Cover Story this

The other day, a woman in Pennsylvania gave birth in a Taco Bell parking lot. The manager was like, “Come inside!” And the woman said, “It’s cleaner out here!”

By Kyla Brewer TV Media

Television offers a respite for many weary viewers, but there’s nothing like the thrill of live theater. A major broadcaster is about to make live performance more accessible with a televised production of one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals.

Seven struggling artists reach for their dreams in New York City’s East Village in an era of political and social unrest in a live/tape delayed production of “Rent,” airing Sunday, Jan. 27, on Fox. Inspired by Giacomo Puccini’s “La Bohème,” “Rent” was written by late composer and playwright Jonathan Larson, who also wrote the mu sic and lyrics.

The show first premiered OffBroadway at the New York Theatre Workshop on Jan. 25, 1996, before moving to Broadway in April of the same year. Unfortunately, Larson didn’t live to see its Off-Broadway premiere, as he died of an aortic dis section that morning, at the age of 35. He was awarded a number of posthumous awards for the rock mu sical, including three Tonys and a Pu litzer Prize.

It’s been more than 20 years since the play first premiered, but many feel that it’s just as relevant today as it was back then.

“The title is so iconic, the music is so beloved, and the themes are as meaningful today as they were when the show first premiered on Broadway,” Fox executives Dana Walden and Gary Newman said in an official release.

“Rent” was a groundbreaking production in the ‘90s because it addressed AIDS, homophobia, addiction and other taboo subjects, and producers have assembled top caliber talent to bring the story to a whole new generation. Some of the world’s most renowned musical theater artists take to the soundstage for this television version.

Jordan Fisher (“Liv and Maddie”) stars as Mark Cohen, a Jewish-American filmmaker who also serves as the narrator of the show. Country music singer-songwriter Brennin Hunt (“Nashville”) plays Mark’s roommate and best friend, a struggling musician named Roger Davis. Mark and Roger’s former roommate-turned-landlord Benjamin Coffin III is portrayed by R&B artist Mario (“Step Up,” 2006).

Tony and Emmy-nominated actor Brandon Victor Dixon (“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert”) has been cast as Mark and Roger’s friend, Tom Collins, a computer scientist who returns to New York after being expelled from MIT. Onetime Disney darling Vanessa Hudgens (“High School Musical,” 2006) stars as Mark’s ex-girlfriend, (“Dope,” 2015) appears as Maureen’s girlfriend, Joanne Jefferson, an Ivy League-educated lawyer. Poppress,” 2004) tackles the role of Mimi Marquez, a dancer who struggles with addiction. Finally, drag queen Valentina (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”) makes her debut as Angel, a drag queen and street musician.

Performing alongside such seasoned artists may be intimidating to some, but Valentina seems to be handling it all with her usual poise. When “ET’s” Keltie Knight stopped by the set of the live musical in November, she spoke with Valentina and Dixon about the upcoming production and asked Valentina about the show.

“I’m definitely taking on a lot, but I’m so excited, especially because it’s live because, mama-girl, I’m always live,” Valentina quipped.

Dixon was equally optimistic about the televised version of the musical:

“I think particularly at this time with a lot of the distress and the conflict we see, I think it’s so important to see a group of friends that really learn and discover that love transforms anything,” Dixon said. “Love transforms disease — the disease of prejudice, disease itself, transforms the disease of poverty, xenophobia, patriarchy. Our message is to measure yourself in love — the love you give and the love you allow yourself to receive.”

The original Broadway run of “Rent” lasted 12 years, was performed 5,123 times and grossed more than $280 million. There have been a number of national tours as well, in addition to international productions performed in 25 languages.

I read that every day, 750,000 people visit Rockefeller Center. They spend three seconds looking at the tree, then three hours trying to leave.

Jimmy Kimmel Live

The president this weekend nominated William P. Barr to be his next attorney general. I’ll be honest — I saw the headline “Trump nominates Barr” and I thought he picked Roseanne.

The president is said to be very angry over this situation with the chief of staff. According to one source, Trump is “super pissed.” When is he not super pissed? I think the last time he was happy was the day Kim Kardashian came to visit.

Late Night With Seth Meyers

Former NFL star Tiki Barber has announced he will be joining the cast of the Broadway musical “Kinky Boots.” And in exchange, Nathan Lane is gonna play quarterback for the Jets.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Boy Scouts of America are considering filing for bankruptcy. Meanwhile, the Girl Scouts are planning to buy a house in the Hamptons with all that cookie money.

501 W Washington St., Brainerd, MN 218-828-1823 • heartlandtireservice.com 001803186r1 SAVE $75 OFF REGULAR PRICE $174.95 REG $249.95 • GDI FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE Did you know that your brand-new fuelefficient vehicle may be in need of a basic service other than an oil change? The GDI fuel system in your vehicle is designed to provide you with increased economy and

In 2005, Chris Columbus (“Home Alone,” 1990) directed a big-screen adaptation of the musical starring most of the original Broadway cast.

horsepower. However, in as little as 5,000 miles carbon deposits can form that drastically reduce the systems efficiency. Our GDI service cleans your engines intake ports, pistons, and fuel system restoring the new vehicle performance you expect. Give us a call and we can tell you if your vehicle is GDI equipped

Through the magic of television, Fox brings “Rent’s” uplifting message to millions of people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to see it, whether because of cost, location or other factors. There was a time when many of the programs shown on television were live, but these days live TV isn’t as common. However, Fox’s live production of “Rent” is part of a growing trend among major broadcasters, who have been struggling to compete with on-demand and streaming services. In 2013, NBC kicked off the recent trend with “The Sound of Music Live” starring Carrie Underwood (“American Idol”), and followed it up with “Peter Pan Live” (2014), “The Wiz Live” (2015), “Hairspray Live” (2016) and “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” (2018). Fox’s past offerings include “The Passion” (2016), “Grease: Live” (2016) and “A Christmas Story Live” (2017).

was rear ended and connected with my insurance company who recommended Shannon’s to complete the body work on my car. I was not disappointed. This was hands down the best customer service I have ever received. Sarah was knowledgeable and friendly and my car was not only completed ahead of schedule, but I did not expect the detail inside and out to be so thorough. I couldn’t believe it was the same car! I will recommend Shannon’s to everyone!” — Cayanne Ruis