“No day but today”….but sadly today is the day… the final Broadway performance of RENT is tonight.
There has never been a show like RENT: set in “current” times, dealing with real, tough issues (AIDS), not shying away from “edgy” language or sexual explicitness (hetero or homo), with real diversity (gay, lesbian, cross-dressers, multi racial)- with beautiful music, wonderful lyrics and important messages. And sadly, with Jonathan Lawson’s ironically untimely death, just as he was beginning to change the norms of musical theater- who knows when something this special will appear again.
There has never been a show like RENT: set in “current” times, dealing with real, tough issues (AIDS), not shying away from “edgy” language or sexual explicitness (hetero or homo), with real diversity (gay, lesbian, cross-dressers, multi racial)- with beautiful music, wonderful lyrics and important messages. And sadly, with Jonathan Lawson’s ironically untimely death, just as he was beginning to change the norms of musical theater- who knows when something this special will appear again.
http://nymag.com/images/2/daily/entertainment/08/01/16_rent_lg.jpg
While of course, we must “forget regret or life is yours to miss”. It is impossible not to be a little sad that after tonight, with almost 13 years on Broadway (in the top 10 longest running shows), Mimi’s candle will remain unlit. The homepage of the RENT site has fitting opening today, and some links to great articles and multimedia presentations honoring the show.
Thankfully, the touring company is still schedule out through summer ’09 (although not in DC- but Chicago hint, hint Tootsie). However, the traveling production cannot replicate the amazing setting provided by the Nederlander Theater. Its sad to think about amazing RENT décor- inside and out- being replaced.
I am celebrating (trying not to mourn, because really RENT teaches us to celebrate) the amazing RENT legacy today. I am wearing by new shirt (from my last RENT show,- thanks Chels) and will be watching the movie- including the extras, and documentary, this evening.
(I know this is not the time to discuss the movie vs. the play- no question the play is the best- I think they should have tossed the original cast on the Nederlander stage with video camera in the audience and sold that- but its all I have tonight people).
"It's time now- to sing out/tho the story never ends/ let's celebrate/ remember a year in the life of friends/ remember the love"
Thanks for all the memories and love- RENT!
NO DAY BUT TODAY!
2 comments:
It IS so sad. Even little Mary lloved it and cried.
So sad. =( I saw the traveling show in my hometown a couple of years ago and I just LOVED it!
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