RENT "Out Tonight" Daphne Rubin-Vega- New York Theatre Workshop '96

[@superdupercorp]

I can't choose a favorite between Daphne, Rosario and Renné 😭 they're all so good and special in their own unique way, I don't think their performances can be possibly compared. Each one of them gives Mimi a different interpretation and I think that's beautiful.

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

well said.

[@apattycakes1213]

They all showcase a different side of Mimi. Daphne is obviously having the time of her life. Her version of Mimi emphasizes the addict and wild version. Meanwhile, Rosario makes Mimi a little minx. She's sexy, sultry, seductive. Renee (my favorite vocal performance but I prefer Daphne's interpretation) makes Mimi flirty and youthful. I personally think it's because she was 37 playing a 19 year old. But they're all great in their own right.

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

nicely put--thanks

[@adarmarcus7168]

I personally prefer renee but Daphne gives a very raw and authentic performance

[@harland.2616]

They auto tuned Rosario a LOT. even in places they didn’t have to. She’s definitely isn’t my favourite Mimi, but she was my first and will always have a special place. Renee is my favourite VOICE and dancer for Mimi. She’s fucking amazing. Then, of course, there’s Daphne: the OG, the coolest. She was amazing on the Cast Recording And is a great actress, but her dancing wasn’t the most cool or anything.

[@comets890]

originally I really didn't like her as Mimi, but after listening and watching her perform I can say she's one of my favorites. she's just so passionate!

[@littleharmony9516]

right! Daphne are my favorite "Broadway" mimi but i feel like Rosario Dawson nailed it even if Daphne did the part like Jonathan wanted mimi to be.

[@rzawilski]

I love to hear this! She’s definitely got something special. I know a lot of people don’t like her but I just find her captivating - she’s so youthful and energetic and I think she actually has a great voice despite not sounding as polished or melodic as other performers.

[@representationmetaphorique]

she's having the fucking time of her life !

[@apattycakes1213]

Grace Gallate She was supposed to be.

[@sapphael.]

Aaaah she captures Mimi's youth and flair so well, I adore her as Mimi!!

[@mitchmelmer3475]

She was cast for a reason. Look for the light before our opinions. She is amazing. And her voice speaks to her character like no one else ever did.

[@focusedflow5785]

For me, she is the Mimi who really captured the character of a gritty junkie with a heart of gold.

[@annmatisse3185]

Truth!

[@scottmoore7809]

I'm pretty sure Daphne's voice is an acquired taste for people. And I can say I have it.

[@angelacyrlin8322]

Same though

[@fmath5]

Her voice is stunning

[@jocelynhamilton7624]

Her voice is rough, which can be perfectly fine, but I’m really quite stunned she wasn’t advised to restrain herself for certain phrases, as that wildness is causing some very serious pitch issues to which people are inexplicably utterly deaf. Renee Elise Goldsberry uses the phrasing to convey emotion-a far more intelligent tactic both for long term preservation of the voice and the artistic product itself.

[@jocelynhamilton7624]

@Iowa Nowhere I can appreciate that dynamics and phrasing can be difficult to control, but there really isn’t any excuse for such serious misjudgments in pitch by a professional singer on Broadway, new to the role or not.

[@fureyize]

@Iowa Nowhere I agree with you. And simply put, technical perfection doesn’t necessarily convey emotion.

[@rubennajera415]

Where is the full recording of this show?? I wanna see the original cast!

[@awkwardturtle105]

after watching her performance I get why they casted her. Though her voice in my opinion isn't as good, she is an amazing actress for the part of mimi

[@mariatwilightsparkle2593]

Awkward Turtle That's how Mimi is supposed to sound. Raspy like a drug addict. Did you expect someone who's struggling with disease and addiction to sound like Whitney Houston?

[@temyaherring1632]

Well I mean Whitney Houston was a drug addict.

[@mariatwilightsparkle2593]

Exactly, a person who does drugs, goes to night clubs, and smokes is not going to sound like Mariah Carey, are they?

