RENT Idina Menzel/Fredi Walker "Take Me or Leave Me"-New York Theatre Workshop '96

[@msawesome8081]

idina's rasp will be the death of me. this was amazing!!

[@frankinsaneandmyrrh1202]

I legitimately can't tell if her voice had more rasp before or if she was sick here but still sounded great haha

[@maryprice6090]

Idina looks so delightfully trashy. I miss the 90s. Thank you for uploading. Just incredible!

[@beatricedevarenne2621]

🤣🤣🤣

[@OnceUponATimeAddict]

A lot of people may love the movie version more, but I'm sorry...this version was the IT version for me. I don't know...it felt more raw, angry, stressed, and sexy! The movie version was a cute breakup compared to this rougher, angrier, serious version!!! I Live For It!!!

[@mauvebassetgirl21]

OnceUponATimeAddict Same I thought she was actually holding back in the movie. Idina's range is much broader than the film adaption represents

[@davidfathom3051]

I can think of a few reasons why people would like the movie version more. First, Idina Menzel, in my opinion, sounds better in the movie version. Her technique in the movie has smoothed out from the rasps and whispers of 1996 (the cast recording was clearly recorded on a bad day for her). Another is a matter of Tracie Thoms vs. Freddi Walker. I like both of their performances, but I perfer Tracie's brighter sound. But yhe biggest reason for me is that both actresses miss a few notes in Every. Single. Recording. Try to find a performance of Idina and Freddi doing this song where they hit the note at 3:29 head on.

[@Mia_M]

Well in the movie, she doesn't have to be as theatrical because people can see her face. On Broadway, you can't always see their faces because of distance so your voice has to do all the acting.

[@cysticcrystal2998]

OnceUponATimeAddict you said it perfectly! that’s so true. in this version it’s like...you feel that you’re in the situation with them. the poverty of Mark of Roger, the anger of Maureen and Joanne, the heartbreak when Angel dies. it feels very authentic and raw I love it! the movie is, well, a movie, and while i love how they were able to do so much detail with it since it was film, I love the stage version’s raw emotions

[@smallsignals]

The timing is is very problematic. I’m over-looking the melody issues because microphones weren’t as great back then and they’re on pitch. It just seems to be short three-note runs that are lost. But their timing in the verses isn’t affected by the mic.

[@marie-francoiset9402]

I LOVE this version. They are having a real breakup. You can feel the pent up resentment toward each other, the judgement, the frustration of loving someone so opposite of you, hating their ways yet needing them at the same time. It's visceral. They are being their true selves here. Isn't this the anthem of every couple? At some point you have to know if you're really compatible or not and if the relationship is worth fighting for. Compromise is good but you can't compromise yourself into oblivion. It's a beautiful heartbreaking moment. Very real. And the naked raw power of both their voices soars as they tear each other apart in an argument. Not about sounding pretty but the real emotion coming through. Two strong beautiful women struggling to come together. Gorgeous. Bravo.

[@heartz4juni]

idina will forever be THE maureen. ive seen so many different interpretations of maureen but idina's is so raw and real i love

[@halroxdynasty8683]

I was at the 2003 show before Idina was a household name like that. She absolutely stole the show. Absolutely.

[@jasonc.parker4644]

What I love about these types of videos, aside from the excellent performances, is that there is no audience recognition. For anyone who saw RENT on Broadway, particularly in its latter years, you can attest to the fact that the mere opening chords of this song elicited cheers and applause from the audience. I guess what I'm saying is that it's so much fun watching the show in its infancy, knowing what the show become.

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Excellent point. This was shot before there were even off-Broadway reviews, let alone the Broadway reviews.

[@bluemelonkrik9917]

You have such good grammar!

[@becalandim]

that's because nowadays we lack originality. many things being reproduced, remaked. i look foward the day we get something new

[@aaaaddddaaa]

Idina is so amazing can't get over her voice!!!

[@tpfuertz2318]

Julia Roberts this is'nt her this is the theater one idina is the latest version of her, the movie.

[@MBM1117727]

This is her. Your comment makes no sense.

[@tpfuertz2318]

MBM1117727 what I mean is this is fredi walker from the 1996 version not Idina from the movie cause the movie version was 2005 if you wanna see Idina's version search the 2005 version.

[@michxel2140]

TP Fuertz this is idina, she originated the role and most of the original cast were asked to do the movie... but yeah this is idina

[@Emma-mf1vq]

TP Fuertz This is Idina... she was in the movie and theater version

[@AiyanaWolfe]

wow...Idina sounds so different now

[@missdeadthings]

Aiyana Land she sounds like she has a cold in this video

[@cierra6940]

she's in her 20s here, a singers peak is in their young 30s. She's mainly an alto here, still building that higher register at the time

[@Mia_M]

She also has a vocal coach now

[@xoxohayaati]

she doesn't have that rasp anymore...even during the Rent movie version. Was she sick here?

