Tracie, you are so cute. <3

Thanks for posting ! Can't wait till November!
-Sarah

Tracie, I'm a new fan of your after seeing the rent trailer, reading your blogs, and listeing to you on the cd. you truly are an amazing Joanne. I also saw the original cast, and thought tht Fredi would always be Joanne in my mind, even though i saw it really young, but I'm starting to think that after i see the movie, you will be considered as the true Joanne. Thanks fot taking the time to keep us posted on everything! i can't wait for the movie to come out!

I think I have turned into one of your biggest fans! From the start you won me over and I cannot wait to see your performance!! Don't ever lose your incredible spirit. I can't wait to see what happens for you in your future! YOU ROCK

Michelle

Thanks for the comments, Tracie. "Another Day" is one of my favorites, too. You sound great on the soundtrack, especially on "Take me or Leave Me." Can't wait for the movie to come out!

Tracie, I think you ARE Joanne now. RENT has superceded the people playing the parts in some ways, and it's about the story. The people in those story roles have always had an instant-trust worthiness w/ fans. But having great people truly BECOMING the characters helps. Ultimately, people already accept you, people are already excited to see you as Joanne as much as they are excited to see RENT on the silver screen (a task long too waited for).

I wonder if anyone found the irony in Roger's line of "I hear Spike Lee's shootin' down the street" and Spike was trying to film RENT years ago. Just a thought.

Keep singin' girl! We love to hear it!

Love love love you, Tracie! Can't wait to see YOUR interpretation of Joanne. You crack me up, girl.

Tracie,

You have achieved what many RENTheads only dream about...and yet your still a RENThead at heart! You are amazing, far too humble and way too talented!
I know it must have been hard to step into a role that was already established, knowing that there were some pretty harsh critics out there (us fellow RENTheads), but I have to say...you blew us away!
I'm excited that we will be seeing more of you on screen. The book "The Devil Wears Prada" is one of my favorite 'chick-lit' books. I'm jealous that you get to work with Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep, but I know that it will a great film as well.
My only request is that you stay as true to yourself as you are now. You are going to a huge star, just don't forget about us RENTheads along the way. I can't wait for the film!

p.s. You are awesome in "Take me or Leave me". I love what you did with it. It takes a strong woman to stand up to Idina!-lol

Tracie, you have such a great voice. you and idina make a great team in TMOLM
xoxo
Sarah

you rock.
you rock me.
you rock my world.

Thanks, Tracie. Your voice is amazing. It was a great moment for me when I saw the first trailer for the first time and realized that THAT incredible voice belonged to our new Joanne. I know we all say this all the time, but you alleviate all of our worries. I mean, I already trusted Adam and Idina and Anthony and Wilson and Jesse and Taye, but I was still slightly worried about recasting... and you fulfill all of my expectations. I can't wait to see "Tango: Maureen" and "Take Me Or Leave Me" in the movie, and now it's not just because Anthony and Idina are in them -- it's because you're in them, too.
Cheers!
*Mondie (mondiegoil@hotmail.com)

That is so great that your favorite scene was the Happy New Year scene!!! I was there! It was tons of fun :)

Traci, Thank you soooooo much for answering these here questions. I must admit I was worried at first because of the new people coming into roles that were originated so long ago. But you have blown me away! You have such a great personality and your voice is truely AMAZING. The first time I heard you sing in "seasons of love" all my doubts subsided. Thank you so much for being so great to all of your fellow RENTheads, I'm so glad that YOU were chosen for this role. Ok im done carrying on now. your awesome!
~~EM~~

OH TRACIE! thank you so much for answering our questions! you're so wonderful!
all my love and support
Chelsea

Tracie--

Thank you so much for taking the time to indulge us and answer our questions. We love all of you a ridiculous amount, and we love the opportunity the Rent blog gives us to bridge the gap between the two sides of the process for this film. All the effort is very much appreciated. And thanks for responding to my comment; that was completely unexpected but it absolutely made my day. Keep on being your awesome self! You sound great on the soundtrack, and I can't wait to see how good I know you'll be in the film.

--Alexandria

Oh wow it sounds like the New Year's scene was a lot of fun!! You are so amazing on the cd! I just love Take me or Leave Me,, it rocks my moo striped socks!!

Keep on rocking!!

Tracie you are so awesome! I think it would be interesting to see you as Elphaba. I haven't heard the film soundtrack yet, but I will soon, and from what everyone's been saying, I know I won't be disappointed!

It's a great thing when you can hear just as much enthusiasm in a person's typed words as the ones they speak (even if said person didn't name One Song Glory as a favorite, cough cough).
Reading and watching all these blogs has never failed to make me grin, and if possible, more excited about the film's release.
~Anne
PS: I'm bitterly jealous of how great you look in that suit and tie combo, I can never get that to work for me!

Traci – Thank you so much for your blog. You genuinely seem so excited about it, I can’t help but smile myself – your happiness is contagious! I keep listening to “Take me or leave me” on the soundtrack, and wish I could hit those notes like you! You’re so talented (and I’m not saying this to be a kiss-ass either). It’s so great to hear about a true “RENT-head” living the dream that we all wish to live – to not only BE in the production but hell, be in the production with the ORIGINAL OBC-ers! Damn girl, you hit the motherload!

48 days!
- Evan

You just are all around wonderful! Your voice never ceases to amaze and inspire, and I know that you definitely have an incredible run ahead of you! Whenever we are listening to the cd, I always say to my friends "Listen to the new Joanne, she's absolutely amazing." We all agree. Great, great luck on your next film!