[@antiboy83]

drug addicts don't have a "sound." i love that you're here to defend her performance which is, in my opinion, the absolute best... however, you're using generalizations you clearly don't understand.

[@Mia-up4qp]

Her hair’s amazing too

[@kayleighwilson6149]

I used to not like her, but she has so much energy as Mimi and she really fits the role.

[@AventuraLuver]

How could you not love Daphne?!

[@fureyize]

I love her!

[@tracey0820]

Bc she doesn’t bring the energy

[@chrisrussell9328]

@@tracey0820 pack it up

[@tracey0820]

@@chrisrussell9328 girl compared to Rosario Dawson In the film? 😭

[@junodonatus4906]

​@@tracey0820 😂 Joking right?

[@valerieann9637]

That don't forsake me so great! I have seen about A 1/2 dozen Mimi's & never seen anyone else get that sweetness in Her! Awesome

[@Kayyleeeeee]

She will always be my favorite Mimi! She is so amazing and embodies the role so well.

[@SeaSparklesLP]

I love the energy in the kicks when she was coming down the stairs

[@maurafaith8795]

She's having the time of her life!😍😍

[@JordanSimonn]

Daphne has all the fun, quirkiness, and sexiness Mimi should have. Love her!

[@michxel2140]

When I watched this when I was young I was honestly like “why did she ever get casted... she’s terrible” now I’m older I think she’s absolutely amazing at Mimi!!!

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Glad to hear you've come around. No question about it, Daphne had something special for this role.

[@mangofree]

I feel the same way. I was OBSESSED with Rent when I was younger and I couldn’t understand. I get it a lot more now and I love her. Edit: punctuation

[@ElizaHamilton1780]

I just had to respond to this, even if it’s from 6 years ago: Mimi is “terrible” because Mimi’s high af. I’m not sure why people conveniently forget that she’s a drug addict, but sure. She wanted Christmas Eve to be really happy and special and she self-medicated before going “out tonight.”

[@jellyrollnorton]

I think it helps when we can see her performance. This is incredible footage.

[@pelaizamae138]

im inlove with her voice so much i cant stop listening to herr

[@mollyheichel3839]

i see a lot of hate on her, honestly i love the way she portrayed the wild side of mimi, something i’ve never really seen other actors do

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Thank you. She is, of course, very special, and let's not forget that she created the role, and the others followed.

[@Itstonytime77]

It’s so fun to see where the number started knowing where it would end up...the changes in staging right at the end and some of her vocal choices you can tell it was still developing...that’s what’s so great about live theatre it’s never the same!

[@RiHardXL200]

100% agree. It’s fascinating to see how far this number’s staging/choreo had come along since workshops. I’d love an alternate reality where I could see Daphne perform with the updates added to today’s performances. It would be fire!!!

[@chocolatesouljah]

This is incredible! I saw "Rent" in of '96.

[@harland.2616]

Chocolate Souljah LUCKY!!!!

[@noodlellsouperllboy8879]

I think she's amazing everyone who plays Mimi brings something new to her as a character and I love it

[@mias5milkshake164]

I love her performance! It's just so gritty and rock n' roll!

[@rick90604whittier]

When I saw Rent the first time, I had just started my love of seeing live musical theater. I went to see Rent, the Mimi tour. I didn't know what that meant. Only half way through watching Rent I realized I was watching Daphne , the og Mimi! Seeing her perform this song live was just freaking awesome!

[@bridgettdevoue8644]

omg! seeing this, now i totally see why she was cast :D she's the real thing

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Exactly.

[@Nannannannannannanannannanna]

The original. So energetic and wild. Also perfectly fit into character👏👏👏

[@thechoripankiller]

So THERE'S A FILMED VERSION OF THE OBC put the rest of it on the floor and noOnE GETS HURT BUDDY I'M SERIOUS

[@austinpearce5442]

Edu Cabrera she would’ve done the film had she not been pregnant

[@Miss__McCoy]

I liked this video before even watching out of excitement. Thank you for sharing!

