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From: barkingkitteh
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  • omfgg her voice is so sultry!!!

  • Comment removed

  • If I went to see this and Antonique Smith was playing Maureen I'd be mad cause she's taking way too many liberties with the music.

  • Antonique Smith is the under study. She was in the movie Notorious - played Faith Evans. I think she is way better that Kendra! Her vocals are awesome and her acting is realistic and honest.... to me at least. But to each its own.

  • ohh sunny!! my mom used to sing with her in laws!! (Walter Hawkins Family)

  • is this or the us tour cast?

  • No, but the girl who plays Maureen is an understudy

  • What about the one who plays joanne?

  • Joanne is Myiia Watson-Davis (now with the name Sunny Hawkins.)

  • I love her protrayal of Maureen :) Granted it's very different from most, but I do love it! Watch her "Over the Moon" if you're still not convinced :)

  • The girl can definitely sing, but I agree with most people on the acting. I can do without her portrayal of Maureen. Mimi was pretty good but even then, it doesn't blow me away. Especially with her performance of Out Tonight. Not entertaining at all to me. && it was interesting to see her play Maureen cause I haven't seen any clips of any other black girl doing it. But I do like the whole black and white relationship thing for Maureen and Joanne.

  • I don't know, like, girl can sing, that's a given. But where's the feeling? In fact even the girl playing Joanne, in this clip I don't know if I'm feeling the character from either of them.

  • I don't know what she's better in--Maureen or Mimi?

  • ugh people everyones not going to sing the song the exact same way in all respect that would be boring. they are making it their own by singing it diffrent than the person before them

  • eh. i don't love it, It;s kinda cool she was Maureen and Mimi.... I prefer her as a mimi. But yeah! Wasn't she just an understudy or something?

  • its to soft for my liking I mean there supposed to be super angry she should have added more support nad power to it

  • If Antonique Smith told me that she was my baby, I'd die on the spot.

  • hell yeah,im confused tho. i was just checkin this clip out because i saw it said antonique smith, and ive never seen RENT before. are those two girls, supposed to be in a relationship together?

  • Yes, they are lovers... and this pair is especially smoking hot.

    Not that you asked, but I'd eat Anonique Smith's shit with a knife and fork.

  • to me Antonique Smith is always INCREDIBLE. I love her version of this song, is really different from the others.

  • There is such a temptation to sing these songs the exact way that you hear other people sing them because you don't want to ruin the original magic. I comend her for taking the chance. It comes off unique and creative.

  • Nice voices, but neither seemed to have much power. I think they both have potiental to have powerful voices, but here they didn't. Maureen was just a little to soft for my taste. Good though.

  • look up "antonique smiths out tonight"... antonique has one of the most powerful voices ive heard

  • Antonique is FABULOUS. Saw her as Mimi on Broadway and got goosebumps she was so good...this video proves she is a true star of the stage.

  • Kills it as Maureen and Mimi!!! Love ya Antonique!!!

  • Intense man.

  • did Antonique Smith played maureen and mimi???

  • before she took over the role of mimi, she covered for maureen and mimi

  • again, this is Idina's style, not hers.

    i mean, she's good, but she's no comparison.

  • this is awesome. i love her version as well as Idina's. they have such different singing styles, but both are fantastic!

  • Her voice is TOO soft from the start of the song. I"m like 'COME ON GIRL!! SING IT!!'

  • Antonique has an awesome voice, but her acting is equivalent to a piece of bread. Even now her acting is that great. I do love her voice, but I really hope she improves on her acting.

  • I agree with you, she needs to improve her acting, it really shows in Over the Moon...

  • I would love to see Frenchie Davis play Mimi.

  • hey HowieGonnapay didn't frenchie play joanne one time, and she kilt seasons of love when she was in it

  • Antonique Smith can play angel and still be brilliant she is a............Goddess

  • Antonique...is a FUCKING GOD

  • she was on again for the first time as maureen in like 5 years. i wish soooo much that i was there

  • I take it all back i prefer Antonique here too. Idina belts it for all she's worth which is very impressive but belongs in a song like defying gravity i think it's a bit too much in this song. But saying that i do like idina very much.