Love from a fellow Marylander

Tracie,
I've only recently fallen in love with RENT. I've never had the privilege of seeing the show and I only bought the OBCR a few days before I bought the movie soundtrack, so the characters weren't real solid in my mind.
I love all the characters, and you as well as the rest of the cast are AMAZING! You sound incredible on Take Me or Leave Me, and especially on Goodbye Love.
I think it's great that, as a RENThead, you got to be a part of this and I love that the entire cast stays in touch with the fans via the blog. Not a lot of actors/singers would do that.
You're all amazing and I know the movie will be a hit. Can't wait to see it.

~Erin~

Thank you for answering all those. I'm SO SO excited to see you in this movie. If you ask me, I think you sound the BEST on the movie soundtrack. Incredible. And you just seem like a real, down-to-earth, fun, class act. Keep it that way, we like you!

And let me express my jealousy for a sec...Julliard. It's my DREAM school. I'm so jealous you went there. Wish me luck when I go audition, will ya? ;)

"SHARE LOVE...

Traci, once again, you captured my heart! Your Blog posts and videos are simply the Best! I would LOVE to see your face as you watch the film for the first time! Your JOY is so contagious and I'm thrilled for you beyond measure! It would awesome if YOU and the cast would post your reactions to seeing the finished film for the first time!!

...GIVE LOVE, SPREAD LOVE"

Tracie, you're blowing me away on the CD. Just amazing. I can't wait to see you on the big screen!

And you are adorable... and everyone DOES love you!

Tracie, you are so adorable. I love your enthusiasm for RENT. You and the rest of the cast seem so down to earth. By the way, if I a ever lucky enough to meet you or see you, I will be sure to ask for your autograph!

Tracie, you are so amazing! Even though your voice is a little different than Fredi's I think that you did great job.

I hope you guys come and perform down here in Atlanta. (I'm just being hopeful.)

OH MY GOD Tracie Thoms!

Thank you SOOOO MUCH for posting! I was hoping you would post something today! I just want to let you know, I love reading your blogs. They're just so awesome. And they make me laugh, which is good, laughing is good.

Oh, and one more thing.

THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING TO MY LETTER!
That was a HUGE surprise! I got the mail out of the mailbox and I was listening to my CD player (RENT, of course..) and not really paying attention to what was there until I got in the house and put everything on my counter. So then I looked down and FLIPPED OUT because I was so excited! Of course, I dropped my CD player and the little ear things were still hooked on to my ears, so I was having trouble with that while attempting to open the envelope, which, now that I think about it, must have been very funny looking...

You don't know how much that made my day! It was so awesome!

Yes, I did like the bigger picture. And yes...

The chat is still VERY MUCH alive! :D

<3megan

I just listened to the whole CD all the way through....finally. And YOU were absolutely fantastic and blew me away. I mean they did choose you and I was expecting it to be good, but it far surpassed anything I could have even imagined and now I'm in such anticipation to see this movie. Thank you so much for being so persistant, I just can't see anyone else taking Fredi's place. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

Sincerely,
Leeann

Tracie, I just love you. I'm so happy for you..and I hope I see you on the street one day :) (i'll be at rent on the 22nd coughhinthintcough) haha just kidding. But seriously, your such a great person I'm so glad your Joanne and you sound amazing. Cant wait for the 23rd<3.

Tracie, you are our ambassador! You have such a gorgeous voice, can't wait for the movie!
Peace and love.

dearest tracie -

everyone does love you, including me.

i love you the most.

Tracie,

You're such a cutie and your voice is PHENOMENAL! You're just a beautiful person inside and out! I can't wait 'til November! My friends and I had an official "Tracie Love" day the day after the CD came out. Haha. You're so cool and we're always thinking "What will Tracie do next?"!

Love you always, all ways,

Lizzie M.

Tracie!

You are by FAR my favorite (I think I have a soft spot for Joannes) and I'm planning on getting the special edition soundtrack with you on the cover... haha.

From everything I've read here, you seem to have a lot of respect from all of the Rent fans. I haven't spoken to one person who has said they weren't looking forward to seeing you and Rosario in the movie... I've even got some of my friends who aren't interested in theater to come see the movie by playing them clips of your voice!

Anne Hathaway and Tracie Thoms in the same movie? That's got to be amazing. I can't wait to see it! You'll be bringing a lot of people whom you've won over from Rent to go see it, and I'm betting that the Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep fans will looove you!

I would love love love to see you perform live- I know Idina has already trekked out to Massachusetts to do a few concerts- she can tell you how wonderful it is here! If not, New York will have to do. :P

Best of luck!
-Dana

You are just so awesome! It is good to hear that you made Joanne your own, but allowed Joanne to still be the Joanne she started out as (I hope that makes sense ;)!) It is so wonderful to hear from all of you, thank you for that!
xoxox Shauna

Dear Tracie, thank you so much for taking the time to answer so many quesitons! Your answers are so sincere, and you have a gorgeous singing voice! I hope one day I will have the pleasure of meeting you.

The only think that everyone seems to be able to agree on about the new soundtrack is that you sound amazing. :)

Can't wait to see all of you guys performing around as the movie approaches. Sing something besides Seasons too sometimes. I <3 that song, but yeah. :D

Mucho love,
Amanda

I LOVE YOU TRACIE!

Ok, enough of my fangirl rantings...You are such a wonderful performer and yet so humble. My only wish as a performer is to retain a sense of reality and you have perfected that on so many levels. You are an inspiration! I am so glad that you are the person you are...

=^_^=
~brands~

you are so awesome! i met you at the bway flea market and was so so excited!!!! you ROCK!

