My top five 'Rent' memories

Alan Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 04:13 AM EST

interesting..

Rachel K Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 01:45 PM EST

I heard the soundtrack for the first time in 10th grade (1998) and it changed my life. I remember where I was and what I was doing when I popped that baby into my cassette player(my friend had made me a copy of her CD onto tapes, oh the memories) for the first time. It wasn't until 2002 that I was able to see the play in Wisconsin when it travelled to Madison. I've since seen it one other time in Arkansas (random, I know) and actually travelled through a massive blizzard in Wisconsin to see the movie when it came out. I still listen to the music and will forver be thankful for Jonathan Larson's vision and that he was able to share it with us before he passed away.

Brian Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 10:14 AM EST

I saw the show before it moved to B'way and loved it. Then I saw it on B'way two years later and hated it. It is also terribly dated - should been put to rest at least five years ago.

Annie Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 09:50 AM EST

Well... I saw the show a handful of times back in 96 and of course loved it. I've never been a "renthead" in the true sense of the word but I do feel a certain devotion to it and definitely know the material inside and out. The movie was pitiful (not the cast's fault by any means), but not as pitiful as the show that I recently re-saw on Broadway which is an empty shell of the original heart-wrenching production. Seriously - I feel awful for the people seeing it now.

Marie Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 09:46 AM EST

Ahahahaha! Oh man, I had the exact same reaction to the Chris Columbus announcement. Jason Clark, that's an uncanny comparison. Totally made my day.

bud Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 07:59 AM EST

Some of my best B'way show memories. The first time I was a little tipsy and was unfamiliar with the music but still thought it was great (I was with a guy I was crushing on). Went back with the same guy a couple of months later, sober, knowing the music. Have seen it in NYC, Wash. D.C., Detroit and Kalamazoo!

dbldn11 Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 06:01 AM EST

Hands down one of the most incredible, moving shows of our lifetime. The movie was tremendous as well. RENT, you will be missed, but I'll be back there to see you rock one last time before the final curtain at the start of June.

Kirsten Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 11:35 PM EST

I saw the show with Neil Patrick Harris ( he was amazing...), and I have listened to the cast album a million times. The movie is my dughter's favorite ( she's only ten). I'd rather have that movie than nothing, even if the show on stage is sooooo much better.
Goodbye, Rent. I'll miss you till someone revives you.

Rebekah Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 11:08 PM EST

I am so sad! Seriously depressed. I saw Rent in L.A. Now I have to go to NY and see it. It would be so cool if the original cast came back together for the last show.

skye Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 10:31 PM EST

I NEED to see this on broadway. it is my new life goal. I've only seen the movie, but am as touched by it as other teeny-boppers must have been when it first came out.

Danica Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 10:14 PM EST

Once upon a time, I was a Renthead. I've seen it 51 times over the years and it was always a wonderful experience. It's sad the show is ending. I look forward to the revamped version, a la Chicago and Cabaret.

lauren Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 09:56 PM EST

You don't hear this too often about plays, but seeing RENT a few times actually cemented the bond among my girlfriends in college. we'd drink and sing like idiots in our beat up old house. those are unforgettable times, for there is nothing like being 21 and actually living for the day as RENT tells us to do. the picture i have somewhere of adam pascal's arm draped around my neck doesn't hurt, either (so touristy, i know!)

Ellipsian Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 09:19 PM EST

"Rent" is flawed but brilliant, as are most pieces of art that are worth more than just the sum of their parts. The tragic/uplifting story behind "Rent" and Jonathan Larson certainly adds to its heft, though it is perfectly able to stand on its own (and has always done so with its rightful Tonys, Pulitzer Prize--the freakin' PULITZER, people!--and numerous other awards in tow).

The movie was a mess, I'm afraid: watered down and completely void of a vision and creativity. No matter how old they get, I think I'll always be waiting to hear word of a remake starring the original cast...

'Bye, "Rent". You touched me like no other musical and helped me form that critical initial bond with one of my most long-standing friends. I hope time treats you well.

And you know what? The spoof in "Team America" was just wrong. Wrong and frakkin' GENIOUS.