  • RENT is a rock opera. In TMOLM, Maureen and Joanne are fighting. This song is /supposed/ to be belted by both ladies, especially Maureen. Why do you think Idina got nominated for the Best Featured Actress Tony for the role of Maureen? She sang the role like it was meant to be sung.

  • I don't care. I'm still entitled to my opinion. I like Antonique's version. Get over it.

  • Honey, I never said you couldn't love Antonique's version...I love it too. It's nicer to see a softer side of Maureen. Calm down.

    I'm saying that this song is known for being a 'screaming match' between Maureen and Joanne. In fact, nearly all of Maureen's part is one big belting role.

  • I love, love, love Antonique and her version of this song. I prefer Idina's version, but only because I like it a little less... soulful like Antonique does it. But don't bash me for my opinion, because I adore both of the girls' versions.

  • both of them were great awsome!!!

  • What? Where´s Idina?

    This girl (Smith) made her homework :)

  • Nique can just pick a role, any role. Mimi, Maureen anything. She's perfect.

  • why does everyone compare antonique to idina? Antonique = black. Idina = White. Jewish is a religion, not a race. They both bring a little something different to the role of Maureen and they've both got killer vocals and kick ass at the part. so stop with all the "Omg She's black! *gasp* Maureen is supposed to be jewish!" I mean, do you really think Idina would make a fuss about someone a different race playing "her part?" Get over yourselves, everyone. =]

  • antonique does not "= black" and same for Idina. for this role, your race and/or religion shouldn't matter, because if you can sing and act it, it doesn't matter what color your skin is.

  • That's not what i mean. I'm just sick of everyone comparing idina and her. They're completely different performers, don't get me wrong i love them both. I'm just trying to get people to stop fussing with the fact that Muareen is jewish, not black. Sorry if you thought i meant otherwise.

  • Being Jewish is a religion not a fucking race you idiot. If Maureen is Jewish then a black person could just as well play the part. There are plenty of black Jews walking this earth. As a matter of fact, they were the ORIGINAL JEWS in the firs place. So there.

  • The timing in this song is just...off. The actresses aren't reacting to each other-instead of responding to what the other is saying, they're just speaking/singing their lines when they know they have a line coming.

    That being said, this Antonique woman makes a much better Maureen than she does Mimi, and Joanne is fabulous.

  • who said anything about Idina? the point is, the role was specifically made for a Jewish person, with a Jew in mind. that's the role.

    Maureen should know she's a slut. that's not innocence.

  • perfection <333

  • I think I like her Maureen. It's very spirited. :)

  • She owns this!!!

    I absolutely love the way she reinvents the role.

    I think some of the people who are commenting on this are too rigid. You all need to realize that a musical is about CREATIVITY. Each actor/actress brings their own experiences, emotions and interpretations. Stop thinking of it as not playing the role like Idina

  • Who cares if she's black? If the actress plays the part well, that's all that should matter.

  • Exactly. I agree 100%.

  • GOOD FOR YOU ANTONIQUE. YOU'RE BLACK. WOOO GO ANTONIQUE!

    whatever.

    anyway, i Antonique's too innocent. Maureen's supposed to be a drama queen. i mean, she can sing and all, but it doesnt fit. and i like the Jewish Maureens. they fit the parts better.

  • Not all the Maureen's are Jewish. Besides, I don't think the fact that they're Jewish make them any different from the ones who aren't. Whatever your background is it shouldn't affect the way you play the role. Come on, people, stop being racist.

  • btw, I do think that Antonique is very innocent, but she's also very sexy. Maureen is SUPPOSED to be innocently sexy... it even said so on this website where u find out about open auditions for RENT.

  • what the fuck, how is that racist? not everyhting that addresses race is racist. Maureen is supposed to be Jewish, that's what the part is. would you cast a black person in the Joy Luck Club?

  • I don't know what the Joy Luck Club is, so I can't identify this w/ what you're saying. Maureen was ORIGINATED Jewish, she's not SUPPOSED to be Jewish. Not all the Maureens are Jewish. Idina was, but that doesn't mean that everyone else who plays the role has to be. Being Jewish doesn't make them any better a Maureen than someone who's black. Let it go.

