"Rent" seems to be the latest in theatrical works turned into movies, following "Chicago" in 2002 and "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" earlier this year. The State News spoke with Assistant Professor and Head of Acting for the MSU Department of Theatre Rob Roznowski about the transfer of plays into films.

The State News: Do you believe plays made into movies work well?

Rob Roznowski: I do. The director needs to view the material in more cinematic fashion while retaining the theatricality that made the show a success in the first place.

SN: Are there any movies that you enjoy that were first plays? Any movies you dislike that were plays first?

RR: I think the recent movie version of "Chicago" was quite successful. The director rethought much of the material but was true to the original.

SN: Are you excited to see "Rent" as a movie?

RR: I am. I am not a huge diehard fan of the show like some, but I am always thrilled whenever theater pieces can cross over to a larger audience.

SN: Any other thoughts on the relationship between theater and film?

RR: The movie musical — I am concentrating on this genre since "Rent" is a musical — really has been reinvigorated with successes like "Moulin Rouge!" and "Chicago." I hope the trend continues.