New additions to the Off-Broadway production of Rent…
Emma Hunton Is Maureen in Off-Broadway’s Rent, Starting Jan. 13
So, the off-Broadway revival of Rent welcomed some new (and old) cast members this week. I wonder how Ms. Hunton is in the role of Maureen. Anna Leigh Ashford was pretty much the only cast member to get across-the-board great reviews when the revival first opened, so Hunton has huge shoes to fill.
In my opinion, the best members of the company were Adam Chanler-Berat, as Mark, and Matt Shingledecker, as Roger, and unfortunately these two will also depart the company in about a week to be replaced by Josh Grisetti and Justin Johnston respectively.
Wait. What? Justin Johnston is playing Roger? At first I thought, Well, maybe it’s a different Justin Johnston… but it’s not. Justin Johnston played the role of Angel in multiple casts when the show was on Broadway and touring. Don’t get me wrong, he was a fantastic Angel and an unbelievable dancer. But he is not who I would’ve imagined to succeed Shingledecker (who was a breath of life into the role). I think he’s a tad too old to be Roger and he doesn’t have the look or grimace that actor’s playing Roger usually have.
Who knows though. I might be totally wrong and he might be amazing. I’m not sure I’m ready to sit through the show again to take that chance though. If you’ve seen him in the role though, be sure to let me know how he is! I will now leave you all with a picture of Mr. Johnston and I from the summer of 2002 when I was 16.
