who understands and appreciates the message of Rent should be treated without contempt, two major pet peeves of mine have been emerging:
a) ignorant people completely misunderstanding it (like my cousin, who thought it was about "a bunch of gay people with AIDS who are too lazy to get jobs and pay their rent")
b) teenyboppers obsessing about "Seasons of Love." I now almost puke whenever I hear that song thanks to homophobic teenyboppers singing it everywhere I go (homophobic meaning that they shout "Ew!" during the movie whenever Collins/Angel and Maureen/Joanne kiss.
Phew, okay. Rant over. Back to tolerance.
"A little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing." - Thomas Jefferson
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