Dear Tracie-
Thank you so much for answering all those questions! It is so inspiring to see a rent fan going through this experience! You sound amazing on the soundtrack, and you are so genuine! We love you! I'm definitely a fan. I'm going to New York next weekend, and if I saw you I would definitely recognize you :) Hope to meet you someday, since I'm now a Tracie fangirl too :D

<3 megan

Well unlike the other kids I actually have no Rent experience. Didn't see the play, don't really know what it’s about. I am what you would call the "other" category of fans because I am a "Wonderfalls" kid and I must say that when I read the press release way back when about you being cast, I thought it was cool but had no idea of the magnitude.

I am proud to say that I now know of the magnitude and can't wait 'till November. Anyway, the point of my rambling is that an actor/actress (not sure which you prefer) of your caliber deserves a fan club website and I would like to build you a site, with your permission of course.

I'm a stable non-stalker, in fact I run the fan club for Gabrielle Union, and I would love to get something started for you as well. Anyway, hit me up and congrats.

Thanks so much for the blog! I'm sure you're tired of hearing this but you are so incredibly amazing. Everytime I listen to Take me or Leave me on the soundtrack I'm just blown away. I'm sure you already know that you're an inspiration but I'll say it again. You are truly an inspiration. <3 <3 <3

Tracie, you rock my world. You are seriously like, awesome. Really awesome.

I have a question. Whats its like, well, kissing Idina in the movie? Is it wierd to kiss a girl?

Tracie, you are a dream. You're amazingly talented, you're sweet as pie, and you're an inspiration!! I mean, come on, we needed some Renthead representation in the movie, and that's you! You rock, babe. Love you so much <333

- Annie
Yonkers, NY

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! You answered my question. That is so cool! Thanks for always keeping us updated and for being so funny. You and Anthony really made this blog happen. I can't wait to see the film! Thanks again!

*hugs madly* I love you, I love you. Marry me or something!

You are amazing. Your voice, your smile...gah...yum! Pretty...

Anyway, I swear my mind didn't melt out my ears. It sounds like you've been having plenty of fun. Good for you!

I LOVE The Devil Wears Prada. You and Anne being in it will just make it that much more wonderful. I can't wait for Rent. I got the soundtrack. I wanted to get you, but all they had left was Rosario and Wilson. (Not even so much as an Anthony). Sorry I couldn't buy it and show some Mad Tracie Love! I'll just continue to run around shouting your praises (that faint encouraging whisper blown by the south wind...yeah, that's me down in Florida)

*hugs, hugs, shows Mad Tracie Love*,
Bethy

Tracie I think you are SO amazing! You seem like such a fun person and I cannot wait until this movie comes out. From what I hear on the soundtrack it sounds like you are a perfect Joanne! AH these cast posts make my day so much better! Thank you for answering all of these questions!!

much love xoxo, Shannon

Thank you for answering all those questions. I agree with the whole "everyone loves you" comment. I ADORE you.

you're great! that's all i could possibly think to say!

Hey Tracie!

Thanks so much for answering some questions. I love the book The Devil Wears Prada and I wasn't aware that they were making a movie out of it but it sounds like a great cast. I look foward to seeing you in it when it comes out. Anyways you really do have an amazing voice. Your solos in Love Heals where breathtaking and you and Adam sound great together. Thanks again and best wishes always! :-)
-Mika

I have been excited about this movie for sometime, and every time I hear you speak about it, it makes me even more so. This show has touched my life in so many ways and its a comfort to know that it touched yours so much as well. The soundtrack sounds incredible, you guys all deserve a huge round of applause.

OMGSH! Tracie EVERYONE loves you because you are Sooooo down to earth! I was just listening to you on the Cd ur Voice just made me cry ITS SOOOO GORGEOUS. I love you Sooo Much! U are sooo Pretty! And Ur Sooo Cute! Your just awesome! Haha Thanks for posting! Its really good to know you appreciate your fans!

- Annie -

Tracie I love you!

Ever since the first rent trailer you have been a great inspiration to me!

love ya
-Mary Kate

Tracie, I love your voice. Your SOL solo really impressed me, and hearing you on Take Me or Leave Me and Goodbye Love really amazed me as well. You're excellent and I think you did a great job.

Tracie,

It was nice to tell us that your original blog entry wasn't strategic, but I think we already could see how genuine you really are. You are proof that dreams do come true, and we're so glad that you're here!

--Jenn
Bronx, NY

hey sweetie!! Its funny that your in the devil wears prada, bc I worked at Abrams talent agency this summer and I did pulls for probobly the part you have. So the blisters i got from stapeling so much didnt matter, bc you got the part, and baby, YOU DESERVE IT!!!!!!!! I cant wait for it bc you have found yourself your new #1 fan!!!When is the fansite/fanclub going to come along???

Yay, I love updates! I could tell you that your awesome, but that isn't enough. I could tell you that I absolutely adore your voice on the soundtrack but that isn't enough either. I really respect the work you've done, I really appreciate how supportive you have been for all of us too. I don't know if I'm making sense, but really all I want to say is a really big thank you!

much love, shady

tracie, i love you.

i could not have dreamed up of a more wonderful, enthusiastic, loving, amazing, talented person to take on this role. you just blow me away.

i love the fact that you were a huge fan before the movie, because you totally understand. i hope your new movie goes well. keep on rocking!

xoxoxox

Hey Tracie,

You are such an AMAZING person and have an AWESOME personality!! I LOVE YOU!!! Cannot wait until Nov. 23rd!!! Me and my sister are already planning to be there sometime during that day. Keep us posted!!

