No Day But Today - The story of RENT

[daniel1113]

Let me get this out of the way: I have never been a big fan of the musical Rent. While I love the music and listen to the album from time to time, I've never really enjoyed the show as a whole because the story always seemed a little incomplete, and at times, very messy and overdone.

This past weekend, I was cruising from article to article on Wikipedia and somehow ended up on the Rent page and started reading about the creator, Jonathon Larson. I had never really read anything about him, and was surprised to learn that he died at age 35 the night before the off-Broadway premiere. The story kinda caught my attention and led me to a documentary titled "No Day But Today - The Story Behind Rent".

Some of you may already know about how Rent was created, but I was completely blown away by Jonathon Larson and the amount of work he put into creating this show, and ultimately, how he died right before it became a real hit. It also put the overall show into perspective for me, as I can now see why he wrote the show the way he did and why there are a few remaining rough spots that weren't corrected before his death. I definitely appreciate the music more, too, which is phenomenal.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this with you guys in case there was anyone else that had never heard about the circumstances behind the formation of Rent.

Peace.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

i now know more about this musical than i ever wanted to

 

[daniel1113]

Originally posted by: HardcoreRobot
i now know more about this musical than i ever wanted to

Well, if anything, it's more a documentary about an interesting guy. Even if you hate the show, it's fascinating.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Yeah, I've seen the documentary as well (I think it was a special feature on the DVD). It really does help put things in to perspective. AIDS was obviously a big thing for Larson and that circle of people. It's a shame that his aorta essentially exploded just before the debut, and he never got to see his finished piece at its first performance.

 

[EvilYoda]

It's definitely in my top 10 musicals and everything surrounding it is incredible...his story, his untimely death, the musical's ability to affect people, etc. What a story.

 

[Clair de Lune]

I saw Rent just two years ago, which is way way too late. My friend had free tix so I went. I thought it was nothing special. Again, it's because I saw it too late. Here's why:

Rent came out in what, early 90s? Back then being gay and/or having AIDS was a big taboo and held some sort of a 'mysterious' attention. Not in 2007 (when I saw it). A circle of Bohemian urbanites living in the heart of NYC, being gay, having AIDS, all those 'hot issues' at the time contributed to its success IMO. When I saw it, I couldn't help but get the feel of "Alright alright, I get it, you all have AIDS and are gay!" Today, such topics are old news.

If I had seen it in '96 or whatnot, I would've liked it far better. I DID love the live music though. Mimi sang beautifully.

 

[GeekDrew]

I think that knowing the history of RENT ought to be a pre-requisite to watching it (either the musical or movie version). The timeline for everything happening (namely, when the musical opened) is what makes it awesome. I very much wish I'd have been able to see the original cast on Broadway. 🙁

Of course, I also think that it should be required showing in high schools everywhere, along with every other movie that teenagers detest, but *shrug*.

Originally posted by: Clair de Lune
When I saw it, I couldn't help but get the feel of "Alright alright, I get it, you all have AIDS and are gay!" Today, such topics are old news.

A lot of people miss the fact that not everyone in the musical was gay, or had AIDS. Everyone was touched by it (directly or indirectly).

 

[zerocool84]

Lease the Musical

 

[daniel1113]

Originally posted by: Clair de Lune
When I saw it, I couldn't help but get the feel of "Alright alright, I get it, you all have AIDS and are gay!" Today, such topics are old news.

That was roughly my opinion of the show and what I meant above when I said it was overdone at times. While I still think it's a fair criticism (and one that I hold, too), the show does have seem to have a far greater meaning when taken in context with Larson's life.

Originally posted by: zerocool84
Lease the Musical

Always a good one. I should have just posted that link in the OP to get it out of the way 😛