  • shes the face of mimi and nothing more.

  • Love it. There were a couple of things I thought Antonique could have done better, but I love her acting, and I love her singing.

  • antonique has a great voice. the problem i have with her is she has no energy, playing both maureen and mimi. she would be great if she has more energy and enthusiasm.

  • The problem here is not Maureen's race. You can always say she's half-Irish, half-something else when dealing with a multiracial or Hispanic-looking Maureen. The real problem lies in the way Antonique Smith performs the role. Her voice is undoubtedly beautiful, but she lacks that spiciness required to play Maureen, thus leaving her performance bland and less than excellent. I've seen her "Over the Moon" and it was excellent, but it's almost like her energy disappears a bit after that.

  • I think one of the appeals of Rent was the race of the characters, its just seemed cast perfectly originally. A black lesbian lawer just seems right, and Pairing her with a white girl adds to the a big element in the show. Differnt kinds of people all living together. I get that they're still different races, but a white girl with a black girl is more of a contrast, so you really notice it more.

  • Wow... you people are intense. Accept that the world of Broadway is changing. If roles are specifically centered around a character's race, then this is not the case. But in the case of many modern musicals, race-blind casting is fine. Look at this years revival of Les Miz... and Audra will be playing Lizzie 110 in the Shade (a role traditionally played by a white woman). If race is something that's keeping you from understanding the message, maybe the world of theatre isn't for you!

  • Antonique is great as Mimi. Her voice just isn't a maureen voice. it has nothing to do with race.

  • a) broadway fans should know everyones a little bit racist so cut the stupid baby bullshit.

    b) regardless of race antonique sucks. sure she can sing but the chick can't act to save her life.

    c) ....exactly - its not STATED that roger should be white or joanne should be black anytime in the show but if you've ever seen the audition paper character description it says - Maureen: caucasian female, early-mid 20s.

  • broadway fans should know everyone is a little bit racist? so that makes it right? and that's probably the stupidest thing i've ever heard.

    antonique is also one of the best singers AND ACTRESSES i have ever seen in my lifetime.

  • sg410..your an ass and probably shouldn't talk. maureen was made white, and should be white - for a reason. the end. and yes. everyones a little bit racist..no ones color blind bla bla bla...go see avenue q. and considering you must be, 11? 12?...you've got more life time left to expand your knowledge of actors with talent. which clearly needs expanding.

  • so maureen was MADE white, and antonique being black STILL got her part. more power to her. go antoniquee! =)

  • wait shes black..

  • Ok I like Antonique but im sorry NOBODY can Be Idina and Traci Boo-boo

  • new rule: no more spanish maureens. i've declared it...someone should inform bernard telsey.

  • she's not even spanish you f*cking retard.

    I'm sorry barkingkitteh but this is fucking insane.

    new rule: no more racist morons on youtube. i've declared it...someone should inform LeapOfFaith.

  • ew...you're a fucking racist...i AM spanish you creepy bitch. -- Broadway should be TYPE cast...get used to it you moron. i'll never play joanne...i've accepted that.

    mimi is the hispanic chick. maureen is the white chick. thats the way it goes.

    i just think its fucked up that a hispanic - or whatever chick is allowed to be painted white to play maureen...but a white chick can't be painted black. its discriminate and dumb. like you.

  • 'wtf...she's spanish...she's mimi...wtf...wtf...um...can they paint me tan so III can play mimi...or are they just gunna let the spanish chicks take my parts and have their own too...ew...damn it...i fucking hate it.'

    You don't sound spanish. Your comments come off offensive so I'd appreciate it if you'd articulate yourself better. Type casting? Yea. But obviously this doesn't apply to the role of Maureen since Anotonique was cast. Some roles require a certain race and some don't.

  • I just don't understand why you make comments(that DO come off racist) just because you don't agree with the casting. The role of Mimi might be white one day. Things change.

    Anyways she WAS cast as Mimi. Not that it really matters.

  • Just about every other play on Broadway has almost an entire cast of white people. And you're fighting over the part of Maureen.