<3 Lindsey

Tracie,
Hey. I just wanted to say that I really loved your first blog. I'm a theatre major and your blog reminds me that I can still have my big dreams and they may come true, one day.

Thanks to You and the Rest of the cast for keeping the dreams alive!

you're refreshingly incredible. it's that simple. can't freakin wait to see you in Rent.

and you're doing a movie w/Anne Hathaway?! i'm ready already ready (ready?) to go see it. ready. yeah.

I had read that you were going to be in The Devil Wears Prada but it didn't list who you were cast as and I was just keeping my fingers crossed that it'd be Lily- you'll be perfect for the part!

As far as Rent goes, the comments everyone else has posted couldn't be more true and I don't have much else to say except that whoever the casting director was for the movie is now one of my favorite people for giving all of us rent fans the honor of seeing you as Joanne.

-Maggie

tracie-
you're so amazing... i try to mimic your sound in seasons while i'm in my little rehearsal room, where i know no one can mock my sound. needless to say, i fall flat on my face when compared to you.
i'm totally going dressed as joanne to the theatre, but i can't figure out what pants you're wearing in the promo pictures. could you tell me what they are? (color, fabric, style) thanks so so much.

I can't believe they're making a movie of The Devil Wears Prada, that will be a total riot!

Tracie,
You are really an inspiration to RENT fans and people in general. You went after your dream and didn't give up until you got it. You have an amazing voice and I can't wait to see you in the movie.
Much love and God Bless,
Kelley

Tracie,
Thank you for answering those questions, we all have already fallen in love with you, but its really nice to hear from you. I know you'll do amazing in RENT and I wish you all the best.

i <3 tracie!!

Konnichiwa from a RENThead in Tokyo!

I am very glad that you reach out to fans. Thanks to the internet, you are actually reaching out---outside the US! There are thousands of non-American RENTheads all over the world!

I've been a RENThead for a long time (more than 7 years--- oh, time really flies!) and, of course, waiting for the movie version to come out. When I first heard that Chris Columbus would direct the film, I thought it was gonna be a failure...(Sorry, Director!) I was really worried because RENT shouldn't just be a funny movie for little kids!(Well, I like Home Alone though. Adults can enjoy it, too.)

But then I read your first entry to this weblog. Somehow, it made me think, like, 'Oh, this movie will be OK...No worries any more! I will LOVE it alright!'

So, thank you Tracie!!

I don't know when the film is released in Japan yet. But it sure will be released here, for lots of Japanese RENTheads are waiting, including me. If the movie makes a promotional tour to Japan, I really want YOU to come!!!

Tokyo kara ai wo komete
(with love from Tokyo)

-yuko

Tracie=LOVE

It's just that simple!!!!

~Brooke

Tracie! Do you have a website in the works by any chance? That would be awesome. I'd love to know more about you. I'm so excited for this movie that I feel like I'm going to implode everytime i think about it. Best of luck in future projects!

Leah

You deserve every bit of your success. RENT fans everywhere are screaming your name.

<33linzee

Tracie I was totally wowed by your vocal range! Hello, who's fabulous? That'd be you, darling. I'm listening to Take Me or Leave Me right this very second. I love Freddi, don't get me wrong, but you just seem to be more at home doing the vocalizing and what not up nearer the top of your range. Amazing. Everybody hearts you.

Tracie
AHH absolutly faboulous!!! I cannot tell you how much I have fallen in love with you in these past few months!!! You are like the cutest person ever!!! :) (you sounded awesome on the Today Show!!!(even if it was early) well I am so glad you were offered this role and I cannot wait!!! to see all that is to come!!! Thankyou!!! love ya much love!!
kim
P.S. Greetings from Oklahoma!!!!

Thanks for the awesome blog, you rock!

Tracie! You're so sincere! Thank you so much for your comments! It must feel SO amazing that as a RENThead, you are now in RENT. I know it's definitely something that I've dreamed about!

This whole thing has made me SO emotional... The other morning when I was riding the bus to class (UGA=BIGGGG campus) I was listening to the movie soundtrack. And I just started BAWLING. I was thinking about how excited I am that there is going to be a movie and how much RENT has meant to me these past 9 years. And I couldn't help it. In fact, I'm tearing up right now just thinking about it!

Thanks to all of the cast for everything you all have done. It makes me sad to think that after the movie is out, you guys will probably not be doing this blog anymore! What will I have to look forward to every Monday and Wednesday??!!

Love, Sattin

Woohoo Tracie we love you!

Your voice is awesome! I must say that Tango Maureen is my favorite song and you rock it on the soundtrack! Yea!

p.s. exclamation points rock!

OH MY GOSH! I LOVE YOU! I hadn´t read your first entry and after I did my first reaction was...OH MY GOSH SHE`S SOOO CUTE!!! All of us RENT LOVERS are counting down the days until the movie comes out! I loved the fact that you have so much respect for Fredi...
You`re a great girl and I can`t wait to see you shine!
Break a leg always,
Rosi

p.s. You made me giggle with the whole "everytime Adam and Anthony sang (you) screamed!" thing. lol. I WOULD HAVE TOO!!!

tracie-boo....what happened to my columbus question? or the one about the racey tracie nickname? or how about the chicken crossing the road? im still trying to figure that one out....lol just kidding. cute answers. and they arent dorky hun, they are adorable.
and the CD=amazing. my mom forces me to put on take me or leave me every morning before she goes to work because it makes her happy. and you are just awesome. and so is everything else. i really like the soundtrack a lot. oh and u won for best on soundtrack...anthony rapp as a close second....on this rent blog that i belong to...just thought u should know
much love!!!
-alice the malice...;-)

awww. i love you!

