Review by Patrick Martin

"How do you connect in an age where strangers, landlords, lovers, your own bloodcells betray? What binds the fabric together when the raging, shifting winds of change keep ripping away?" -- "Rent", from the rock opera Rent

"Rent rent rent rent rent.....," as the multicultural chorus of 15 blares out at the climax of the violently powerful opening number of Jonathan Larson's amazing rock opera Rent, which has taken American theater by storm. "...everything is rent."

Article by Patrick Martin

"Measure your life in love...."

Most people who have heard about Rent have likewise heard vaguely of a man named Jonathan Larson, the show's sole creator. In fact, more often than not, an article or feature regarding Rent makes more than a passing mention of the librettist/songwriter/lyricist, who passed away the night before his masterpiece had its first public previews in its final form. The heartwarming story of Rent's success is simultaneously the tragic story of Jonathan Larson's death and the emotional story of Jonathan Larson's life.

By Jeff Walsh

Rent has changed the lives of many of its audience members. Its messages of hope and life-affirming spirit are felt and remembered by everyone who has ever attended the show.

Anthony Rapp, the only openly queer cast member, serves as the narrator for the rock musical. Prior to Rent, he starred in such successful movies as Adventures in Babysitting, Dazed and Confused, Twister (look fast!), but Rent has occupied his life since he performed as Mark in the 1994 Theater Workshop version of Rent. He also has the difficult task of portraying the character most associated with Jonathan Larson, the show's creator who died the night before the first public preview Off-Broadway.