Stage Production Notes
Based on an idea by Billy Aronson to update Puccini’s La Boheme, RENT told the story of a group of friends and artists living in the East Village in New York. The groundbreaking rock opera was considered to be the 1990s answer to Hair, and in the words of New York Times theatre critic Charles Isherwood “has become a vital, even precious document of a tumultuous era.”
The show was written by promising new composer Jonathan Larson. Larson’s earlier work had included Tick, Tick… Boom!, Suburbia, and J.P. Morgan Saves the Nation, all shows that attempted to redefine the musical theatre genre and make it relevant and exciting for a modern day audience. A prolific and indefatigable writer, Larson had won several awards and grants to develop his writing and compositions, including the Richard Rodgers Studio Production Award and a Rodgers Development Grant.
Following readings at the New York Theatre Workshop in 1993, and a workshop in 1994, RENT exploded onto the theatre scene in January 1996 (coincidentally just in time for the 100th anniversary of the first performance of La Boheme).
With RENT, Larson hoped to create “a rock musical for the MTV generation.” The production was directed by Michael Greif and with a budget of $200,000 was to-date New York Theatre Workshop’s largest undertaking.
On January 26, 1996, the day RENT was due to start previews at the New York Theatre Workshop, Larson passed away unexpectedly from an “aortic dissection,” later attributed to undiagnosed Marfan Syndrome. Cabrini Medical Center and St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center were later fined for failing to thoroughly investigate Larson’s symptoms in the lead up to his death.
With the blessing of Larson’s family, it was decided to go ahead with the first preview as a reading. By the Act 1 finale, the cast were performing the show full-out, and performed Act 2 as rehearsed.
The sold-out six week run at the New York Theatre Workshop became an instant cultural phenomenon. Writing for the New York Times theatre critic Ben Brantley described RENT as “an exhilarating, landmark rock opera,” and stated that it “shimmers with hope for the future of the American musical.” The show received widespread press coverage, television appearances, and radio spots.
The decision was made to transfer the show to Broadway, where it opened at the Nederlander Theatre on April 29, 1996. RENT continued to be an unparalleled smash hit, despite some early concerns that a youthful rock musical would not play well on Broadway.
While rush tickets were traditionally only offered to students, RENT made rush tickets available to the general public. The rush policy was a response to the popularity of the show, and an attempt to make the show accessible to the very people it was portraying - young poor artists. Fans of the show, “Rentheads”, would line up in the hours before the box office opened, sometimes camping out overnight to score front row $20 tickets. In an attempt to make the rush policy fairer, and safer for fans sleeping on the street to get tickets, a lottery system was introduced in July 1997.
Amongst its many accolades, RENT won 4 Tony Awards (out of 10 nominations, the most for any show until The Producers broke the record with 15 nominations in 2001), including Best Musical, and became the seventh musical to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
RENT featured the talents of Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Taye Diggs, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Jesse L. Martin, Idina Menzel, Daphne Rubin-Vega and Fredi Walker-Browne, all of whom were elevated to stardom thanks to their participation in the show.
After 5123 performances, the RENT closed on September 7, 2008. At the time of closing, it was the 7th longest running Broadway musical. As of April 2017, it is the 11th longest running Broadway musical.
Since 2008, RENT has toured nationally around the United States three times with the Angel, Benny, and Mark Tours, and continues to be performed and continues to be performed by professional and non-professional groups around the world.
The 20th Anniversary Tour also continues to perform around the United States.
A film version, starring most of the original cast and directed by Chris Columbus was released in 2005. The film was a commercial flop and panned by the critics.
On January 27, 2019 a live television production of RENT was broadcast on Fox in the United States. Listen to episode 30 of the Filmed Live Musicals podcast to hear producer Kenneth Ferrone explain the story behind the troubled broadcast.
Based on an idea by Billy Aronson to update Puccini’s La Boheme, RENT told the story of a group of friends and artists living in the East Village in New York. The groundbreaking rock opera was considered to be the 1990s answer to Hair, and in the words of New York Times theatre critic Charles Isherwood “has become a vital, even precious document of a tumultuous era.”
The show was written by promising new composer Jonathan Larson. Larson’s earlier work had included Tick, Tick… Boom!, Suburbia, and J.P. Morgan Saves the Nation, all shows that attempted to redefine the musical theatre genre and make it relevant and exciting for a modern day audience. A prolific and indefatigable writer, Larson had won several awards and grants to develop his writing and compositions, including the Richard Rodgers Studio Production Award and a Rodgers Development Grant.