[@hiphopprincess6979]

The way she sings, "cryyyy" 😩👌🏾 👌🏾 👌🏾💯💯💯

[@syd1762]

how can you not adore this woman

[@amytang6915]

The way she says "Ihn theh evenayn"

[@davidsaccente7837]

Everyone has to remember that Jonathan was part of the selection process and chose her because she invisioned her as Mimi. Everyone that followed her was great in their own way but she was the original.

[@daviddemar8749]

Wow! No other words are necessary!

[@ritaazevedo5891]

To be she's the best Mimi ever!!

[@ginonovanta]

I don't know why but daphne's mimi always remembered me of eartha kitt's catwoman XDXD.... by the way is this taken from the press reels?

[@liamshaughnessy6246]

I like both versions of this song! And love this as well!❤️✔️

[@SeaSparklesLP]

I love her so much! I saw a tweet from someone saying she could play Heidi Hansen in DEH and I'm all for it

[@ChuchinDancer]

I love Daphne and she is the perfect Mimi. To me

[@rileysunderland1904]

I honestly don’t think when it comes to terms of comparing which Mimi is better, if Rosario can even be included. I loved Rosario Dawson as Mimi, but unlike Daphne, Renee and every other stage Mimi she had a bit of an advantage. They could’ve done so many takes of her Out Tonight performance until she got it right, and I’m not sure if they actually sang live in front of a camera or if they recorded all the songs in a studio beforehand and possibly using autotune. For the stage production everything was done in the moment. So say someone’s voice cracked and it was picked up on camera or they couldn’t stick a certain dance move, they would have to keep rolling with it. So I don’t think it’s fair to include Rosario in this comparison cause she had an advantage the other Mimis didn’t.

[@kangdile]

I have a feeling, I'd prefer this version if I had been alive to see it live. It sounds a bit awkward(?) recorded like this.

[@melaniev8379]

Her performance is great, but Renee will always have the best singing voice as Mimi imo.

[@StormyGraziano]

Melanie V actually both are great! alot of people forget that Daphne was in a hit musical group before she got the role as Mimi. called Pajama Party.

[@chocolatesouljah]

Renee who?

[@francesca9566]

Chocolate Souljah Reneé Elise Goldsberry was Mimi for the closing cast, and also played Angelica in Hamilton

[@deshaunx776]

Renee's voice was too...big Broadway. She used way too much vibrato and her pronunciation was far too proper. Frankly, she sounded too healthy to play Mimi. Daphne didn't have the greatest voice, but she sang it well and SOUNDED like a teenager who had been running the streets, stripping, and using drugs. Daphne sounded like Mimi. Renee sounded like Mimi's successful older sister.

[@83manimal]

Goldsberry she was on the cast for the last performance of Rent on Broadway in 2008 she was amazing not to mention better moves but Daphne paved the way for her

[@AvalonMorley]

Wow. Just wow.

[@justess797]

0:58 how do you stand on that thing and move like that!! It scares me just looking at it 🤤

[@nkwari]

This Mimi has the most realness that she is really this character.

[@loladias311]

LOVE THIS WOMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@evelyndolan2331]

My personal favourite is Renée. I love her energy during this song and that’s the kind of Mimi I like. If I’m being honest, I get that people are saying that Daphne is more authentic for the role, but some of the notes that she tried to hit I couldn’t help but cringe at. I think she’s very talented, and may bring a different light to Mimi, but for me Renée is the whole package.

[@elisebrown2986]

Deveroth Renee Elise Goldberry from the filmed one they did of the final cast before rent closed. She’s also Angelica in Hamilton

[@Pal3sa]

I'm so confused about people hating her voice or saying she's a bad singer. I love it. I own the dvd of the final Broadway cast & I love Renee too but they're so different & they each bring something different to Mimi. But I love her voice, especially for this part. But each to their own I guess.

[@lizakoshy8815]

I wish my butt looked like that.

[@ryanforster8761]

Squats, lunges, running up hills/stairs, plyometric. Gymnastics/dance. Thise are you best bet.