    Nowhere does it say in the play that Maureen must be white. The only roles, I believe, that are explicitly reserved for one race seem to be Mark (Jewish) and Mimi (Spanish/Hispanic). There may be more, since I've only seen black Joannes and white Rogers, but I'm not sure if that's stated in the play anywhere.

  • Antonique is good but I LOOVE Idina still and Tracie > any other Joanne I've seen.

  • this song is between maureen and joanne not mimi

    but newayz good job

  • ANTONIQUE effing SMITH THE BEST MAUREEN AND MIMI. ***SHE WAS THE FIRST BLACK MIMI*** I MISS HER WAYY TOOO MUCH!

  • Wasn't the first black mimi Simone? and then Saycon and a lot of other people?

  • yay. antonique could perform the entire musical by herself and still be amazing

  • antonique can do anything...karmines alright but antonique is my favorite mimi ever!

  • i love antonique as maureen! her voice is flawless!

  • tracie and idina are the only people who can be maureen and joanne

  • This was the best cast in YEARS!!

  • so the maureen is good. i almost liked her as much as idina...almost.  the joanne...not so much. ahhh just sing the song and dont worry about riffing. tracie and idina forever in my book.

  • ok... soo...Antonique SMITH...has a "good" voice but not a very good actor.. and her as mimi..is a big..NO! SHE HAS NO NRG

  • they r realy good as the parts

    but wat happend to idina and fredie

  • They left along time ago.

  • Joanne can sing her ass off

  • the girl playing joanne is myiia watson davis.. one of the sweetest women alive

  • the girl playin joanne is good...just...she seems...behind? i don't know her timing...is just wierd

  • omfgg her voice is so sultry!!!

  • Comment removed

  • If I went to see this and Antonique Smith was playing Maureen I'd be mad cause she's taking way too many liberties with the music.

  • Antonique Smith is the under study. She was in the movie Notorious - played Faith Evans. I think she is way better that Kendra! Her vocals are awesome and her acting is realistic and honest.... to me at least. But to each its own.

  • ohh sunny!! my mom used to sing with her in laws!! (Walter Hawkins Family)

  • is this or the us tour cast?

  • No, but the girl who plays Maureen is an understudy

  • What about the one who plays joanne?

  • Joanne is Myiia Watson-Davis (now with the name Sunny Hawkins.)

  • I love her protrayal of Maureen :) Granted it's very different from most, but I do love it! Watch her "Over the Moon" if you're still not convinced :)

  • The girl can definitely sing, but I agree with most people on the acting. I can do without her portrayal of Maureen. Mimi was pretty good but even then, it doesn't blow me away. Especially with her performance of Out Tonight. Not entertaining at all to me. && it was interesting to see her play Maureen cause I haven't seen any clips of any other black girl doing it. But I do like the whole black and white relationship thing for Maureen and Joanne.

  • I don't know, like, girl can sing, that's a given. But where's the feeling? In fact even the girl playing Joanne, in this clip I don't know if I'm feeling the character from either of them.

  • I don't know what she's better in--Maureen or Mimi?

  • ugh people everyones not going to sing the song the exact same way in all respect that would be boring. they are making it their own by singing it diffrent than the person before them

  • eh. i don't love it, It;s kinda cool she was Maureen and Mimi.... I prefer her as a mimi. But yeah! Wasn't she just an understudy or something?

  • its to soft for my liking I mean there supposed to be super angry she should have added more support nad power to it

  • If Antonique Smith told me that she was my baby, I'd die on the spot.

  • hell yeah,im confused tho. i was just checkin this clip out because i saw it said antonique smith, and ive never seen RENT before. are those two girls, supposed to be in a relationship together?

  • Yes, they are lovers... and this pair is especially smoking hot.

    Not that you asked, but I'd eat Anonique Smith's shit with a knife and fork.

  • to me Antonique Smith is always INCREDIBLE. I love her version of this song, is really different from the others.

  • There is such a temptation to sing these songs the exact way that you hear other people sing them because you don't want to ruin the original magic. I comend her for taking the chance. It comes off unique and creative.

  • Nice voices, but neither seemed to have much power. I think they both have potiental to have powerful voices, but here they didn't. Maureen was just a little to soft for my taste. Good though.

