‘Rent’ Isn’t Only Show That Lost Audience

As a longtime subscriber to the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s Broadway series, I think your attention to the people leaving the production of “Rent” at intermission was a bit misleading (“ ‘Worth the Wait’ vs. ‘Just Weight,’ “Aug. 10).

You can’t discuss the number of people leaving this particular show without noting the number who leave other more “mainstream” shows at intermission.

Where were you when Hayley Mills destroyed “The King and I”? It looked like the floodgates had been opened. Truth is, at every show a number of people do not stay until the end of the performance.

I agree [“Rent”] is not to everyone’s taste, but what show is acceptable to all? I personally find “The Sound of Music” boooorrrring! And looking at next year’s list, I groaned when I saw “Evita,” and “Sunset Boulevard” leaves me cold.

But going on past history, if I give these shows a chance I could be pleasantly surprised. I went prepared to leave this year’s production of “Annie” at intermission, but I loved it!

Let me cast my fiftysomething vote: I loved “Rent.”

CHARLOTTE A. YOUNG

Orange

I was happy to read the [“Rent”] review and comments about the poor acoustics--I was going to make an appointment to have my hearing tested! I could not understand most of what was sung.

I was so disappointed in the performance I would have left at intermission, but I thought I’d stick it out. I have never liked the sound system at the Performing Arts Center, and this was the last straw. From now on, when there’s a show I really want to see, I’ll make the trek to L.A. This was a complete waste of over $200.

RAQUEL GARCIA

Lake Forest