[@KoloaKane]

She might have been the Mimi when the touring company played at my hometown. I was stunned, i'd never seen anything like that. Been a huge Rent fan ever since

[@artemisiaallan2390]

Love renee and Rosario as Mimi but daphne will always be my favourite there’s just something about the her that really fits the character

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Agreed.

[@TheJuniorHighWeirdos]

I love her acting the most, but Renee has the best Mimi voice in my opinion.

[@fureyize]

THE OG

[@mollysawesomeag7907]

omg daphne rules

[@lilykerr3063]

I just got this on my recommended but like I reconised that name and I’m like “OH! She plays Daniela in the in the heights movie!”

[@urbansetter1]

Perfect raw vulnerable 80s lower eastside junkie Shes rocked in this part

[@madelinetaggart1763]

please do goodbye love

[@nocap8881]

No diss to Daphne though, she is the original afterall

[@daryastilinski1115]

please, please, please, if possible, would it be possible for you upload Today 4 U? I would just die- this is PHENOMENAL.

[@daryastilinski1115]

also (sorry if this is annoying!) how did you find this gem!? like .... wow. wow. wow. wow ...wow.

[@DAVETHARTIST]

The person from the original cast is in the movie version

[@lemonjuice562]

She sounds great on the recording the recording, but live she’s like WOW!!!

[@falande641]

Any way you could upload the rest from the workshop Q-Q or Rent '96? Anywhere to watch it with the original cast?

[@JClaus1221]

Age is no factor between the Mimi's. Daphne, Rosario and Renee were all within a year of the same age when they first played the role. Rosario and Renee did a fine job in the role. but Daphne was and is Mimi. Everything comes down to taste. but when Larson created this part I have no doubt Daphne represented everything he envisioned in the character. And let's face it. the key to this tune is attitude and that otherworldly howl which no one has been able to replicate since Daphne did the role. And the fact all the music is being played live here, makes this performance that much more gritty.

[@Jojo-hy8dm]

I actually hate her voice and her interpretation. I understand that it all comes down to the embodiment of the character, but personally Renee has the vocal ability to make the performance stomachable. She’s easily my favourite, and then ros. Daphne is the bottom of that list for me. This is probably my least favourite version of it ever. There’s no wow factor. I don’t think ros or Renee did “fine”, I think they killed it in their own rights. But this is not what I personally think Mimi should be. Again, that’s just my opinion :)

[@aswommnessroblox184]

@@Jojo-hy8dmImo her singing wasn’t that bad though. Like she had some parts where it sounded off definitely, however she does make it up throughout the song. Also in my opinion Renee doesn’t fit the song vocally at all. First of all, Renee is a very good and trained singer and can sing almost anything. With that being said, the difference is that Rosario and Daphne fit the song vocally better. They have a rasp in there voice and it fits the song. It makes it more exciting and more believable. Also in there versions they have a howl like sound they make when they say out, which can make the song more fun to listen too. Also not for nothing, but I feel when they perform it comes off as natural. When Renee acted this out specifically, it just didn’t look as natural to the others. That’s all.

[@abcdlovexoxo]

Iconic

[@hannahrose5546]

I don’t like Daphne’s voice, but it’s perfect for the character of mimi: that’s why she will always be my favorite, with Renee a close second.

[@capndayafterday]

Damn. She’s beyond amazing!!

[@Kaydee-haiku]

after watching all 3. first mimi has the junkie appearance. sporadic actions. Renee has best voice & performance combo, and looks most mimis age. Rosario’s Mimi has great on screen acting and show soft side of mimi.

[@Musicals4us]

3:49 This is why Roger didn’t accept her

[@ProdigyBowlersTour]

To this day, I have this song as my ringtone on my iPhone. (The Rosario Dawson version from the movie, which is my favorite movie of all time.)

[@JulietteVeronica1201]

I can understand why people like her, but I much prefer Renee. Renee is less nasally and has more of a innocent teenager feel, which makes sense, since Mimi is just 19.

[@jimpanza1]

Was this the performance that Joanthan Larson died just before?

[@tarachandra7158]

no, in that performance everyone sat at tables and just sung it through in respect- until la vie boheme- and they all started running the show as normal.