Aloha wau ia oe!
Hiki ia oe ke himeni maikai e like me na anela a aloha wau i kou keaka 'ana!

which in hawaiian means:
I love you! :)
You can sing great like angels and i love your acting!

Mahalo,
Kimo K.

Dear Tracie

Thank you so much for answering my question, I'm still astounded that members of the cast have shown that they care about fans so much...I belt out "Feelin'' Free" by Michael Franti & Spearhead when I need a pick me up.

It's nice to be reminded how gratious people can be.

Love, be well, and live free

Kris

P.S. You are a shining star in more ways than one.

I wished that I would ever meet you on Times Squeare, but that is a long shot, 'cause it's kind of far away. Do you fancy comming to Iceland, Tracie? We do have some squeares here for you to sit on (but bring a thick coat though...)

loads of love
Inga

Tracie, I first saw you on the Today Show and immediately fell in love with your voice. Congratulations on the success and more power!!!

Tracie, basically every person before me has said it (and said it many times!) but you're incredible. You're FANTASTIC!! I think you'll make an absolutely awesome Joanne, no questions asked....Oh, and you can stop being nervous, cuz we know you're great =D Thanks for answering those questions, that was super nice...it's great to hear you shout out our love and respect for Fredi, too =)

much love,
~Alex

i can't wait to see your joanne!
much love,
Jessie

Traci*
I can not wait to see you as Joanne! :)
You have an amazing voice
-Jenny-

"I'm supposed to let the fan be excited, not be excited myself!" Haha! That made me laugh, you are too cute! You're incredibly talented, and such an awesome person, you sound amazing on the soundtrack. I really cannot wait to see you in the movie, I know it's going to be just great!

Much love and support <3

You are adorable! I'm thrilled youre playing Joanne!

You sound like a really amazing person and it's nice to have a fellow RENThead as a replacement in the show. (Your voice is incredible: I love this Tango:Maureen!)

Tracie,

Thanks for all that you have brought to this movie. You had a tough job jumping into something like RENT but you succeeded famously. You truely are an amazing talent!

<3 Mer

P.S. Idina, if you see this, congrats on the new record deal!!!

I just saw the RENT trailer yesterday, and it looks AMAZING. i cant wait till november, im going to see it on opening day!
you all have amazing voices, and together the sound is even more enchanting!!!!!!!!

Dear Tracie,

Wow, I am listening to the RENT soundtrack as we speak and I cannot beleive how immensely talented you are. I have been listening to RENT forever and when I heard you were taking on the part of Joanne I was a little skeptical but you truly took on the part. You can tell how much work you put into embodying the character of Joanne and it really comes out in your voice. Your voice has such intensity and power that it amazes me every time I hear it. I look foward to seeing you on the silver screen! Keep up the amazing work!

xo Taylor xo

i've been under this "rent spell" since i first saw it with my mom when i was 12. she knew or cared nothing for musical theatre but assumed this little show of mine was most likely a dandy song and dance show. we drove to tulsa, ok from kansas city and bought 4th row tickets. from that day- i was hoooked.

the emotions. the tears. the smiles. the kisses. the snow. the moo-ing. everything that was a part of rent became an addiction.

i am so eager to see your work. i can see in you the same thing so many of us fans have- passion. i am truly truly delighted that you are a part of this production. i feel like i should know you.

actually- i think i may know your 2nd cousin's dog's vetrenarion's mail man's ex wife.

:) or something.

ok, so when i heard that you were going to play joanne, i had no idea who you were. and then when i saw the trailer for the first time...i didn't care about that anymore because you were AMAZING. ahhhh it brought tears to my eyes. i loved your first blog entry...i think it's so cool that you were a fan of rent and now you're in the movie. i'm really (really really) excited to see the movie and i can't wait for it to come out...i know you'll be even more fantastic in the film than you've been on the trailer and in your performances on the today show and in bryant park (which were AWESOME). i've loved rent since i was twelve (which, ok, was only about five years ago), and i was a tiny bit skeptical about how true the movie would be to the show, but after seeing how excited you are about EVERYTHING, i know it's going to be awesome. thank you for posting on the blogs...i love reading them.

-sarah

Sounds like you had a great time on the set! I'm so excited for November!

Traci, you are absolutely without a doubt hands down FABULOUS! I just got the CD and I have to tell you... WOW. You ARE Joanne. You completely set yourself apart from Freddi and made your own character, and that is not easy to do! I don't think you have to worry a single bit about being accepted in the role. You are AMAZING!! Thank you so much for blogging and singing and acting and being a part of this RENT world that lives inside of each of us!

Tracie-When i bought the RENT movie soundtrack i was soooo excited to get home and listen to it. you have such an amazing voice. i cried throughout Seasons of Love and Love Heals those songs are so beautiful...i can't wait till november! i'll be seeing it opening night and probably will see many many times.

:) Another Day is my favorite too. I love Mimi's part in the background. It's so hauntingly beautiful.
And it's no wonder everyone loves you! Your voice alone is kick-ass, plus the fact that you know this role so well and embrace every aspect of Joanne and her character. And you also were one of our RENT-head fellows, and now you're in RENT, which is very, very inspiring.
It's got to be SO awesome to move from being a fan to having fans. I ran into Stephanie J. Block at a party once and asked her to sign my shirt, and when she did you should have seen how I freaked out! (jumping, screaming, giggling, dancing. I was so star-struck) I think if someone ever asked me for my autograph, I would be jumping up and down and screaming more then the fan. I probably would scare them away. :D

Anyway, there was a point to this comment but I think I lost it half-way through. You're awesome and I can't wait to see what happens on the big screen.
<3 Naya

Tracie-
You are soooo amazing!! I am such a big fan! I just got the movie soundtrack and it really could not be any better! Thanks for everything!

