Feature: Thoughts I Had Seeing RENT for the First Time

More than twenty years after its opening on Broadway, RENT has been seen by millions of people and is a favorite among musical theatre lovers. Yet...until recently, I'd never seen it. I knew absolutely nothing about the musical except that it's based on the opera LA BOHEME. As I sat down, it occurred to me that I was probably the only person in the 2,700+ seat theatre that was more familiar with LA BOHEME than RENT. Nevertheless, I was ready to finally check out the musical my friends had been obsessing over for years.

Here are some thoughts I had while watching RENT for the first time, in order:

(WARNING for the few people like me that don't know RENT: Spoilers ahead.)

1. Hey, that guitar riff is "Musetta's Waltz" from LA BOHEME!

Photo: Carol Rosegg

See? Told you I was an opera nerd.

They actually point this out later during "La Vie Boheme."

2. "Will you light my candle?" is DEFINITELY a euphemism.

Photo: Carol Rosegg

I had heard parts of the song before, but on stage... yeah. I get it now.

3. I guess people living in New York City REALLY want to go to Santa Fe...

Photo: Deen Van Meer

I'm looking at you, Jack Kelly.

4. Angel and Collins are so cute! I hope they stay together forever!

Photo: Carol Rosegg

Oh, what I would give to travel back in time and warn myself...

5. Oh, I guess we're singing most of this. Sweet!

Photo: Carol Rosegg

It wasn't until right before "La Vie Boheme" that I realized there was hardly any dialogue. I guess this shouldn't have surprised me, considering RENT is based on an opera.

6. "Over the Moon"...

Photo: Carol Rosegg

I...I have no words. Wow. What a masterpiece.

7. Wait, "Seasons of Love" is the opening of Act 2?

Photo: Carol Rosegg

I thought it was the closing number! The song seemed weirdly heartwarming to me for an act opener, considering all of the problems the characters had going on. Now, I realize that's probably the point.

8. Wait...why is Angel putting pajamas on? Oh, no...now he has an IV, too? NOOOO! ANGEL....

Photo: Carol Rosegg

*sobbing*

9. Oh, wow...Roger sold out to go to Santa Fe...that sounds familiar...

Source: Oh My Disney

I'm looking at you again, Jack Kelly.

10. "For someone who longs for a community of his own / Who's with his camera, alone?"

Photo: Carol Rosegg

OOOHHHHH! Sick burn! I wish my retorts could be that good...and rhyme...

11. Why do characters always have to confess their love to each other RIGHT before one of them dies?

Photo: Carol Rosegg

Just like in the opera, I was devastated by Mimi's death. But then...

12. Wait...wait...WHAT? SHE'S BACK?

Photo: Carol Rosegg

I was not expecting that. Mimi just came back from the dead? And she saw Angel on the other side? *sobbing*

I can see why RENT was revolutionary. I wish I could have witnessed Angel jumping all over the place in uber-high heels or Maureen and Joanne belting their faces off (by the way, ultimate power couple) earlier, but it's better late than never.

Okay. Now that I've seen RENT, I strongly suggest that fans of the musical go see LA BOHEME.

The 20th Anniversary Tour of RENT is at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts June 5-10. For more information, visit drphillipscenter.org.

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