RENT "TAKE ME OR LEAVE ME" | IDINA MENZEL & TRACIE THOMS | Musical Theatre Coach Reacts

[@ESPHMacD]

I feel like the taking off the jacket is like a way to say “You seem to be forgetting that I am also a catch, you ain’t the only hot sh*t in this relationship”. Maureen’s was a way of highlighting that people view her as hot, where Joanne’s was a way of showing she was equal in that regard instead of diminishing herself.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

I like it.

[@sammharry]

Yes! I think so too

[@whattheysayaboutme425]

That’s what I thought too

[@camara1194]

right!!

[@babd7176]

Joanne was classy.

[@kristikinzel4433]

It seems to me that Joann taking off her jacket is when she takes her power back in the relationship. Up to this point she has put up with all of Maureen's antics. Shedding the jacket is metaphorically saying, ok, the gloves are off. Absolutely love this song, and the way these two perform it. One of my favorite songs in Rent, and that is really saying something.

[@sharpaycutie2]

Oh I thought she was mocking Maureen and her free for all attitude.

[@Writersbl0ck13]

Yeah! I always saw this as a "gloves off" moment. Also, if you are saying "take me for what I am" you are also exposing your true self. So I think that she is being honest about who she is so...gloves off, this is me. That's how I read it.

[@Dragondude2525]

The way I always interpreted it was that Joanne was singing it in response to Maureen’s part in a mocking tone because she was fed up and done with her bull. So she began to air all her grievances just as they provided lists of eachothers faults.

[@laurenbayer3962]

I feel that when Tracy takes off her jacket its her finally having confidence and taking her power back because in the song Indina says that people will always want her and that Tracy should feel lucky to have her and I feel this moment is Tracy saying you should feel lucky too. I am also a treasure.

[@chrisporter4993]

It's not just that. It's that Maureen hasn't exactly been the most loyal partner. She's accused of flirting with another woman, and she claims there will always be other women flirting with her, as if she wasn't an active participant. She invites the attention and disrespects Tracy, because as far as she's concerned she's a hot commodity and she'll take all the attention and praise she can get. She's not self aware enough to realize that her personality is as vapid and self absorbed as her so-called 'art'.

[@baraktownsley2569]

This song and Tango: Maureen are probably my favorite songs in Rent.

[@MetalMom12]

SAAAMME!

[@arianasantos4873]

react to the performance of this song by Gavin Creel and Aaron Tveit sometime, it's super fun!

[@moniquemaia3203]

Yess, please!

[@CatzNChz]

Yes! Any MCC performance!! So much fun.

[@karmic_punishment]

oh agreed, its so good

[@carolinegilmore812]

Definitely. Such a good performance!

[@MrNatheey]

Yes please! Already requested this some months ago

[@MsCharley13]

This song made me fall in love with RENT. Both women are suited so perfectly to the roles. I would love to hear your views on the songs from Six.

[@janethornton4306]

I would love your take on Jesse Martin doing I’ll cover you at Angel’s funeral from the movie ... So powerful!

[@amjhub]

I’ve always felt like Tracie doesn’t get enough credit. Yes, Idina is the gold standard, but Tracie is brilliant in her own right.

[@Rosannasfriend]

Idina is the gold standard?

[@peerah]

Tracie is also a grounding force in the second act of Falsettos, which is the show I was hoping you could do some more reactions on.....especially What Would I Do.

[@mervyngreene6687]

I always thought that this performance was much better than the stage performance. I think having all that space made a huge difference.

[@gillian927]

I really enjoy your critiques. Idina really is the gold standard...well said.

[@FifthAveAtFive]

I definitely think this is the song that would be the most fun to preform. It is definitely the most fun to sing as karaoke from this show.

[@lynnb2562]

The movie is the only reason I actually fell in love with Rent. I was used to a far more traditional Phantom of the Opera style musical theater and this was the first time I'd seen something more modern. I was 18 years old and a freshman in college when someone pulled this out to show it to me, so I will always love this version because it was the first, but seeing it live In 2018 was a whole new experience. Honestly after seeing that I kind of feel like this version just doesn't have the same chemistry at all and I don't know if it's the two actresses or if it's the film version like you're saying just doesn't have that same connection I don't know, but I just had a really hard time believing that these women were attracted to each other.

[@darth_kal-el]

The Maureen is the original broardway Maureen. Most of the cast (Roger, Mark, Tom, Angel, Benny) were all the original cast. The only ones that were were Joeanne and Mimi.