  • look up "antonique smiths out tonight"... antonique has one of the most powerful voices ive heard

  • Antonique is FABULOUS. Saw her as Mimi on Broadway and got goosebumps she was so good...this video proves she is a true star of the stage.

  • Kills it as Maureen and Mimi!!! Love ya Antonique!!!

  • Intense man.

  • did Antonique Smith played maureen and mimi???

  • before she took over the role of mimi, she covered for maureen and mimi

  • again, this is Idina's style, not hers.

    i mean, she's good, but she's no comparison.

  • this is awesome. i love her version as well as Idina's. they have such different singing styles, but both are fantastic!

  • Her voice is TOO soft from the start of the song. I"m like 'COME ON GIRL!! SING IT!!'

  • Antonique has an awesome voice, but her acting is equivalent to a piece of bread. Even now her acting is that great. I do love her voice, but I really hope she improves on her acting.

  • I agree with you, she needs to improve her acting, it really shows in Over the Moon...

  • I would love to see Frenchie Davis play Mimi.

  • hey HowieGonnapay didn't frenchie play joanne one time, and she kilt seasons of love when she was in it

  • Antonique Smith can play angel and still be brilliant she is a............Goddess

  • Antonique...is a FUCKING GOD

  • she was on again for the first time as maureen in like 5 years. i wish soooo much that i was there

  • I take it all back i prefer Antonique here too. Idina belts it for all she's worth which is very impressive but belongs in a song like defying gravity i think it's a bit too much in this song. But saying that i do like idina very much.

  • RENT is a rock opera. In TMOLM, Maureen and Joanne are fighting. This song is /supposed/ to be belted by both ladies, especially Maureen. Why do you think Idina got nominated for the Best Featured Actress Tony for the role of Maureen? She sang the role like it was meant to be sung.

  • I don't care. I'm still entitled to my opinion. I like Antonique's version. Get over it.

  • Honey, I never said you couldn't love Antonique's version...I love it too. It's nicer to see a softer side of Maureen. Calm down.

    I'm saying that this song is known for being a 'screaming match' between Maureen and Joanne. In fact, nearly all of Maureen's part is one big belting role.

  • I love, love, love Antonique and her version of this song. I prefer Idina's version, but only because I like it a little less... soulful like Antonique does it. But don't bash me for my opinion, because I adore both of the girls' versions.

  • both of them were great awsome!!!

  • What? Where´s Idina?

    This girl (Smith) made her homework :)

  • Nique can just pick a role, any role. Mimi, Maureen anything. She's perfect.

  • why does everyone compare antonique to idina? Antonique = black. Idina = White. Jewish is a religion, not a race. They both bring a little something different to the role of Maureen and they've both got killer vocals and kick ass at the part. so stop with all the "Omg She's black! *gasp* Maureen is supposed to be jewish!" I mean, do you really think Idina would make a fuss about someone a different race playing "her part?" Get over yourselves, everyone. =]

  • antonique does not "= black" and same for Idina. for this role, your race and/or religion shouldn't matter, because if you can sing and act it, it doesn't matter what color your skin is.

  • That's not what i mean. I'm just sick of everyone comparing idina and her. They're completely different performers, don't get me wrong i love them both. I'm just trying to get people to stop fussing with the fact that Muareen is jewish, not black. Sorry if you thought i meant otherwise.

  • Being Jewish is a religion not a fucking race you idiot. If Maureen is Jewish then a black person could just as well play the part. There are plenty of black Jews walking this earth. As a matter of fact, they were the ORIGINAL JEWS in the firs place. So there.

  • The timing in this song is just...off. The actresses aren't reacting to each other-instead of responding to what the other is saying, they're just speaking/singing their lines when they know they have a line coming.

    That being said, this Antonique woman makes a much better Maureen than she does Mimi, and Joanne is fabulous.

  • who said anything about Idina? the point is, the role was specifically made for a Jewish person, with a Jew in mind. that's the role.

    Maureen should know she's a slut. that's not innocence.

  • perfection <333

  • I think I like her Maureen. It's very spirited. :)

  • She owns this!!!

    I absolutely love the way she reinvents the role.

