Fox Announces Plans for Live Musical Version of Rent
(© Joan Marcus)
Fox has announced a live musical production of Jonathan Larson's Tony Award-, Grammy Award-, and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Rent. Film, television, and theater producer Marc Platt (La La Land, Wicked), along with the estate of writer and composer Jonathan Larson, will executive-produce the event. Additional details to be announced.
A re-imagining of Puccini's La Bohème, and set in New York City's gritty East Village, Rent tells the story of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams during a time of great social and political turmoil. The beloved musical celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. The show was originally was produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon, and New York Theatre Workshop.
"Rent was Jonathan's dream of sharing the theater and the passion he had for it with a whole new generation," said Julie and Al Larson in a statement. "None of us could have imagined the massive impact that the messages and themes in Rent would have on the theater community or the world…except for Jonathan. We are absolutely thrilled to be continuing Jonathan’s legacy and the still-relevant themes of the show in this way."
It was also announced today that Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and Joseph Robinette's Tony-nominated musical version of the classic A Christmas Story will be presented this December as a live musical event on Fox. Marc Platt and Adam Siegel executive-produce alongside Fox Broadcasting Company and Warner Horizon Unscripted Television. Full casting and additional information will be announced.