~Rachel~ :)

Hey! my brother who is in high school did a bunch of rent songs for chorus and select so i would always steal his music and sing all the songs. my friends dillon did a solo for Another Day as Rodger it was awesome! my favorite song from rent is La Vie Bohmeme! its so funny! i got the sound track and i love it. im in chorus at my middle school and since im in 8th grade im very excited for nexted year in high school to see what songs we sing. but i heard where singing seasons of love another one of my favorites this year in the middle school. im going 2 the movie with all my rent crazy friends when it comes out. its gunna be awesome! i cant wait.

I'm sure you all know about this already, but on MySpace, there is this Rent site and they were having a sing-a-long where one person would post a set of lyrics and then the next person would post the next set and so forth. So far they're half way through contact. i thought this was amazing and it made me quite happy. Tracie you are amazing and dont get freaked out if one day i come up to you extreamly star struck asking for an autograph :)

Thank you for responding to those wonderful questions. Can't wait to see you in the movie! Your Fantastic! Be well and I wish you every happiness!

~Niki B.

Hey Tracie!

Thanks so much for posting again. I think you're so great! As long as I've listened to Fredi on the OBCR, I think you're going to be my real Joanne! You're just that great! Another Day is my favorite song, too, I just LOVE it. Thanks for being awesome, Tracie. I love it. :-P

xoxo Charlotte

Tracie, I want to say that you are a huge inspiration to me. I love how you were a huge RENT fan and I can't imagine how it must feel that you are now at the other end of it. What a dream come true! You have a beautiful voice, and I CAN'T wait to see how the big screen portrays RENT! i know I will love it!

Tracie! Thanks again so much for signing my Juiliard program from Black Russian and taking the time to talk with me both during the end of intermission, and after the show. You're incredibly wonderful and a joy to have met/talk to. Our theater class is going back (the same group of people) to Juiliard to see 'Midsummer Nights...' in the spring. I'm really looking forward to seeing the show with the talented 4th years we saw on the 30th. Maybe you'll get free time and can come see it. Good luck in LA and your future with Cold Case---right? That's what I've been told. Hahaha :)

Once again, thanks so much for chatting with me,
All my best,
Betsy

Every single time you post, I just fall more and more in love with you. You're absolutely the cutest thing and you sound amazing on the soundtrack! You're my favorite voice! It absolutely gives me chills each time I listen. I know you're gonna kick some major ass in the movie. Do you think you'll ever take a job doing Broadway? You'd be AWESOME. It'd be so amazing to watch you perform live.

Jackie

P.S. I love "The Devil Wears Prada"! Can't wait to see you in that too! How is filming going with that? Hopefully only good things.

I just started readiing the devil wears prada--kuz you're in it.
its actually a pretty decent book.

i'm really excited 4 the movie!!!!

u are an amaazing person with an amazning voice. wow ! i didnt think that it would get much better than the original joanne, but u surprised me :)

Thanks so much for posting! Gosh, working on the set sounds like so much fun! It must be amazing being a renthead and seeing everyone and getting to BE joanne. Thanks for keeping us in the loop, and we love you!

You sound so funny and real. I love your voice on the CD - you do so well. It's great to see you answer these, because now we can see YOU and not just Joanne ;). The "How the Hell" blog was so well written. (hey, you need more then just musical skill/ability to get into juliard! lol) (two boys from my high school went there last year. they're twins (both instrumentelists) and they're crazy good!) (that was random.)

My point? I can't wait to see you in the movie, and I'll be looking for your other, yet-to-be-produced stuff too. (Of which, of course, there will be a good deal! ;) )

There was a good decision made in the casting room when they chose you.

Best of luck in all you do.
Allison

Tracie, I cannot tell you how happy I am that you're playing Joanne. You're definitely my new favourite!

omgosh Tracie, you're amazing!!
I cant wait until novemeber, i know you're gonna be an AMAZING joanne
just watched the Regis And Kelly show, you were awesomeeeeeee
my mom came downstairs to ask why i was up so early on a day we had off from school, but i was like "SHHH!! Tracie's singing!!"
thanks for posting, and i CANNOT wait until November
<3, Meg

PS if i saw you in times square or at a show i would recognize you!!!

i have not been fortunate enough to see rent yet but i have heard the cast sing the song about love you know and it gives me chills...i can almost say this is my new favorite show just by hearing yall sing. i admire you and idena so much i really love singing and acting and wish i could be just like you!
love always
kari

tracie,
do you think that anything was lost in transfering the show from stage to screen?

I have been a Rent fan since I saw in '96. I even remember one time sleeping out side the box office in oreder to wait for student rush tickets. We slept their all night sang songs from "Rent" and even met some of the cast who came out to see us after one of the performances while we were waiting for tickets. However what has made this work of art so endearing to my heart is that is that my late wife and I would listen to the music at night after her chemo or radiation treatments and it was one of the fun things we did thinking about the play, while she battled so hard for her life. Unfortunately she eventually lost but listening to the music brings me closer to her. I can still feel her sing I'll cover you. Thank you all for the wonderful memories and the wonderful memories to come.

thank you thank you for posting and answering all those questions!!! you're soooooo awesome tracie!! :D How could someone sooooo incredibly talented be sooooo incredibly sweet and wonderful to their fans!??? I can't wait for more show appearences and then of course the movie!! ahh! I know this was kind of already asked, but since its a little bit later now, have you guys gotten any updates as to appearances?? Regis and Kelly was a great treat... anything like ellen or oprah possibly?? :)

I have converted three of my friends into Rentheads since the CD came out, and it is predominantly due to YOUR performance, Tracie, on Tango: Maureen. Everyone else is commenting on your performance in TMOLM, but to me, how one performs in T:M is the true test of who is a good Joanne.

