And the awards for most self-indulgent project at the NYMF goes to...

Anthony Rapp, who is still desperately trying to stay relevant by reminding us of his work on a show that hasn't been relevant in at least 5 years. "Without Out" is Rapp's one-man show about his trials and tribulations around the time that he was cast in a little show called Rent.

You know, the show that he was still touring with up until last year, despite the fact that he is now a decade too old to play Mark Cohen??

I hate to be cynical about it. Rapp, in his prime, was a capable stage performer. But if you want people to see you as a performer with more depth than the guy who sang "La Vie Boheme", then stop milking the Rent train already.

And really, shouldn't one-person, autobiographical shows be reserved for huge stars? Billy Crystal did it, Liza Minelli did it. Even Carrie fisher got away with it, but at least she had some crazy drunken, cocaine infused stories to tell. Rapp isn't a star. How many people are going to pay $75 to see him rehash the story of Jonathan Larson's death in an off-Broadway theater??

On a bright note, there does seem to be some interesting entries at the NYMF this year. I'm hoping to check out a couple while visiting the city next week. anyone have a suggestion??

In the meantime, enjoy the video from NY1, of Rapp promoting his new project.

http://www.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/on_stage/126037/nymf-prepares-for-annual-celebration

Rent- As Explained by a 5 Year Old

My girlfriend recently choreographed a student production of Rent here in Sacramento. During the tech week, she had to bring her 5 year old daughter to the rehearsals. Surely, little Juliette would not be able to grasp the adult concepts of the show, right? Well, watch this video and judge for yourself.

Have a great weekend. And try not to catch an "AIDS cold"

When stunt casting goes bad....

This summer's production of Rent at the Hollywood Bowl is taking stunt casting to a whole new level, as it may be the first show in recent memory to hire a stunt director. The press release touted Neil Patrick Harris, who played Mark on Broadway, to make his musical directorial debut.

I have no problem with this decision at all. Harris is a smart guy, passionate about the show, and has directing experience from the TV world, so staging this production doesn't seem like a stretch.

However, like many fans, I hopped aboard the "WTF Express" when it was announced that High School Musical's Vanessa Hudgens would be playing the role of Mimi. You know you have made a questionable decision when you are already on the defensive in the press release, but here is the official statement:

Harris says "She seems really committed to honoring the somewhat iconic role of Mimi".

Not exactly a ringing endorsement, eh? He might as well have said "Bless her heart, the poor untalented thing. She's trying hard, but holy Christ, this is gonna suuuuuuuuck".

As to make it worse, Wayne Brady has been cast has playing Tom Collins. Yes, THAT Wayne Brady. The one hosting "Let's Make a Deal" right now. The one who has made a career being the likable improv comic. The guy who is about 15 years too old, and way too milquetoast to play this role.

What's next?? RuPaul as Angel?? Snookie as Maureen???

The whole thing sounds like it could be a delicious trainwreck....and I think I need to make the trip to LA to see it.

Now it's time to play my new favorite party game... it's called "IF I WERE MICHAEL RIEDEL".

This is where we guess how he will bury The Addams Family in his next column. Here is another prediction for next week.

"The Broadway community was paralyzed with fear after a Car Bomb was found in Times Square Saturday. Fire trucks and bomb experts were sent to the seen after smoke was billowing from an abandoned Nissan on 45th street. As it turns out, it was just the stench of The Addams Family, which continues to bomb one block away at the Lunt-Fontainne Theater"