Rent

Hello, my fellow musical theatre geeks! Today I'm here to talk about one of the many Broadway legends, Rent. I figured since Tick Tick Boom has been drawing some attention I would use this opportunity to bring back this little gem that Jonathan Larson so humbly gifted us.

Rent is telling the story of a group of artists trying to survive in New York in the midst of an HIV outbreak, economical problems, drug abuse, and many more issues. The original cast includes Anthony Rapp as Mark, Adam Pascal as Roger, Daphne Rubin-Vega as Mimi and Idina Menzel as Maureen, Jesse L. Martin as Tom, and Wilson Jermain Heredia as Angel. It's a story of loss and survival. It's so real and sad and hopeful all at the same time. It's no secret that apart from the fictional tragedies the musical addresses, it is also surrounded by a real-life tragedy as well. The brilliant writer of the musical Jonathan Larson sadly passed away right before the Broadway premiere of his work and unfortunately never got to see its success. However, the fatherless masterpiece was loved and cherished by generations and is still living up to its fame today. Recently, in 2019 to be precise, it was made into a live TV movie by Fox News with Jordan Fisher as Mark, Tinashe as Mimi, Vanessa Hudgens as Maureen, Brennin Hunt as Roger, Brandon Victor Dixon as Tom, and Valentina as Angel. If you want to take a trip down memory lane you can find it on the internet. In fact, the show was adapted to many movies and TV shows of the same name.

The musical pieces of the show definitely live Rent free in my mind. Especially, the fan-favorite Seasons of Love. The way it deals with the topic of the loss of beloved ones is so impactful, reminds you to cherish the time your loved ones spent in this world. All the memories left behind... Your pain is translated in this song. The music in Jonathan Larson's works don't only hit you in the feels but it has also changed the way how a musical should be. Before, rock music was looked frowned upon on a Broadway stage. However, Larson proves the critics wrong and shows in the right hands it would be a perfect fit. A loud story from a loud pen. Everything that was left unsaid is screamed out at the top of our lungs in this beautiful carrying musical.

Preview Picture: Rent live. On. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2022, from https://on-camera-audiences.com/shows/RENT_Live