I love your performance, and you can just feel Joanne's facade crumbling as she finally realizes the truth about Joanne through the song. Your "I'm feeling...nauseous" is priceless!

I just realized that you were in WONDERFALLS! i LOVED that show! and your dress looks stunning in the Tango Maureen! i cant WAIT!

ahhhh i love you way too much. you're so awesome! everytime i read or see a new blog or video w/ you, i just love you more! =)

can't WAIT for nov. 23rd! ;)

hey i just wanted to say that I think u did a GREAT job and bringing joanne to life,

i was hesitant at first, knowing that u werent in the original broadway cast, but when i heard ur recording on the soundtrack and saw little clips here and there, i have no doubt that ull be awsome as joanne!!!!

-meg

I just want to say that I think you're adorable. I've been watching the blog videos all summer/fall and you are so genuine.
I just wanted to be like the billionth person to wish you the best and say I psyched for the film.
Plus I grew up in maryland too, so you've got some home town love coming out to ya.

I just bought the soundtrack today. No words can fully describe your amazing and boundless talent. YOU SOOOO ROCK!!!

I look forward to your future work and can't wait for the movie!!!!!

OMG Tracie, I just love you!!

You are so gorgeous, and I just want to marry you right now. (And that's coming from a gay fanboy. ;) ) I was surfing myspace, and caught the Seasons of Love video again and you at the end just look like you're having so much fun!! Keep on keepin' on girl!

Tracie, i think that you are an awesome JoAnne and i am really happy that you joined the cast of rent for the movie.
Love,
Emily

Hey Tracie! It's good to hear from you. :D

I'll be looking out for that movie. Just one question; why is it that in so many of Anne Hathaway's movies, her best friend is named Lily? LOL, I'm just joking.

Wow, sounds like you lived my dream vacation. Lucky girl! :D

As for Alexandra's opinion, I second that. You're awesome! I love you and you're one of eight of my favorite people! (I think you can guess the other seven, right?)

I'm glad it wasn't too hard to get into the Joanne mindset, because then I'd be concerned about you, since I don't want to hear that you had to bust your ass more than necessary.

You said how you loved Shakespeare and I happen to as well. What do you think is your favorite play by him (who was a genius that is right up there with Jon Larson.)

Anyway, all in all, God bless and I'll be with my friends watching the movie. Love ya girl! Peace!

Hi Tracie! Thanks so much for your update, Another Day is my favorite song too! I think you'll be a GREAT Joanne, judging by your voice, and what I've seen of your acting. I look forward to seeing you in the movie!
Love ya,
Chloe

tracie, you have an amazing voice and also look very cute. i like your hair. it suits you a lot.
you are a great actress and also you are going to have a great career by what i have seen.
YOU ROCK!
PS: Say hi to Taye i think his is cute too.

Juliet

Tracie, I just have to say... One, I have an amazing respect for you in your role of coming at this movie from the angle of one of... well... us. And by us, I mean Rentheads.

Out of curiosity, did you ever waste a weekend (okay, let's be honest... week) doing the line? :P

But most importantly, my two... you already had fans, girl! Hello, Wonderfalls was like, the BEST show ever on Fox! Well, the best non-animated show, in any case. Mahandra was just too cool for words! (Incidentally, there has been gossip alluding to the possibility of the second season being released either on DVD or as a movie - any truth to this at all?)

Finally, I just cannot wait to see your Tango Maureen!

tracie, i saw the movie just now, and i think you make an incredible joanne. i admit, i was slightly hesitant at first, but you were absolutely brilliant in that role and i cannot believe i doubted it for a second. thank you so much for throwing your whole self into joanne and creating this amazing work of art.

Hi Tracie!

I just saw Rent here in NY and you were just amazing. I'm going to copy and paste an online conversation I had with my best friend after we saw it because I think you'd appreciate it:

Me: Tracie Thoms made a PHENOMENAL Joanne. Wow, just... her voice... WOW. Even if the rest of the movie had sucked I'd re-watch it (or at least get the songs) for her.

Her: I couldn't believe how amazing she was. After "Take Me or Leave Me" I was completely speechless for a few seconds. She's the best Joanne I've ever seen/heard.

Followed by a discussion about how we want you to go play Joanne on bway now lol.

We are both RENTheads (especially her, she downloads German, Italian, etc. versions and knows all the foreign casts. And she has all the workshop stuff, the RENT book, etc) so we're both pretty critical and were completely honest about our likes and dislikes regarding the transision. After seeing it the greatest chunk of our praise went to your performance, though, so BRAVO!

All the best,
Nisha

Wow! You have an exceptional voice and as soon as you started singing in the opening scene of the movie I was hooked and you became my facorite from then on! Thank you for inspiring me to work hard for my dreams. Iwant to be a professional singer and I love music and singing with all my heart and soul. You truly made Rent great and thank you. You are my idol.

I totally wish I could have been an extra and partied wtih you guys! You were so great Tracie! I loved your solo in Seasons of Love. Thank you for making this movie so beautiful.