[@amybeavis5834]

I’ve loved Rent and this song since I first saw Rent in London 22 years at age 15! I can’t sing that well, but in my mind, I’ve belted this so many times over the years, wishing I could sing like Idina!

[@misfittoys5873]

Chris Columbas' direction is so hysterically camp in this number. The reaction shots, the freaking ice statue, moving from room from room, the pool table and Rosario Dawson's Mimi just lapping up the drama.

[@megancasey511]

RENT was the first show I saw ON Broadway, back in 1996 at the Nederlander theatre, with the original cast. Absolutely magic & will forever be my favorite. Idina is my queen 👑 and I adore Tracy in everything she does as well.

[@absolutelynotanyone]

It would be so cool to see you compare Rosario Dawson and Renee Elise Goldsberry in their “Out Tonight” performances!

[@natashafoster3470]

I second this!

[@hollisfortune8791]

Why not compare to Daphne Rubin-Vega, the original Mimi

[@kassandraconk1763]

Theyre incomparable, Renee's is live and Rosario is recorded, so it would be better Daphne vs Renee

[@KacielNolwen]

I absolutely LOVE RENT, it's one of the first musicals I came across in my life when I was in high school and I fell in love with it immediately! I listen to it at least once a week for years, I mean that, years. I don't think I could pick a favourite number if my life depended on it. Thank you for reacting to one of the songs! I'd love to see more!

[@ElphabaandFiyero1]

I just love that you mouth the words along with them the whole time! ☺ I do the exact same thing!

[@Cassandra.Northcott17]

This is one of my go to karaoke songs with a friend. This song is just perfection, especially this version 💕

[@jessiewells1344]

I would LOVE to see you do more RENT videos! You are so fun to watch. I was a vocal Ed college student but I couldn’t get past stage freight so there was no way I could teach choir or anything music related but i have enjoyed your videos so much! Especially with Hamilton. You’ve, in a way, brought back so many studies I loved learning so many year ago.

[@stephaniestanley8041]

A friend Eric lived this way in NYC in the mid 90s. He did a great job in a squatter situation.

[@penguim1996]

Begging you for things still! First, anything from Six or Hadestown - both fantastic modern musicals that I love. Second and most importantly, something from the DeafWest production of Spring Awakening - I know you love the OBC, and the DW production is just as incredible, plus sign language and half the cast is d/Deaf or HOH.

[@quicksimplebeauty]

Totally second the request for SIX!

[@jamesbaio9327]

For me, most musicals fear to have divas face off. Though Chess comes close (as do others and my musical theatre background is small) , there are few musicals that will have women face off. Les Mis and a host of others thrive on male vocal battles but "take me or leave me" is the quintessential DIVA face off and I want more. And it doesn't always have to be a lesibian relationship. I think that's why Six is so great. It's literally a six-diva-face-off and I'm HERE for it.

[@JaCaraKM]

This is one of my favorite song of the whole movie musical mainly because of Idina’s and Traci’s voices.

[@jonathanedison]

Love this song. Grew in highschool with Rent on its original tour and loved it then and still do now.

[@ghostking7853]

You should do all the RENT movie soundtrack include the cut scene halloween and the extended version of goodbye love

[@erikagholston6610]

I love this performance. They killed it.

[@ketomom4637]

I found your channel recently and I adore your videos! My dad is the one who started my love for musicals! I’d love to see you do one on Oliver, that’s my very first musical I remember watching with him!

[@taylesia1]

NO! Finish the joke at the end! I die at that line: "Maybe now she'll get back together with you."

[@FandubWorld]

Mrs. Johnson: (to Mark) Maybe now you two can get back together! Mimi: Wow. Not to mention the reactions of all the main characters (especially Mimi when Maureen says, "There will always be women in rubber flirting with me!"are just priceless! Like they just know what's going to happen xD)

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Lol. I almost left it in.

[@ommadawnDK]

Oh yeah. Great number. Happy to hear your comments.

[@Kalibby22]

one of my favorite songs from the show. second only to Seasons of Love. they're both such power houses

[@sammharry]

I am obsessed with this performance and I’m so excited you covered this!

[@ZombieGravitation]

Would you also react to the original live Broadway cast? I loved seeing how Idina Menzel has changed but also Fredi Walker's performance was different but just as good as Traci Thoms.

[@JustBeingAwesome]

Looking good Marc Daniel! Your soul is beaming!

[@lilmisslola1690]

I love seeing your obvious love for this song and performance plain as day on your face while you're watching. I'd love to see you react to both Jay Armstrong Johnson and Katie Thompson singing Leave Luanne from 35mm. Two very different but amazing performances.