[@diannemaryr]

The ORIGINAL and BEST ..

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Agreed.

[@screwtheuniverse3162]

This is so 90's

[@daoaraya]

Who has this whole show recording? :( I must knoooow

[@TheEyeSeesAll]

I revisit these videos of her performances every once in a while hoping they’re not as bad as I remember. I have a good memory.

[@aap2310]

Perfection.

[@devin630]

Daphne's version of Without You is the BEST!!! ❤

[@helloinspiration]

Is it weird that I like her vocal quality here better than in the OBC recording?

[@samuelhayden1887]

Is there a whole show with her as Mimi besides opening night?

[@oneandonlyangie9422]

I love how she just tossed the stuff off the table lmao

[@dharmapunk5]

Daphne Rubin Vega, is the best Mimi by far, and I've seen 4 other Mi Mi's. She really sells it, you believe that Mi Mi is who she is. I hear she does a good Magenta too, I didn't get to see RHPS on Broadway.

[@dharmapunk5]

Fixed

[@smileysteevie99]

Can you upload la vie bohem if you have it please god of bootlegs 😭😭

[@urbansetter1]

She was made for this part. Perfect.

[@harland.2616]

NO GLITTER??

[@snocelot4lyfe]

Mannn she’s just EFFORTLESS 😍

[@futuresuperstar4life]

Where can I find the next song from this performance

[@jackver2006]

Can you upload the title song of Rent from this production of it? This is the only way we can see something from this besides the press reels.

[@sabrinamason2694]

This Mimi is the best in my option

[@AlyssaGiron]

I started crying when angel died and didn't stop until the credits rolled.

[@meaghannemack82]

i started crying when the movie started and didnt stop til it was over lol

[@1andonlyneo]

She's a more realistic version of what Mimi should be.

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

I agree.

[@sambrownsings]

Daphne is the only mimi for me.

[@adrianaguadarrama6688]

Was Daphne the original Mimi or just the off Broadway one?

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Daphne created the role of Mimi off-Broadway and then, when the show transferred to Broadway just weeks later, on Broadway.

[@adrianaguadarrama6688]

aurora spiderwoman Cool, thank you!

[@outandaboutnyc2579]

RUBIN-VEGA #MADEFORTHISROLE

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Agreed.

[@breannejean9256]

why in Reneè's version she said new years day and in this version it's Christmas day and in the movie they say new years day too

[@harland.2616]

Breanne Jean Renee says Christmas too. It’s a choreographed move.

[@harland.2616]

Breanne Jean the movie says New Years because they messed with the timeline

[@arcanesiren629]

I think Rosario was the best Mimi, but Daphne certainly isn't bad, either. Much respect and love to the original! Renne, however, not a fan of her portrayal of Mimi

[@harland.2616]

ArcaneSiren what didn’t you like about Renee? I always thought she was my favourite. Just curious (:

[@arcanesiren629]

@@harland.2616 Thought she sounded too proper and too trained. Daphne and Rosario gave a quaint, raw portrayal as Mimi.

[@lizakoshy8815]

In my opinion her energy felt like she was trying to hard and it made it look awkward and bad. Renee had a natural flow and had great energy.

[@joses.m.43]

My faves are definetly Rosario and Tinashe

[@tommy10009]

Oh please, there is only one Mimi - it's Daphne. Her raw NYC energy is perfect for the part. Rosario is gorgeous, but way too unbelievable as Mimi.

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Thanks for this discerning comment---Daphne did create the role, after all.

[@SevenLimes]

The only Mimi. ❤️

[@falyn5858]

Uh uh uh uh OOOOO

[@falyn5858]

No hate btw I love this live performance

[@g0thgfwastaken]

I'm not a huge fan of Daphne's mimi. She sounds like Chucky's wife (Not in a bad way, but in a that's genuinely the only voice I could compare it to way)

[@kevinmay9151]

I don't think she is the best Mimi but she has the spirit of rent in her performance Edit: I feel like shes perfect for this role except the age she's supposed to be potraying, but other than that she's great