Following readings at the New York Theatre Workshop in 1993, and a workshop in 1994, RENT exploded onto the theatre scene in January 1996 (coincidentally just in time for the 100th anniversary of the first performance of La Boheme).
With RENT, Larson hoped to create “a rock musical for the MTV generation.” The production was directed by Michael Greif and with a budget of $200,000 was to-date New York Theatre Workshop’s largest undertaking.
On January 26, 1996, the day RENT was due to start previews at the New York Theatre Workshop, Larson passed away unexpectedly from an “aortic dissection,” later attributed to undiagnosed Marfan Syndrome. Cabrini Medical Center and St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center were later fined for failing to thoroughly investigate Larson’s symptoms in the lead up to his death.
With the blessing of Larson’s family, it was decided to go ahead with the first preview as a reading. By the Act 1 finale, the cast were performing the show full-out, and performed Act 2 as rehearsed.
The sold-out six week run at the New York Theatre Workshop became an instant cultural phenomenon. Writing for the New York Times theatre critic Ben Brantley described RENT as “an exhilarating, landmark rock opera,” and stated that it “shimmers with hope for the future of the American musical.” The show received widespread press coverage, television appearances, and radio spots.
The decision was made to transfer the show to Broadway, where it opened at the Nederlander Theatre on April 29, 1996. RENT continued to be an unparalleled smash hit, despite some early concerns that a youthful rock musical would not play well on Broadway.
While rush tickets were traditionally only offered to students, RENT made rush tickets available to the general public. The rush policy was a response to the popularity of the show, and an attempt to make the show accessible to the very people it was portraying - young poor artists. Fans of the show, “Rentheads”, would line up in the hours before the box office opened, sometimes camping out overnight to score front row $20 tickets. In an attempt to make the rush policy fairer, and safer for fans sleeping on the street to get tickets, a lottery system was introduced in July 1997.
Amongst its many accolades, RENT won 4 Tony Awards (out of 10 nominations, the most for any show until The Producers broke the record with 15 nominations in 2001), including Best Musical, and became the seventh musical to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
RENT featured the talents of Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Taye Diggs, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Jesse L. Martin, Idina Menzel, Daphne Rubin-Vega and Fredi Walker-Browne, all of whom were elevated to stardom thanks to their participation in the show.
After 5123 performances, the RENT closed on September 7, 2008. At the time of closing, it was the 7th longest running Broadway musical. As of April 2017, it is the 11th longest running Broadway musical.
Since 2008, RENT has toured nationally around the United States three times with the Angel, Benny, and Mark Tours, and continues to be performed and continues to be performed by professional and non-professional groups around the world.
The 20th Anniversary Tour also continues to perform around the United States.
A film version, starring most of the original cast and directed by Chris Columbus was released in 2005. The film was a commercial flop and panned by the critics.
On January 27, 2019 a live television production of RENT was broadcast on Fox in the United States. Listen to episode 30 of the Filmed Live Musicals podcast to hear producer Kenneth Ferrone explain the story behind the troubled broadcast.
Filmed Production Notes
In May 2008, it was announced that Sony Pictures Home Entertainment would be releasing “RENT Filmed Live on Broadway” on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Two performances were filmed for the capture, August 20, and the final performance on September 7.
The film was screened in over 500 cinemas around the United States in late September 2008, and released on DVD and Blu-Ray through Sony’s newly formed “Hot Ticket” program in early February 2009. The DVD and Blu-Ray included special “featurette” including documentaries and behind-the-scenes footage of the theatre.
Critics agreed that RENT: Filmed Live on Broadway was an unusually high quality example of recorded theatre that effectively captured the magic of the live Broadway production. Several critics also noted its superiority to Chris Columbus’ film version.
In a review of the Blu-Ray for DVD Talk, Michael Zupan noted that a benefit of the film was that the camera allowed for clearer story-telling by following key characters throughout complex songs. Zupan also praised the intimacy afforded by the camera, and the outstanding performances of the cast.
Writing for High-Def Digest, David Kraus praised the high quality of the image, noting that the show “was shot on videotape, so the image exhibits a vibrant, crisp look that really pops on big-screen, high-def displays.”
