Neil Patrick Harris loves Rent. You could see it in the affectionate parody he did on Saturday Night Live last year (below) — and if you’re really up on the finer points of NPH’s résumé, you’ll know that he co-starred in a West Coast production of the rock musical back in the late ’90s (thanks, YouTube). Now comes word via The Hollywood Reporter that he’s going to direct Rent when it comes to L.A.’s venerable Hollywood Bowl in August.
How cool is that? NPH has never directed a musical before, so who knows what he has in store, but he clearly knows his way around a stage. I’m willing to bet that his production will be a smash success. (I’ll be honest: As far as I’m concerned, there is nothing this man cannot accomplish.) What do you say? Will you be seeing NPH’s Rent this summer? Speak up in the comments.
I kind of hate Rent for various reasons, but if anyone can make it as good as possible, it’s NPH. I wish him all the best!
No one cares about this at all!!
I think Rent’s cultural moment has passed, but NPH + any musical = awesomesauce.
Couldn’t agree more on both counts. Probably would be better in a few more years so it could be considered a true period piece but NPH…well who could say no to that?
He could direct the phone book and I would probably be interested.
Could Doogie Howser the Musical be far behind?
Wow, I’m starting to feel *really* old–Rent as a period piece in a few years? I think every bone in my body just creaked. I agree though. But NPH directing it? Very, very awesome.
Sounds awesome. I am nowhere near LA, so I won’t be seeing it and I’m not the biggest Rent fan in general, but good on NPH. I agree; he can do pretty much anything.
I totally agree… what exactly does he do except talk about working on things… i mean he has his C B S show and was in Harold and Kumar? sooooooo ? ? ?
He’s been the host of the Tony’s, Did Dr. Horrible’s during the writer’s strike and is fantastic
So, will this be considered a ‘revival’? I hope it’s revamped and newly awesome. (Although the UK ‘Rent Remixed’ from last year apparently sucked.)
Hmmm…
Huge huge huge RENThead. I love all the YT clips. He was a great Mark.
I know he’ll do awesome on this! Because he totally can do anything.
I agree I have seen Rent 3 times on stage. twice for national tours and once on broadway. I think that NPH directing would be just as good as any of the other productions.
I want to tell the EW community that people posting under the “Nshi” name are going way too far. I regret every having posted to these boards for what these imposters have been saying. I really am sorry that I started something so stupid.
Once everyone stops sucking NPH’s junk, that whole “has never directed a musical before” point will finally start sinking in…
everyone starts somewhere
If only he could have directed the film version and saved us from that Chris Columbus fiasco.
I love that SNL skit- probably the only one I’ve adored in years (and years)…Elphaba saying”that’s racist.” So funny!
I hope it’s playing there when I go to LA. I would love to see Rent period, and directed by NPH is even better.
Oh get real!
Is there anything he can’t do!? (I just barfed)
NPH could paint a wall, and I would watch that paint dry. I ADORE HIM!
RENTS my favorite musical I’ve seen it 5 times in the GUTHRIE in St. PAul
The Guthrie is in Minneapolis. I didn’t like the original touring company of Rent. I didn’t like the movie either. But right now in Minneapolis at the Lab Theater in the Warehouse district there is a small production of Rent with a young professional cast that is dynamite. The show works much better in a small space wit ha cast that is the right age. Roger and Mimi are played by rock musicians. Paris Bennet (from American Idol) is in the chorus, but her real life mother knocks it out of the park as Joanne.