Broadway Baby Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 08:09 PM EST

Weeellll - my favorite Rent memory is having it lampooned in Team America: World Police

andy Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 07:22 PM EST

man, that show makes me cry everytime! I don't know why the live version is so much better then the movie, maybe it's the sparse design the immediacy of the moments, whatever it is, I will sorely miss being able to see it live on stage again.

meg Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 06:26 PM EST

My friends and I spent 18 hours (over night mind you, in January, in the Desert, still very cold) to get the lottery tickets for their touring company when it played at Gammage in Az. It was one of the best nights of my youth and, even though there were no big stars in it, I still cried like a baby for most of the show. Totally incredible. I even love the movie, I thought it was as good as they could have made it. Jesse L. Martin makes me weep every time he sings the I'll Cover You reprise. All good things must come to an end I guess.

Tara K Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 06:11 PM EST

I've only seen the movie version of RENT, and i thought ever since that i would get the chance to see the play, but now it saddens me to know that wont happen. i love the movie, the music, the whole feel of RENT. Thank you Jonathen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kevin Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 05:41 PM EST

I saw Rent when the traveling company came thru Tulsa a few years back. I wasn't sure what to expect or what I thought of it as it was happening (esp. Act 1), but by Act 2 I was hooked. I saw the movie when I got free promotional tickets. I was kinda disappointed at first, but I now make it an annual New Years Eve ritual to watch it on DVD. Love it! A wonderful reminder of what is important as one year ends and another begins.

Karen Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 05:14 PM EST

I remember seeing it in the 90's sometime with a friend. We got the front row seats and I swear Anthony Rapp spit on us the entire show! We still laugh about it. I will miss it!

Lori Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 04:50 PM EST

I never understood why the movie is so maligned. Maybe it's because I've only seen the live production once, on tour, a long time ago. But I think the movie brought the music and the message and the love to so many more people than a live show ever could. I need my Rent fix every few months and have seen the movie probably 20 times. Being able to see those wonderful actors up close and personal and in high def (especially Jesse and Idina and Taye)is definitely worth any possible shortcomings in the film.

lauren Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 04:41 PM EST

I am so sad that Rent is closing! I've never been able to see the play before, but even the sub-standard movie made me a fan of the amazing music! I'm spending the summer in New York City, and hoped to see the show then, but now I'm not going to be able to! *tears*

Redhead Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 04:30 PM EST

Best Rent memory is when I saw it for the first time - with the second national tour in La Jolla many years ago (staring an amazing Neil Patrick Harris as Mark Cohen, BTW). I had just been dumped, and my friend took me to the show to raise my spirits. It did the trick - and I was an instant Renthead. The show's message of love and friendship struck a cord and I went onto see the show over 25 times throughout the years.
It is far from the perfect musical and it has been years since I've seen it, but when I heard the news today that the show was ending on Broadway, I shed a tear.

Viva la Vie Boheme!

Ceballos Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 04:29 PM EST

Stephanie T.

The picture above includes the eight main cast members and the people who play the various background characters in the show (the drug dealer, the ornery homeless lady, Mark's mom, Alexi Darling, etc.)

Nat X Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 04:28 PM EST

Have to agree with everyone who found Rent overrated. I saw it five or six years ago with a couple of good friends. After it was over, their faces were streaked with tears and they kept talking about how good it was. I kept my mouth shut as long as I could cuz I really didn't want to ruin their moment, but I hated that show from the very first song. "We're not gonna pay..." Ugh, I wanted all of them to die. Seriously, I cry at everything, but I didn't even get a lump in my throat for the brats in Rent. Luckily, a friend who was in another part of the theatre confessed her hatred for it the next day. Guess which friend I'm now closest to?

Ceballos Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 04:26 PM EST

Donner, I hate to be one of those people that corrects other people's posts...but the name of the musical in "Team America" was actually "Lease" (you know, because the South Park guys wanted to make absolutely sure we knew what they were making fun of).

Still, I'm with you in that it's a hilarious scene ("there's a hero inside all of us/I'll make them see everyone has AIDS"). I mean, I love the show with all my heart, but I don't take it (or myself) so seriously that I can't see that it's a hilarious spoof.

Stephanie T. Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 04:26 PM EST

I never saw the musical but I have heard really good things about it. The question on my mind is that from the above picture there seems to be more characters than the movie version. Was there a reason why the cast was downsized for the movie?
BTW: Spring Awakening is AMAZING!