    I think some of the people who are commenting on this are too rigid. You all need to realize that a musical is about CREATIVITY. Each actor/actress brings their own experiences, emotions and interpretations. Stop thinking of it as not playing the role like Idina

  • Who cares if she's black? If the actress plays the part well, that's all that should matter.

  • Exactly. I agree 100%.

  • GOOD FOR YOU ANTONIQUE. YOU'RE BLACK. WOOO GO ANTONIQUE!

    whatever.

    anyway, i Antonique's too innocent. Maureen's supposed to be a drama queen. i mean, she can sing and all, but it doesnt fit. and i like the Jewish Maureens. they fit the parts better.

  • Not all the Maureen's are Jewish. Besides, I don't think the fact that they're Jewish make them any different from the ones who aren't. Whatever your background is it shouldn't affect the way you play the role. Come on, people, stop being racist.

  • btw, I do think that Antonique is very innocent, but she's also very sexy. Maureen is SUPPOSED to be innocently sexy... it even said so on this website where u find out about open auditions for RENT.

  • what the fuck, how is that racist? not everyhting that addresses race is racist. Maureen is supposed to be Jewish, that's what the part is. would you cast a black person in the Joy Luck Club?

  • I don't know what the Joy Luck Club is, so I can't identify this w/ what you're saying. Maureen was ORIGINATED Jewish, she's not SUPPOSED to be Jewish. Not all the Maureens are Jewish. Idina was, but that doesn't mean that everyone else who plays the role has to be. Being Jewish doesn't make them any better a Maureen than someone who's black. Let it go.

  • shes the face of mimi and nothing more.

  • Love it. There were a couple of things I thought Antonique could have done better, but I love her acting, and I love her singing.

  • antonique has a great voice. the problem i have with her is she has no energy, playing both maureen and mimi. she would be great if she has more energy and enthusiasm.

  • The problem here is not Maureen's race. You can always say she's half-Irish, half-something else when dealing with a multiracial or Hispanic-looking Maureen. The real problem lies in the way Antonique Smith performs the role. Her voice is undoubtedly beautiful, but she lacks that spiciness required to play Maureen, thus leaving her performance bland and less than excellent. I've seen her "Over the Moon" and it was excellent, but it's almost like her energy disappears a bit after that.

  • I think one of the appeals of Rent was the race of the characters, its just seemed cast perfectly originally. A black lesbian lawer just seems right, and Pairing her with a white girl adds to the a big element in the show. Differnt kinds of people all living together. I get that they're still different races, but a white girl with a black girl is more of a contrast, so you really notice it more.

  • Wow... you people are intense. Accept that the world of Broadway is changing. If roles are specifically centered around a character's race, then this is not the case. But in the case of many modern musicals, race-blind casting is fine. Look at this years revival of Les Miz... and Audra will be playing Lizzie 110 in the Shade (a role traditionally played by a white woman). If race is something that's keeping you from understanding the message, maybe the world of theatre isn't for you!

  • Antonique is great as Mimi. Her voice just isn't a maureen voice. it has nothing to do with race.

  • a) broadway fans should know everyones a little bit racist so cut the stupid baby bullshit.

    b) regardless of race antonique sucks. sure she can sing but the chick can't act to save her life.

    c) ....exactly - its not STATED that roger should be white or joanne should be black anytime in the show but if you've ever seen the audition paper character description it says - Maureen: caucasian female, early-mid 20s.

  • broadway fans should know everyone is a little bit racist? so that makes it right? and that's probably the stupidest thing i've ever heard.

    antonique is also one of the best singers AND ACTRESSES i have ever seen in my lifetime.

  • sg410..your an ass and probably shouldn't talk. maureen was made white, and should be white - for a reason. the end. and yes. everyones a little bit racist..no ones color blind bla bla bla...go see avenue q. and considering you must be, 11? 12?...you've got more life time left to expand your knowledge of actors with talent. which clearly needs expanding.

  • so maureen was MADE white, and antonique being black STILL got her part. more power to her. go antoniquee! =)

  • wait shes black..

  • Ok I like Antonique but im sorry NOBODY can Be Idina and Traci Boo-boo