[@chadconcepcion7491]

Yes!!! Thank for finally doing this one!!!! One of my all time fave musicals

[@IamCurrentlyAscending]

3:20 I still don't understand how Maureen only takes one step in those heels to get up onto that table.

[@j.r.cilliangreen4083]

Traci Thoms was in Wonderfalls and was incredible in every episode

[@alexialye3748]

I’ve been waiting for this!! Rent is my #1 musical 🙌

[@rainea91]

This movie has been one of my top favs since it was released I saw it on Broadway with the original cast so I get what you mean by them interacting with the audience but it’s still such a great adaptation love all the songs

[@Tyriontheaussie]

3 videos in... you got me bro.. I’m hooked

[@DegrassiInstantStar]

Most iconic breakup in cinematic and stage history. Fight me on that.

[@natalies8498]

I remember seeing this movie for the first time, and suddenly getting so confused when they got to this number because I had the largest sudden crushes on BOTH characters. XD Of note though, I believe I may have submitted this request previously, but the only live show I've had the honor of seeing Idina live in was If/Then, and therefore, it remains close and dear to my heart - and would love to see your reaction to her Always Starting Over.

[@michellecaetano2017]

Looooove this duet!

[@beslanderin5229]

I only thing I know Tracie Thoms from is Wonderfalls. Now I'm wishing she sung in it.

[@gilliancooper2720]

Could you do Aaron Tveit "Goodbye" or "El Tango de Roxanne"?

[@alpacasaurusrex]

I always took her taking off the jacket as a sort of, coming out of her skin & shedding the cocoon thing. Like, fine here I am, this is me.

[@soaringmoose]

How have you managed not to review Chicago? I do love your commentary. Hope to see many more.

[@Harder623]

This song is tattood on my arm. Love it

[@jilliansmaniotto2326]

idina menzel and tracie thoms have such insane chemistry here - it’s unreal.

[@morgainepost7148]

You should do the play six next!! Would love to see that

[@Buffy8Fan]

"There will always be women in rubber flirting with me" isn't what Johanna said. She said Maureen flirted with the woman in rubber and since Maureen is in a relationship that is the problem. Maureen's side of the song is based off her not understanding or caring (or both) about those important details.

[@yundorphin]

because of how Idina sings the beginning, I feel like I read Maureen differently. as more than just a privileged attention-seeker. if you think about it - being catcalled since puberty would damage anyone, and it feels like Maureen is just trying to take control of her sensuality since it might be the only attribute anyone's taken notice of. and being with someone as brilliant and accomplished as Joanne brings out her own insecurities, just as Joanne is insecure because of Maureen's reputation and tendency to flirt with others. and all of that comes to the surface in this number. But all it took was Idina's delivery - it doesn't sound like a brag, it seems like she's tired of it all.

[@gilliancooper2720]

Christy Altomare "Journey to the Past"

[@matthewhines9787]

6:49 I think my subconscious reaction at Joann removing her jacket is less about stooping and more about showing she can be evocative and sexy too. It's not _that_ special. On top of that, however, she's got this whole other toolbox of competency and respectability which is what _allows_ for and makes special the moments when she bears all and lets go.

[@kellyalves756]

5:15 ... great use of stairs! 😳

[@liveicelive]

One of my all time favorite movies! Love both of them. I think you should do more songs from the movie, especially Jesse L. Martin. Omg! I knew him from Law & Order, but when I heard him sing! I was floored. And I think Rosario Dawson did a pretty good job too. Also, I'd like to see your take on Mama Mia 1 & 2, as well as Into The Woods.

[@davem581]

I'd love to hear your take on the DEH: Four Evans sing "For Forever"

[@sky.spilts]

Do La Vie Boheme next please!

[@darkhorse4122]

Honestly I hope he eventually looks at not a simple sponge Ethan slater, as it does take good singing and characterization. Ethan does a great job at making spongebob seem a great character to play

[@debrastaples2664]

You should see Tracy in Quentin Tarantino's "Deathproof".

[@lucaquark3151]

YES YES YES🤩

[@MargauxChanning]

JoAnne - Tracey Thoms - is presently a cast member of the TV show 9-1-1.