Tamara Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 04:18 PM EST

Very sad to hear that Rent will be leaving Broadway. I am a huge fan and will miss it dearly. I am open, however, to Spring Awakening taking its spot. I just saw the show and am completely in love with it and cannot wait to see it again.

paige Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 04:14 PM EST

yes antoinette and this generation is Spring Awakening... i'm so scared to watch it just in case i have the same feelings... i guess im just not into those types of musicals...and before you start thinking i'm a lion king junkie (which i havent seen) i must say the revival to Company with Raul Esparza was brilliant in so many levels.

wraith808 Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 04:07 PM EST

I loved it, and have several very fond memories of it... no it's not the best broadway show ever, but no other soundtrack takes me through so many favorite haunts when I listen to it and let my mind wander. I've only seen it in the theatre twice, but hope to do so once more before its final bow.

denny Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 04:07 PM EST

As a theater major in college and being heavily active in musical theater, I and most of my friends were "Rentheads". One day, during a particularly boring Theater History lecture, a friend and I texted lines of La Vie Boheme back and forth until we finished the whole song.

After seeing the movie (which, I agree, isn't so much bad as just another movie), we noticed a huge display outside the theater, made up of blocks with pictures of the cast and stills from the movie on them. We asked the management if we could have it, as the film's run was well underway and they didn't need to advertise it any more. "If you can dismantle it, you can have it," we were told. So, after calling a friend with a truck, we transported it, in many pieces, to our apartment, where we later held a Christmas party in honor of the display. Everyone dressed up as the characters, made Rent-themed decorations, and sang along with the Broadway cast album. It was universally acclaimed as the party of the year!

Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 03:50 PM EST

I skipped a day of school during my senior year of high school to stand in line for tickets with my best friend for that night's production of the touring company. I've seen it several times since, but that first one will alway stick with me.

Antoinette Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 03:49 PM EST

I have to agree with my fellow poster Paige. Yes, Rent was and always will be overrated. I will say that I found some of the songs enjoyable but I cannot say that they changed my world. I've enjoyed other shows much better but I think that every generation falls in love with a show regardless of how good or bad it really might be, (hello, Hair?).

donner Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 03:43 PM EST

my favorite Rent reference is in Team America: World Police when Gary is the lead in the musical known as "Aids"...and the entire cast sings "Everybody has AIDS! AIDS! AIDS! AIDS!"...pretty wicked...

cbc Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 03:40 PM EST

Most overrated crap at this point.

Today For You Tomorrow For Me is one of the worst songs ever. I cringed everytime I had to hear it.

Levente Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 03:22 PM EST

When I was in college (conservative school in Texas) the show traveled to our town and I wrote an op-ed piece about the importance of seeing this show and the conversations that could result from it. I had already seen the show and obsessed over the music. I got a lot of good feedback from readers, and hopefully some people saw it that wouldn't have otherwise.

La Vie Boheme still gets my heart pumping. Singing it in my car or where ever, I feel completely free! Where else can you say half the stuff in that song without someone looking at you like you're crazy?! I will miss Rent. I may have to make a special trip to NYC...

Gretchen Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 03:04 PM EST

I first saw RENT in 2004 with my best friend during my first trip to NYC. I have since seen it "on tour" and I was upset when original casts members were back! If I didnt have a job, I would have totally been there! I love everything about the play - acceptance, love, friendship - so great and a great message to those who will listen.

As a side note, my bf's sister moved to NYC in August and for Christmas, her pick him up some RENT memorabilia for me. By far, the best gift this Christmas.

I will miss RENT.

idigress Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 03:03 PM EST

I have seen the travelling company production many times. I would like to see it in NY before the lights go down on such a great show!

anywhome Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 02:12 PM EST

just a rip-off of hair....

