What Broadway show is better, Wicked or Rent?

Question

i mean the broadway by the way not the movies or so fourth and i just want ur personal opinion so please and thanks

Answer 1

I absolutely LOVE both these musicals. Personally, I think that Idina Menzel is a great performer. She brought a lot to the table as Maureen and as Elphaba.

Overall, I have to go with Rent because of the impact it had on musical theatre. Rent revolutionized the modern musical much like Nirvana's Nevermind revolutionized rock music. It brought something new and contemporary.

Also, the themes and issues dealt within the musical are much stronger than those of Wicked. Wicked was written and conceptualized to appeal to families. It's almost a traditional happy ending musical which is a contrast to the darkness of Gregory Macguire's novel. Rent, however, deals with a lot of sensative and serious issues. At the time of it's Broadway debut, there were very few shows that dealt with issues such as AIDS and sexuality.

I also think that Rent was so much more relevant to New York City and especially the Village. Jonathan Larson's music and libretto really became a voice for what was happening in New York during his lifetime.

Answer 2

RENT has stood the test of time... and completely revolutionized musical theatre (arguably) on a Sondheim-like level. I think of Wicked more as a flash-in-the-pan show that, in my opinion, will never be mentioned in the same breath as Porgy and Bess, Showboat, Sweeney Tood, and other revolutionary shows (like RENT is).

As someone who has recently seen both productions on tour recently, I can confidently say that smoke machines, elaborate costumes and expensive sets does not substance make. RENT had none of those things when it rose out of the New York Theatre Workshop and took Broadway by storm.

However, I must say that if you like catchy tunes and something you don't have to think too hard about, Wicked might be the better choice for you. Sometimes you just need fluff, you know?

So, I guess I must say I think RENT to be the better musical, but Wicked is much more accessible for mainstream audiences.

Answer 3

I really love both, but if I had to choose it would be Rent. I think Wicked is more commercially successful and it's a fun show, but Rent deals with such real, relevant and pressing issues and can help open so many peoples eyes and I still cry every time I see it on stage or listen to the CD. There aren't very many shows that leave that big of an impression on me.

Answer 4

The Pirate Queen is an excellent new show on Broadway. It's about the TRUE story of Grace O'Malley, a woman in 1600s Ireland who led her clan against the invading English and is known as one of the most famous woman pirates in history. She met Queen Elizabeth I (one of the most powerful monarchs in the world at the time) and was able to negotiate for better conditions for her clan and the freedom of her son. In other words, she was a powerful woman in a time and place when that didn't happen. The cast is spectacular (and not to mention VERY nice people- Stephanie J. Block is one of the nicest people I've ever had the privilege of meeting), the music is beautiful, and the story is one of the best you'll ever hear. The reviews and the Tony Committee were all wrong. Please go see it if you get the chance!

Answer 5

I prefer Rent over Wicked any day! Don't get me wrong, I like Wicked, but Rent...it's just a great musical with unique characters and fantastic songs sung by brilliant, talented performers.

Answer 6

Wicked is one of the best shows on Broadway! It is such a spectacle! Rent is more for kids going through puberty!

Answer 7

AH! Those are both of my FAVORITE musicals! What am I to do...
well Wicked and Rent are completely different types of musicals and I don't think you can compare them although Idina Menzel, Taye Diggs, Norbert Leo Butz, and more (?) have done both musicals....

Let's just say that if you're okay with drugs, aids, gays, lesbians, then I guess Rent and if you're not okay with those things then I guess Wicked... They're both great musicals

Answer 8

I think they're two very distinct shows. Wicked is a great fantasy story. If you like big budget high entertainment musicals Wicked is great. I mean who doesn't love "Defying Gravity."

Answer 9

Personally, I prefer Wicked but both shows are very good each in its own way.

Answer 10

Wicked was funnier
Rent was more emotional

I liked Wicked better, but I wouldn't call the show better. They are both wonderful in their own unique way.