The New York Theatre production has traveled to several countries included smaller ones like the Isle of Man, New Zealand and other countries that might not usually have American musicals come to visit them. One of the more watched musical over the last decade we would like to think that the Rent musical is going span across the globe so that plenty of people have the opportunity to go see the show. Since 1994 you have had the chance to see this production and in the year 2005 this show was adapted to a movie which release in theatres later that year however was never as successful as the musical theatre show.

Based in the city of New York, Rent is the story of a man and his friends who are struggling artists trying not to let the big apple swallow them whole. With twists to the plot you will want to stay to the end if not for the upbeat music but for the quality acting and dancing. Rent was one of the classics that won the esteemed Pulitzer Prize for being such a quality act. There are many of the cast who were recognized for their parts in this play. Even though originally the play was for a three week run they musical won over the fans and Broadway let them stay for s long s the good times rolled.

This soon to be worldwide sensation first started out in a limited three week run at the New York Theatre Workshop in 1994. Jonathan Larson, the creator of the musical passed away suddenly before its official off Broadway debut. Rent was an incredible hit and won a Pulitzer Prize. The musical then found a larger home on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre in late April of 1996.

As soon as Rent hit the big white way it gained critical acclaim while also winning a Tony award for Best Musical this extremely popular musical was held largely responsible for making musical theater more popular for younger generations. The Broadway show ran for 12 years and became the 8th longest running show in Broadway history. It grossed almost $300 million.

The overwhelming success of this show leads to numerous national tours and numerous overseas productions. In the year 2005 it was transformed into a major motion picture starring many of the original Broadway cast.

Rent the Musical started in the 90s as a Broadway production, but was later turned into a film for those that couldn’t make it to the Broadway shows. It is controversial, heart warming, tear jerking, and upbeat at the same time. The catchy songs and lyrics make you think, but also make you want to dance. The musical is not only fun to watch, but its fun to sing along too. It gets graphic and heart wrenching at points, but its well worth it.

It is no longer shown on Broadway anyway, but the musical earned quite a large sum from its performances over the years. It didn’t make anyone rich, but it has touched the lives of anyone who has seen it. Symbolism and subjects performed include talking about AIDS, drug addiction, gay relationships, and the hardship of love in general, poverty, and starving. The hopes and dreams of a few individuals are performed so boldly and brilliantly on stage and on screen. The RENT musical is easily found for viewing, if you are interested in checking it out. It’s the best modern musical and highly recommended for anyone looking to watch a great musical or a great film.

What is “Rent” about? It is a story told with the backdrop of New York’s Lower East Side, in which a group of artists are trying to survive the harsh reality of AIDS in the prosperous days of Bohemian Alphabet City. Larson borrowed heavily from Puccini’s opera, with New York replacing Paris and AIDS replacing Tuberculosis (many characters are also quite similar to the opera).

The musical received accolades such as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Tony Award for Best Musical, Tony Award for Best Book, Tony Award for Best Score, Drama Desk for Outstanding Book and Drama Desk’s Outstanding Musical. Larson released the musical in 1994 as a limited three week Workshop Production at the New York Theatre Workshop. Later, on January 25th, 1996, it was shown publicly. Sadly, Larson died mysteriously the night before the Broadway premiere.

Due to its unexpected success, the musical was shifted from Broadway to a larger theatre, which was the Nederlander Theatre. After continuously running for twelve years, 5,124 shows to be precise, the Rent musical became the eighth longest running musical in Broadway after “The Phantom Of Opera.”

Apart from Broadway, the musical was performed on almost all the continents and in 22 different languages. The production was shut down on September 7th, 2008 with a gross earning of $280 million during its twelve year span.

Additionally, the musical was adapted as a feature film in 2005, which featured its original cast.

MARK

December 24th, Nine PM

Eastern Standard Time

From here on in

I shoot without a script

See if anything comes of it

Instead of my old shit

First shot — Roger

Tuning the Fender guitar

He hasn’t played in a year

ROGER

This won’t tune

MARK

So we hear

He’s just coming back

From half a year of withdrawal

ROGER

Are you talking to me?

MARK

Not at all

Are you ready? Hold that focus — steady

Tell the folks at home what you’re doing Roger …

ROGER

I’m writing one great song –

MARK

The phone rings.

ROGER

Saved!

MARK

We screen

Zoom in on the answering machine!

(An actor places a telephone on a chair and we see MARK’S MOM in a special light.)

VOICE MAIL #1

ROGER & MARK’S OUTGOING MESSAGE

“Speak” … (“Beeeep!”)

MOM

That was a very loud beep

I don’t even know if this is working

Mark — Mark — are you there

Are you screening your calls –

It’s mom

We wanted to call and say we love you

And we’ll miss you tomorrow

Cindy and the kids are here — send their love

Oh, I hope you like the hot plate

Just don’t leave it on, dear

When you leave the house

Oh, and Mark

We’re sorry to hear that Maureen dumped you

I say c’est la vie

So let her be a lesbian…

There are other fishies in the sea

… Love Mom!