NineDaves Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 02:09 PM EST

i for one am happy about this. i think rent needs to take a step away from broadway before it can be appreciated again. it's been 12 years. it had a huge inpact on broadway. but now? now it's turned into a stopping ground for former american idol hopefuls and former teen popstars (actually, that could be broadway in general). i for one am most excited by the rent remixed version running in london right now. i would love to see what that is all about, and where broadway could take the show in a future revival. jonathan died before the show was really complete - it's a somewhat unfinished work that could use a bit of a makeover.

sje Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 02:06 PM EST

I first encountered Rent as a college first-year, so almost 5 years ago, when my roommate would put the cast recording on repeat. I fell in love and seeing it twice since has only strengthened my affection for the show. I know some people think it's overrated, and it could probably do with some editing, but there's a beautiful heart and rock and roll spirit underlying the whole thing. I'm sad to see it go, because it was such a seminal musical in modern Broadway.

PS Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 02:06 PM EST

I saw the show live about 3-4 years ago, wih a Roger who was just "so-so" at best. So seeing (mostly) the original cast in the movie was actually an improvement to some degree. I think the movie as a legacy is better than no film at all for reference.

Kate Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 02:04 PM EST

I loved Rent when I saw it ages ago at university. I recently rented the movie and was still just as thrilled, even with Rosario Dawson in there. :) I love seeing Traci Thoms and Jesse L. Martin there as well, before they became famous cops. :)

Heather Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 01:57 PM EST

I've seen the show a number of times but nothing will ever top the experience of seeing it in April '96 for the first time. I was absolutely enthralled and it was one of my greatest theater "moments." It is sad to see it close but it certainly had its day and I'm sure we haven't heard the last of it (that horrid movie should not be its only legacy).

Ceballos Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 01:44 PM EST

The show's had a very healthy run, but it's still sad to hear that it'll be shutting down in a few months. (By the way, Jason, I'm totally with you on #5...the movie isn't so much bad, as it is painfully average)

I know the music so well, that I actually got bored and decided to translate as much as I could into Spanish. I live in St. Petersburg, Florida, so I haven't had quite as many chances to see it as other people have, but I've still caught the show seven times (in places like Tampa, Gainesville and twice in New York).

As for my favorite memory. Well that would be about a month ago, when (without knowing that the show would be closing a few months later) I got to see the show on Broadway from the front row for the first time in my life with my girlfriend during our Christmas trip to New York.

(Cheap plug alert: I wrote about it here:)

http://whatjohnceballosthinks.blogspot.com/2008/01/rent-on-broadway-review.html

Carla Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 01:39 PM EST

A Long Duk Dong reference? Awesome. Will you marry me?

paige Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 01:33 PM EST

am i the only one who thought RENT was highly overrated???

Angel Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 01:29 PM EST

Whoops, I meant "IT was amazing", not "I was amazing". :)

Angel Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 01:25 PM EST

I fell in love with the music of "Rent" in high school. I was on drill team and we did a very technical routine to a mix of a couple songs. I was captivated by the music, so I bought the 2 cd original cast recording. I loved it even more after listening to it in it's entirety. I saw it with a touring cast in Lincoln, NE two years ago. I was amazing.
Then I rented the movie. I was more than dissapointed. While it featured some of the original cast, it didn't stay true to the musical. And I know, neither do most musicals that they turn into movies, but I thought maybe they would stay pure for this one. I'm sad to know that those who have never seen the live show will have nothing else to compare it to but this movie. It's just not the same. It's like the difference between eating regular ice cream and then choking down "fat free". Pretty much the same thing, just not nearly as good. Oh well, I suppose if it touched some lives, then it served Jonathan's purpose. May he rest in peace.

arahsae Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 01:23 PM EST

In Jonathan Larson's defense, the line "You'll be my Queen/and I'll be your moat" follows "You'll be my King/and I'll be your castle". Which, given the song's main point of protecting (or as the lyrics say, "covering" one another), this makes absolute perfect sense. Maybe someone just needs to brush up on the idea of metaphor as a lyrical device...

Kelly Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 01:11 PM EST

After obsessing about the show for so many years, and finally (last spring) going to NYC for the first time, the first Broadway show that I would see had to be RENT. We lined up for the lottery and lo and behold, won the tickets. It was exactly how I imagined it would be. Even though I'd seen the show a couple times with touring casts, it was nothing like being in the Nederlander where all of it went down. RENT is one of the reasons I wanted to become an actor, and will forever hold a special place in my heart. I am glad I got the chance to see it before it closed.