[@danisaur555]

Jamiilaa K i saw somewhere in the comments that she used to smoke before so maybe thats what caused it

[@actorben]

Am I the only one who thinks Idina looks amazing in those Latex/Leather pants?

[@soushimiketsukami4731]

actorben She got a nice pair of ass

[@AmberLiusStrrawberry]

actorben Nope! I think she's amazingggg!!!!

[@ZoraTheberge]

They're definitely latex

[@estelaramos9478]

No you’re not, we all know she’s the only human on broadway who can change into a pair of tight, leather pants in the matter of probably a very short time.

[@hopehousejay]

i sold merchandise at rent in 96 ... and let me tell you I watched this song every freakin night ..... could not get enough .... soooooooooo amazing

[@osepher]

Idina's voice was so husky and manly~ wowowowowo! AMAZING!

[@pjm9275]

Yeah she was smoking before this.

[@rubberrand142]

Cringe dude.

[@sh3rocks01]

Everyone talking about Idina but can we just talk about Fredi for a second? 😍

[@GaryMillyz]

She's just ok in this. Sorry.

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

She sounded amazing

[@baby66596]

I love Idina so much. Her voice is just phenomenal and in the roles that she has played, she keeps getting better and improves her technique and voice each and every time. She is by far one of the best female Broadway actress in my opinion.

[@elphbwckd212]

Then she ruined it all with Wicked. It was painful to listen to when I saw her. Defying Gravity was one shouting, out of key mess. And she wasn't even that far into her run at the time. It was very disappointing.

[@robertjames5778]

She learned better technique as she got older. Her vocals were flawless in If/Then. I saw her in it 5 times

[@darellgrant8753]

She's definitely not one of the greatest singers ever

[@maddiebarraclough7812]

This song makes me wonder if anyone had ever broken up with Maureen before. She clearly thinks of it as a joke. Is the idea that she always messes people around and then eventually leaves them, and that everybody before Joanne had just let her?

[@brittney5859]

I think honestly, in her mind only she can dumps people. She dumped Mark for Joanne

[@estelaramos9478]

Maddie Barraclough I suppose, based from the looks of it, Maureen is a master manipulator, I mean, The Tango Maureen is all about how Maureen kind of captures your heart without your will, and then kind of makes you love her.

[@jennarussell1537]

Joanne lets her do it, too. (They keep breaking up and getting back together despite all of this.)

[@WilliamLinaresdclxvi]

The Tango Maureen... yep, she always cheats on people and/or dumps them and I think Joanne is the first person to stand up to her.

[@anojfal7633]

This song was written by some one who had life experienced about a girlfriend who left him for a new man then she ended it up with a woman.

[@ItsMandaGomes]

CAN WE APPRECIATE FREDI WALKER FOR ONCE PLEASE I LOVE IDINA BUT FREDI WILL ALWAYS ASTOUND ME IM SO SAD THAT SHE ISNT IN THE BROADWAY BIZ ANYMORE :(

[@violinlove59]

manda gomes yes!!! She's amazing!

[@kelsiermistborn]

manda gomes Fredi Walker is so great!!

[@jimbo40]

She still is. She's directing now. Check out her website: www.bigspoonproductions.com/index.html

[@emilymac4886]

She is amazing! She's my singing teacher and still sounds just as great!

[@amandab8540]

she is my vocal coach as well. she is amazing

[@ft3060]

her voice was, is and will be forever on top of the world ... Idina forever

[@elizabethschuyler_hamilton]

Elsa?

[@ft3060]

@@elizabethschuyler_hamilton Hmm ?

[@AventuraLuver]

I love how Adam and Daphne are just sitting awkwardly in the back

[@gramps2matt]

That's how it was staged.

[@harland.2616]

jesse and wilson are behind THEM too

[@katief8839]

Marla Singer I love your name and your profile pic. Helena Bingham Carter is my favorite actress.😍

[@Shae29]

samee, I was going to comment the same thing lol

[@lilsis]

I love how she owns the song so well by the time they filmed the movie. Epic this woman 😍

[@tonakings7600]

IKR? She's my role model(and bae😁.)

[@marins.8702]

Idina and Fredi are absolutely incredible. I would have loved to have been there opening night. The whole show was probably performed with immense passion and vigor (especially with Larson's passing)

[@AvalonMorley]

This video really gives me a sense of what it was that created the great RENT legend and furor. And, wow, what performances and visceral, sexy vibes! Love this!