I first want to say you did an AMAZING job. Truley amazing. But I would like to ask you, You said in your blog that you would love to play as Elphaba, was it awesome to be able to work with Idina Menzel, the original actress?

Like you, I'm an avid Rent fan... I saw the original cast on Broadway in the summer of '97, and saw it on tour 4 times. And, I've already seen the movie twice (it's been out 5 days). The solo in Seasons of Love has always been my favorite, and I wanted to thank you for keeping it as beautiful as ever. You are an outstanding actress and performer, and us "Rent-Heads" were lucky to see you in this role...

omg!! tracie i luv u so much!!!! from a fan 2 a star, you're perfect in every way!!! what makes u even cooler is that u actually read and comment these blogs and that shows your dedication to all the fans that love u as well. i can't wait to see "the devil wears prada" cuz it has u in it!! i want u to know that u inspired me to dream big and i hope to become a julliard student also (any suggestions or comments how?) u seem like such a down to earth person and your performance on rent was phenomenal!!!! i love u again (wow how repetitive huh?) u are W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L!!!

Tracie

You are so great. Please let us know if you are going to do anymore performances because I keep on missing them. I love you so much, you have a great personality and it is so refreshing to have an actress not be a diva (as they tend to be alot) Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to this project. You and Idina are my favorite couple. Thank you again.

Peace, Love, and don't stop being who you are meant to be.

Much love,
Madison

Tracie let me just first say your talent absolutely blew me away! The entire cast is unbelievable...all of your alls talent from acting to singing. I have seen the movie 4 times in the past week...and have plans to see it twice more. My friends think I'm obsessed (which I guess I kinda am) but they have all become obsessed too since I've gotten them to go with me and watch it. I saw Rent on Broadway back in July '05...and as much as I loved it then...I love the movie even more. The cast from the movie is what makes this movie so great. It's like each of you were meant to play these parts. From your remarkable talents the audience is allowed to see where each of these characters come from, their vulnerabilites, and how much they love each other. I've told my friends (who unfortunately haven't had to opportunity to watch the movie yet) it's like leaving the movie theater with eight new best friends and seeing every relationship you've ever had put on screen rather it be a romantic or friendship relationship. I am constantly listening to the soundtrack...people ask me what my favorite song is...I then preceed to name off like every song, not intentionally however. But I most admit "Take Me or Leave Me" and "La Vie Boheme" rank up there. But your performance is absolutely amazing...mind blowing. I smell some Academy Awards and Oscars for Rent the movie.

Tracie--

Hey Girl! The movie is fantabulous!!! Congrats! I know you had an AMAZING time filming RENT (I know I would)...I was wondering, now that all that is over are you focusing more on television and movies or do you plan to go back to the theater? Or, are you already doing some and/or all of those things? If they asked you to be Joanne on the Broadway cast would you do it?!

I've said this before.And I wil lsay again right now,and as many times as I have to.Tracie Thoms you are part of my inspiration to be an actress.I know I personaly will never be as amazing as you are,but you have no idea how much of an impact you,and this movie have had on my life,and I just need to say thank you over and over again because I can't even explain how much this movie makes me think,and how much I want to get through to people the way you did.So Yes,Again,Thank you very much,it would be a honer to actaully shake your hand someday.
-Emily Lynn

heyy. rent is truly the best movie in the whole entire world. i was crying for like 2 days after i saw it. You guys have the best voices in the world and i wanna be an actress when i grow up like half because. i was wondering, when rent comes out on dvd, will it have like bloopers and interviews and that stufff? and also how do you post a question like the ones at the top?

When I saw Rent for the 3rd time in the theaters, I became addicted. You are a superb singer and actress. I am a 14 year ld New York that loves musical theater. You have inspired me because you are so down to earth. Please don't ever change that! I have a feeling that this is only the beginning of your succesful career.*****Hope to see you on the streets of NYC one day!!!
You are AMAZING

Hey there! I figured you might still check this on occasion for a while, even though it's closing down soon. I just wanted to say a couple things, and this seemed like the most private time.

First off, I haven't had a winter coat in years. I'd guess the last good one was around 2nd grade. I'm 18 now. My family pretty much consists of me and my kid siblings, so there isn't much money. However, I recently stumbled upon eBay, and saw that they were auctioning off items from the movie Rent. I got so excited--I can't afford to see it over and over, but I definitely have seen it and am saving up for another viewing (or maybe I'll try and sneak in--1 less ticket won't kill sales, lol). I ended up spending my savings on a winter coat--Joanne's winter coat! It's the tan suede/fur get up. I love it to pieces, and it's somehow so much more special knowing that, at least during filming, it was special to you too. I want to thank you for being the kind of person that I can want to be like (but not in that stalkerish way, like the freak from Wonderfalls who takes over Jaye's life), and for working so hard towards what you love. I'm a writer (plays, musicals, TV pilots, poetry, anything), a musician, and an all around theatre and film person. I'm alo broke. But, because of you, I don't feel like I have to be a doctor to be successful. Maybe I could just follow in the footsteps of Tracie Thoms, and be happy.

Ashlyn

PS--Merry Christmas, happy New Year, and SAAANG IT GIRL!

PPS--Has anyone ever told you you should record solo? And sing that "how can people be so cruel" song from Hair? 'Cause you definitely should!

Tracie
i want to say how extreemly talanted you are. I love the movie rent and also your role as Joanne. what was it like playing this role?
-danielle

Tracie, you are so cool. when you sing all my friends try to copy you but they cant.......hahaha. i was watching cold case and you were in it i was so happyit just makes me happy to see you on tv or hear you sing. i think your a great person and you inspire me alot
love ne of your biggest fans -olivia