[@kellyalves756]

😃😃😃😃😃

[@TyHauser]

No matter how hard I try, I can’t stop thinking about Frozen at 3:33

[@LazloRolka]

anyone notice thats the house from Dynasty

[@emmaward8926]

do welcome home finale from bandstand! or any laura osnes

[@ZephyrBluePaddy]

ngl the first time I saw this music video, I had no idea what Rent was or who Idina Menzel was BUT I realised how not straight I was very quickly xD

[@stephanieperry1119]

OT Could you do one these for Julie Andrews Victor/Victoria from both 1982 film and 1995? (I think) There is a recording of the stage musical made for Japanese TV in 720p. It may have from the opening night show.

[@juffee9595]

What did you think of Vensessa Hudgens in this song? Have a wonderful day 🙏❤

[@extatis]

Both of them are so out of tune in the performance - I couldn’t finish it.

[@nelforever9336]

❤️❤️❤️

[@michaelmorrison1701]

Literally the scene/song that forced me to watch the movie and see the show

[@hipshakeirl]

Tracy Thoms as Joanne and Rosario Dawson as Mimi were the only main characters in film played by people not in the original production.. .I think this fact meant you had so many with the emotional connection to Jonathan Larsson's original vision

[@robynprice8289]

I would love to know how you feel about the 2003 movie Camp. It is about a teenage musical theater camp and really was a coming of age film go to for me growing up. Please check it out if you haven't. I don't think you'll be disappointed. 🙂

[@gilliancooper2720]

PLEASE react to Gavin Creel and Aaron Tveit's rendition of "Take Me or Leave Me!"

[@elizabethwiller9247]

Please do one from Chess in concert!

[@stephaniejohnson229]

You should react to Aaron Tveit singing this. It's so good!

[@gracehowell.]

Could you do Adam Pascal singing 'Pity the Chil' from "Chess"?

[@stephaniestanley8041]

For the movie role Idina was past the age of being a bohemian babe. But of course the vocals were sublime.

[@sarizonana]

I think she looked amazing in the movie better than she did in the show.

[@EmiliusReturns]

I like to try to sing both parts of this in the car

[@Stark-Raving]

Mimi is here for the drama

[@valeriefischer8791]

You should react to glee take me or leave me

[@launyohanina]

Can you react to Aaron Tveit and Gavin Creel's version? PLEASE :)

[@kennedyhedges6812]

Honestly, goals are to break up with a person through song...not this one though because I can't pull it off.

[@ellielovegood6307]

Could you do more falsettos or do some great comet

[@jacobduncan2142]

The hate RENT gets makes me so sad. Its not meant to be polished or perfect. Its an emotional personal journey, made all the real by Jonathan Larson's tragically early death. Glad to find someone who appreciates it too.

[@mimi-su6ds]

you should react to eva noblezada and shoshana bean doing this song!!

[@LolaSky1996]

Shoshana is amazing!

[@sammharry]

I scream sing this song in my car 😆

[@uchihablanco77j]

Glee reaction pls 🥺🛐

[@mandeehess3618]

I always took it as mocking lol. 😂

[@grimnirstormcrow6597]

i always thought of it as mourines background of dating all these reserved grounded people but wanting to run around and do what she wants and joanne taking off the jacket is a nod to maureen being able to dish it but not being able to take it

[@breakfastatmilliways]

So, belatedly found this. I'm bi and fell madly in love with idina because of this song. My sister laughs at me all the time because every time Frozen comes on I'm like... well yeah that's HOTNESS. Idina, kristen bell, AND jonathan groff? there's no way someone who loves both genders can NOT be into that shit. (if you are that person that isn't, i'm so sorry. i was bigging it up to be silly.)

[@Tomasz.Nowakowski]

I'd love to see you comment on the I'll cover you reprise from the same movie

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

because you like watching me cry...?

[@Tomasz.Nowakowski]

@@MarcDanielPatrick maaaybe? But I doubt you'll cry uglier than I had on that scene 😁

[@blrmartinez4563]

Hi can you please do another reaction video of morisette amon, this time you can try reacting/analysing her version of She used to be mine. Thank you in advance.

[@jasoncowan9228]

Please could you do a reaction to rosario Dawson out tonight rent. Please

[@gilliancooper2720]

Jagged Little Pill "You Oughta Know" Lauren

[@matthewrandell5055]

There are some really long shots in this number!

[@malloryfallon6394]

Hi! :))))

[@gabrielleduplessis7388]

Please react to lea Michelle and amber riley’s version. It is so iconic and fantastic.

[@verityjude2269]

no ❤️

[@selinapoochie]

@lizzyw80 no. Glee has a bad name but so many songs are unique there

[@queenv1287]

I feel like a lot of couples are like this.. always the opposite.. Tracy is showing.. she’s not the only prize.. she’s a prize to.. she just feels comfortable in the background..