RENT Finale To Be Shown Nationwide
In the evolution of Broadway, the news is quite exciting. Sony Pictures has announced that it will distribute the final performance of the rock musical RENT on movie theatres across the nation. The popular hit musical has been running for 12 years, and has attracted more than a decades worth of dedicated fans.
The distribution of the final performance of RENT will be part of Sony’s new venture called The Hot Ticket, which will feature high-definition showings of music concerts, sporting events, and other performing arts available to movie theatre equipped with digital projectors. The inaugural production from The Hot Ticket to be distributed will be �Delirium� by Cirque du Soleil.
Sony Pictures has formed a business unit to distribute high-definition showings of popular music concerts, sporting events, Broadway shows, and other performing arts to movie theaters equipped with digital projectors. According to Sony distribution president Rory Bruer, the new Hot Ticket programming will be available in 400-500 theatres with tickets expected to cost $20. All shows featured will be limited engagements. “Going to your favorite theater doesn’t mean just going to the movies anymore,” Bruer commented.
Approximately 5,000 of nearly 40,000 movie theatres are equipped for digital projection, but that is rapidly changing. Industry insiders suggest Sony is following the successful lead of Disney and their Hannah Montana concert this spring.
The new brings exciting possibilities for Broadway. Sony’s innovations could lead to a Broadway subscription series in every city around the globe, with the actual Broadway cast. Once seen as the rival of live performance, the movie house could soon be Broadway’s best friend. Regardless, the unique opportunity to participate in the last performance of a landmark musical is a rare thing, and it’s nice to know the performance will be preserved for all time. Once again, RENT breaks new ground.