The film was also released on cable television in February 2009 through In Demand Networks and Sony Pictures Television.
RENT: FIlmed Live on Broadway is available on DVD, Blu-Ray, Amazon, (as an Amazon affiliate I may earn from qualifying purchases made through these links), YouTube, VUDU, Google Play.
In May 2008, it was announced that Sony Pictures Home Entertainment would be releasing “RENT Filmed Live on Broadway” on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Two performances were filmed for the capture, August 20, and the final performance on September 7.
The film was screened in over 500 cinemas around the United States in late September 2008, and released on DVD and Blu-Ray through Sony’s newly formed “Hot Ticket” program in early February 2009. The DVD and Blu-Ray included special “featurette” including documentaries and behind-the-scenes footage of the theatre.
Critics agreed that RENT: Filmed Live on Broadway was an unusually high quality example of recorded theatre that effectively captured the magic of the live Broadway production. Several critics also noted its superiority to Chris Columbus’ film version.
In a review of the Blu-Ray for DVD Talk, Michael Zupan noted that a benefit of the film was that the camera allowed for clearer story-telling by following key characters throughout complex songs. Zupan also praised the intimacy afforded by the camera, and the outstanding performances of the cast.
Writing for High-Def Digest, David Kraus praised the high quality of the image, noting that the show “was shot on videotape, so the image exhibits a vibrant, crisp look that really pops on big-screen, high-def displays.”
The film was also released on cable television in February 2009 through In Demand Networks and Sony Pictures Television.
RENT: FIlmed Live on Broadway is available on DVD, Blu-Ray, Amazon, (as an Amazon affiliate I may earn from qualifying purchases made through these links), YouTube, VUDU, Google Play.
RENT PRODUCTION CREDITS
Theatre: Nederlander Theatre, NYC
Producer: Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon, New York Theatre Workshop, Jon Kamen, Justin Wilkes, Robert Friedman, Frank Scherma, Allan S. Gordon
Book, Music and Lyrics: Jonathan Larson
Additional Lyrics: Billy Aronson
Musical Arrangements: Steve Skinner and Tim Weill
Director: Michael Greif, film: Michael Warren
Musical Director: David Truskinoff
Choreography: Marlies Yearby
Scenic Design: Paul Clay
Costume Design: Angela Wendt
Lighting Design: Blake Burba
Sound Design: Kurt Fisher, Brian Ronan
Hair and Wig Design: David Santana
Stage Manager: Crystal Huntington
Cast:
Will Chase (Roger Davis), Adam Kantor (Mark Cohen), Michael McElroy (Tom Collins), Rodney Hicks (Benjamin Coffin III), Tracie Thoms (Joanne Jefferson), Justin Johnston (Angel Schunard), Renee Elise Goldsberry (Mimi Marquez), Eden Espinosa (Maureen Johnson), Marcus Paul James (Christmas Caroler/Mr. Jefferson/Pastor/Ensemble), Gwen Stewart (Mrs. Jefferson/Woman with Bags/Ensemble), Jay Wilkison (Gordon/The Man/Mr. Grey/Ensemble), Telly Leung (Steve/Man with Squeegee/Waiter/Ensemble), Shaun Earl (Paul/Cop/Ensemble), Andrea Gross (Alexi Darling/Rodger’s Mom/Ensemble), Tracy McDowell (Mark’s Mom/Others), Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Jesse L. Martin, Anthony Rapp, Daphne Rubin-Vega
Theatre: Nederlander Theatre, NYC
Producer: Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon, New York Theatre Workshop, Jon Kamen, Justin Wilkes, Robert Friedman, Frank Scherma, Allan S. Gordon
Book, Music and Lyrics: Jonathan Larson
Additional Lyrics: Billy Aronson
Musical Arrangements: Steve Skinner and Tim Weill
Director: Michael Greif, film: Michael Warren
Musical Director: David Truskinoff
Choreography: Marlies Yearby
Scenic Design: Paul Clay
Costume Design: Angela Wendt
Lighting Design: Blake Burba
