Cast: Christian Mena (Roger Davis), Neil Patrick Harris (Mark Cohen), Wilson Cruz (Angel Schunard), and many other very talented performers
WOW! If I could have, I would have gotten tickets to see it again the same night that I'd just seen it. I was blown away by this musical by Jonathan Larson and I am so sad that he will never do another musical, since he passed away before Rent opened on Broadway. I would love to have seen what he could do 10 years from now. He and Stephen Sondheim seem to have a lot in common and Sondheim has done so many amazing shows. I know Jonathan Larson would have done the same.
The music is amazing. The lyrics grab you immediately and continue to hold your attention. I've never been a fan of opera, so La Boheme doesn't appeal to me, but the story was always great and I think it's even better in this updated version.
I was fortunate enough to have amazing seats that were very close to the stage, so I could see every expression of the members of the cast and all the costume details. The shower curtain skirt Angel wore really blew me away! My best friend (James) told me to see this and I called to thank him right away - only to find out that he has NEVER seen it. James recommended Rent to me based on the music and the story, so I can't even discuss all the details of this amazing show with him. Such a shame! I don't buy music for shows I haven't seen any more (I prefer to see it as it was originally intended first rather than judging the music separately), but I bought the Rent recording immediately and I know it will be all I listen to for months and months.
Jonathan Larson did an amazing job by incorporating what he knows about living in New York and his friends with the story of La Boheme. The result is the most amazing musical I've ever seen, Rent.
It's impossible to describe the feelings of seeing Rent for the first time. I could watch it over and over again. It's amazing. I hope I can somehow manage to get tickets to see it again before it leaves La Jolla.
Wilson Cruz was amazing. I can see why so many people are talking about how wonderful he is in this roll. Neil Patrick Harris was wonderful as Mark! Doogie is all grown up. He's very attractive and still a wonderful actor. Plus, he has a great voice. I didn't even know he could sing. Christian Mena, Sharon Brown (as the Seasons of Love soloist, especially), and everyone else in this cast are so amazing. I'm so happy that I finally got to experience Rent. I can't wait to see it again and you shouldn't either. You must see this show!
Grade: A++
Labels: 1997, Best Musical, drama, musical, Rent, romance, tour
Reviewed by Kat at the 2:00 PM show | 0 screams