FOX Exec Talks Mature Themes in Live Production of RENT: 'We're Not Going to Shy Away From It'

Last Friday, FOX announced a live musical production of the groundbreaking, Tony Award-, Grammy Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical RENT. Acclaimed film, television and theater producer Marc Platt (GREASE: LIVE, "La La Land," "Wicked"), along with the estate of writer/composer Jonathan Larson, will executive-produce the event. Today, BWW had the opportunity to speak with Dana Walden, Chairmen & CEO of FOX Television Group about the upcoming live broadcast.

BWW asked Ms. Walden how the network plans to present a "family friendly" version of the iconic musical, and whether they would consider presenting the high school edition of the show. Shared the CEO, "We really haven't spoken yet specifically about what the show will be. We really just closed our rights about a week ago. We've had conversations with Marc Platt, and I will tell you that for both of my teenage daughters, this is their favorite show and they have seen it through high school productions."

She continued, "I know there is a version of this show that will pay tribute to Jonathan Larson, will be true to the themes of the show and we've certainly covered similar themes in shows that we've presented over the years and we're not going to shy away from it." She adds, "But it's going to be something that is appropriate for our platform."

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About RENT: A re-imagining of Puccini's "La Bohème," and set in New York City's gritty East Village, "Rent" tells the unforgettable story of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams during a time of great social and political turmoil. After winning four TONY AWARDS and the Pulitzer Prize, writer/composer Jonathan Larson's tour de force celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, as it continues to offer an inspiring message of hope and friendship.

"Rent" originally was produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon and New York Theatre Workshop.

RENT will be executive-produced by Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, Julie Larson, Al Larson and Revolution Studios' Vince Totino, Scott Hemming and Marla Levine.