[@cicadadays]

hands down best version ever.

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Agreed.

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

I love this one and the glee version

[@harland.2616]

HOW CAN PEOPLE HATE THIS MUSICAL UGH

[@phylasvell]

Harlan D. Cause the cast is about lovable assholes and people have a problem with that Aparently

[@vannahedits]

@@phylasvell smh to those ppl 😤

[@theofano_galani]

Who tf hates rent?!

[@mckenna8663]

Yeah... We left before intermission. Just not our thing. Honestly, it could have also been the theater experience that night. There were super fans up in the first couple rows that just were screaming for everything. They were turning the whole night into a Rocky horror picture show where they believed that they were just as important as the folks on stage. That's fine if it's a small theater in the round .... But it was such a distraction that it got very tiring trying to ignore the competition for the show.

[@pearthicorn]

I understand people hating the musical- but I CANT understand hating the MUSIC

[@NeelyGolightly]

I'm LIVING.

[@ThreeFreyPies]

Nicholas D.G. Hikes ME TOO!?!

[@jenni9951]

I love this cause you can tell they’re so into their performance it’s not work they’re genuinely having fun and I just feel like it adds to the performance

[@gabriellaberman]

I love Idina’s voice in this!! It’s so raw and powerful

[@RieRose]

Fredi Walker and Adele Dazeem

[@gnsxsEtrnl]

You can tell idinas voice is cashed but she still absolutely crushed it! Like wow. She never ceases to amaze me

[@dorothydonovan1364]

I love Idina! In every point in her life she has amazed me!

[@kiara5475]

This was the year I was born. I knew there was a reason I fell so madly in love with this woman and her voice.

[@RieRose]

“I look before I leaf” - Fredi Walker

[@liag4662]

Omg HER HAIR😍😍😍 I love Idina so muchhh❤️❤️❤️

[@katherineaw8574]

Raw - sound recording-wise - and perfect!!

[@catradoraisyes]

this has to be my favorite version of this song, i love the raspines in idinas voice

[@rebecca8525]

I’ve been listening to Idina since she was in the original cast of Rent! I kind of feel bad for Fredi Walker as she disappeared from the spotlight after Rent, and now Idina is a world famous celebrity and the voice of a Disney queen.

[@ISnortGlitter829]

They sang so well together

[@carrmx0]

maureen is having a temper tantrum look at those expressions

[@SDRube14]

I had the huge privilege of being introduced to Idina Menzel seeing her and the rest of the original cast while they were still on their original Broadway run. Such an incredible experience.

[@Musicals4us]

I love how Roger and Mimi are just simply watching from behind

[@selina5598]

Now that I've seen the stage performances that are around, it is much better than the way it is done in the film in my opinion. This is the first one I've seen without Tracie Thoms and as much as she is Joanne for me, I do like this lady as well

[@flozy5275]

Her voice has definitely changed but still so beautiful

[@JammastaJ23]

Damn she is an absolute rock star. Both are great.

[@amandavieirap]

OMG IDINA I LOVE YOU SO MUCH WOMAN

[@PhantomDrums917]

What an amazing quality recording for the time period. Almost like this was recorded on an iphone. Thanks so much for posting this. wow!

[@guinnessa5834]

This was amazing! I'd only heard idina in the movie but this is far better. Fredi kills this too!

[@williamwilliams5067]

This is so sweet! Such an awesome archive! Thank you for posting!

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

You are welcome, glad you enjoyed.

[@glitterhoney]

wow! what a pair of voices ❤

[@susanademo6405]

Idina was so raw back then. Adam looks so young and......pretty. ❤️

[@FernandaRamirezS]

Fredi’s voice is so powerful, women like her make me question my sexual preferences. 😍

[@mgy2k6]

Her voice is amazzzingggg

[@WineBattyGyal]

Can't wait to watch this with my niece when she's old enough And tell her, that's Elsa!! 😂💙

[@leahgutzwiller5750]

Can we pleas talk about the fact, that Adam looks so hot in this video😂😍

[@estelaramos9478]

Leah Gutzwiller wow everyone is like “lesbians! Go lesbians!” and you’re like, “ Adam is so freakin’ hot!” Lol. But yeah, he is

[@alessialowcock2941]

Adam smiling at their performance when fredi comes over to idina is so cute omg

[@valeriederas788]

Can’t stop coming back to this video

[@photo7839]

Bravo,, that was just as good as the movie version... Big Ups.. it was beautiful. Both so talented... thank you.

[@krystalfontenot9508]

One of my fav songs

[@gameplayezssoiinnychgier300]

I am listening to the diff versuons of the somg rn including the glee one

[@mo0on-ica]

i just watched this for the first time ever yesterday and i still can't with how powerful this version is!!!! also idina's raspy voice here is just

[@MayaState]

So young!!