Sound Design: Kurt Fisher, Brian Ronan
Hair and Wig Design: David Santana
Stage Manager: Crystal Huntington
Cast:
Will Chase (Roger Davis), Adam Kantor (Mark Cohen), Michael McElroy (Tom Collins), Rodney Hicks (Benjamin Coffin III), Tracie Thoms (Joanne Jefferson), Justin Johnston (Angel Schunard), Renee Elise Goldsberry (Mimi Marquez), Eden Espinosa (Maureen Johnson), Marcus Paul James (Christmas Caroler/Mr. Jefferson/Pastor/Ensemble), Gwen Stewart (Mrs. Jefferson/Woman with Bags/Ensemble), Jay Wilkison (Gordon/The Man/Mr. Grey/Ensemble), Telly Leung (Steve/Man with Squeegee/Waiter/Ensemble), Shaun Earl (Paul/Cop/Ensemble), Andrea Gross (Alexi Darling/Rodger’s Mom/Ensemble), Tracy McDowell (Mark’s Mom/Others), Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Jesse L. Martin, Anthony Rapp, Daphne Rubin-Vega
Sources
- Brooks Barnes, “Sony Pictures to Release ‘Rent’,” New York Times (May 22, 2008)
- Ben Brantley, “THEATER REVIEW;Rock Opera A la 'Boheme' And ‘Hair’,” New York Times (Feb 14, 1996)
- Peter Canavese, “RENT: Filmed Live on Broadway,” Groucho Reviews (Undated)
- Logan Culwell-Block, “From Sleeping on the Streets to Swiping on a Screen: The Evolution of Rush Tickets From Rent to Digital Lotteries,” Playbill (Sept 7, 2015)
- Andrew Gans, "Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway" Makes Small-Screen Debut Feb. 7,” Playbill (Feb 7, 2009)
- Seth Gilbert, “Sony's "Hot Ticket" Brings Broadway to the Backwoods,” Seeking Alpha (May 23, 2008)
- Michael Gioia, “The Creation of Rent—How Jonathan Larson Transformed an Idea into a Groundbreaking Musical,” Playbill (Feb 5, 2016)
- Michael Gioia, “20 Years Later, Rent Cast Remember Auditions, Memories and Mishaps,” Playbill (April 29, 2016)
- Charles Isherwood, “525,600 Minutes to Preserve,” New York Times (Sept 17, 2008)
- Kenneth Jones, “Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway" Appears on DVD and Blu-Ray Feb. 3,” Playbill (Feb 3, 2009)
- David Krauss, “Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway,” High-Def Digest, (Feb 6, 2009)
- Laura MacDonald, “Rent Changing 'Rush' Ticket Policy,” Playbill (July 10, 1997)
- Peter Marks, “Tony Nominations Led By 'Rent' and 'Da Noise’,” New York Times (May 7, 1996)
- Jon Pareles, “POP VIEW;Can Rock Play to the Broadway Crowd?,” New York Times (April 28, 1996)
- Michael Portantiere, “Editing Without Betraying Jonathan's Conception" — The 1996 Interview About Rent's Finishing Touches,” Playbill (May 1996)
- Campbell Robertson, “Nearly 12 Years Old, ‘Rent’ Is to Close,” New York Times (Jan 16, 2008)
- Elisabeth Rosenthal, “2 Hospitals Fined In Wake of Death Of 'Rent' Creator,” New York Times (Dec 13, 1996)
- Brian Sodoma, “Marfan Syndrome hard to identify,” Las Vegas Review Journal (March 22, 2011)
- Anthony Tommasini, “THEATER;A Composer's Death Echoes in His Musical,” New York Times (Feb 11, 1996)
- Anthony Tommasini, “Like Opera Inspiring It, ‘Rent’ Is Set to Endure,” New York Times (Sept 5, 2008)
- Lawrence Van Gelder, “On the Eve of a New Life, an Untimely Death,” New York Times (Dec 13, 1996)
- Steve ‘Frosty’ Weintraub, “RENT Filmed Live on Broadway DVD Review,” Collider (Feb 25, 2009)
- Michael Zupan, “Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway (Blu-ray)” DVDTalk (Feb 28, 2009)
Websites
- Internet Broadway Database, “RENT,” Accessed via: https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/rent-4791
- New York Show Tickets, “Broadway General RUSH Tickets & Broadway Ticket Lottery,” Accessed via: http://www.nytix.com/Broadway/DiscountBroadwayTickets/anyonerush.html
- Wikipedia, “List of the longest-running Broadway shows,” Accessed via: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_longest-running_Broadway_shows
- RENT 20th Anniversary Tour, Accessed via: http://rentontour.net/
Written by Luisa Lyons (April, 2017)