Rent Summary
Jonathan Larson

In February of 1996, the musical Rent, created by Jonathan Larson (1961-1996) and billed as "The Rock Opera of the Nineties," opened in New York City. The show moved to Broadway on April 29, and later... Read more

[Below, Lahr examines the theatrical implications of Rent's popularity, hinting at Larson's possible influence on musical theater.] By some terrible irony, the restaurant next to the ... Read more

[In the review below, Kroll focuses on the characterization in Rent.] During rehearsals of his musical Rent, composer-writer-lyricist Jonathan Larson was told by his excited producers, "Jona... Read more

[In the following review, Rich describes the theatrical and political significance of Rent.] In an age when almost every showbiz event is predigested and presold by the media long before the public... Read more

[In the following favorable review, Zoglin praises the life-affirming message of Rent.] Jonathan Larson was looking tired and pale all week, but it might have been just the stress of preparing for ... Read more

[In the following review, Holland discusses Rent in terms of its relation to high art.] Who has musical culture and who doesn't? A letter to the editors of this newspaper recently complained... Read more

[In the following review, Span relates the genesis of Rent and its phenomenal growth.] Opening night looms, and at the Nederlander Theater all is chaos. An artist with one name (Billy) and two e... Read more

[Below, Winer ponders whether Rent would be as popular if Larson had lived, suggesting that "what would have been merely moving in Rent is made almost unbearably bittersweet by the knowledge.&#... Read more

[In the following essay, Wiederhorn examines Rent in terms of Larson's life and death.] The day before his rock opera, Rent, was scheduled to begin previews at a small off-Broadway theater i... Read more

[In the review below, Gardner dismisses Rent as mostly hype and little substance.] I have this theory: in any given musical after 1970, there will come a moment in which the protagonist is on stage... Read more

[In the essay below, Ringwald offers reminiscences of Larson and her perspective on Rent.] Recently, my best friend, Victoria Leacock, woke me from a nap. When I answered the phone, I was still dis... Read more

[In the following review, Siegel analyzes Rent's blend of show tunes and rock music.] There is one characteristic of rock music that it alone possesses. It's the jolt at the beginning... Read more