[@mickydale8594]

Original rent cast still can't be outdone lol never has been..their voices were untouchable.

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Very true.

[@verityjude2269]

Truuue

[@phantomloch9351]

The final cast's good toooo

[@mickydale8594]

@@phantomloch9351 they are good..not as good as the original cast lol..that is also just my opinion 🤷🏻‍♀..feel free to have your own totally

[@Fenderjag68]

This.is.everything!

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Glad you liked it.

[@lu.luxxie]

This is giving me lifeeeee. I love them man T.T

[@arden961]

Idina voice sounds so much healthier here, I love it🥰

[@kendrickfisher949]

Uhm I have to disagree here, her voice sounds very distressed

[@gehrig3422]

truly a magnificent set of pipes!

[@mollydonahue9837]

This amount of slayage just is not possible in one video....

[@liyabuyagongo8770]

Now I'm emotional... I need to lie down. These ladies have me shook!!!!

[@gracew-b3581]

It won’t work I look before I leap I love margins and discipline I make lists in my sleep, baby What’s my sin? Never quit, I follow through I hate mess, but I love you What to do with my impromptu, baby So be wise 'Cause this girl satisfies You got a prize, so don’t compromise You’re one lucky baby

[@uknowwho2441]

AMAZING

[@lala5214]

What I like best about this matchup is that you can see the impact of an age gap on a lesbian relationship rather than a gay one (where it's more cliché and therefore we're more used to it). Maybe that's why constellations involving e.g. Tracie Thoms look a lot more promising for the couple's future than this. They really got closer after Fredi Walker left the stage. That's not to say she's anything short of an exceptional singer. Just not that... close. ;)

[@AddFilmmedia]

Wow, outstanding duett! ❤️

[@JustMe-rn5xm]

I‘m so glad I came across this 😍

[@roksana1736]

Wow, she's an awesome actress. Love what she did with the character.

[@daviddilsizian5444]

Amazing!! Best live version that I’ve seen!

[@curuvari2247]

I'm obsessed with this

[@larasowande5544]

Idina sounds different to now but she is incredible in this!

[@catradoraisyes]

I hate how not many people know about this musical now days

[@LucForgeron]

So good.

[@robhiro]

Thank you so much for this

[@crabstick250]

Fredi 🥰

[@gabriels.9382]

Daphne looks beat for the gods in the back.

[@vyvyanbasterd6001]

This is amazing.. THANK YOU x

[@graceabdayem6757]

I can't take my eyes off of Adam in the background loll

[@paolacalva1409]

That was incredible

[@MissCupidTurtle]

Idinas Voice in this 😍

[@kaliesoldvlogs]

so amazing to see a video from the year i was born, ive loved rent for so many years!!!!

[@thehipmusicologist]

Hearing Idina before the vocal damage from wicked is pure quality 👌

[@mjjago]

So many amazing memories. So. So. Great. Thanks (yet) again. X

[@MsLoriKessler]

Fredi kills it!

[@shield7738]

Idina Menzel Is The Madonna Of Broadway Musical. She Look Hot In Her Leather Pants.

[@rebecca8525]

You’re absolutely right

[@cheyenneosuala3216]

Idina is such a babe

[@infinitelycb_514]

:D :D :D *Bows down* I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!

[@gatoxjr11]

THIS IS GOLD AND I'M DROOLING

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Glad you liked it.

[@dominiquee901]

I just can’t stop looking at how fucking amazing Daphne and Adam look watching

[@gerardyatcilla4839]

LOVE!!!

[@smileysteevie99]

Do you have the full thing? I know you said there's more to come but it been like 84 years 😭

[@audreymchenry1001]

THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS ❤❤❤

[@dopey8576]

Where are the other comments?

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

This seems to be a recent problem. Go up to the top of comments and click "newest first" next to "sort by" and that should bring them up.

[@Theonethatgotaway1234]

Yessss!!!

[@noedetteperpetua5395]

WOOOOOOOOW!!!

[@nicelizabeth8008]

Wow! Baby Idina!

[@dota2fanboy651]

She improved wow

[@jonathanjmassey]

Dota 2 Fan Boy no she didn’t. she’s gotten so much worse

[@rebecca8525]

Jonathan Massey really? You do know she’s the voice of Queen Elsa from Frozen, don’t you?

[@ashleysomsen3945]

@@rebecca8525 i mean she did get worse, she sings much better then me obviously, but her technique is failing her, often she can't sing the same way live as on the track, she got older so that's probably also a factor, but then just dont do some ridiculous high notes that you can't do as well anymore, no shame in that