by Deborah Martin
San Antonio Express
August 17, 2000

The show: 'Rent' is about a group of close friends struggling to keep up with the rent and other bills while they try to make it as artists. Some also are dealing with AIDS.

The score: The music includes showstoppers such as the opening number, 'Rent'; 'La Vie Boheme,' a rousing salute to the bohemian life; and 'Cover Me,' a haunting love song.

The story behind the show: One of the things that got the show a ton of national attention at the beginning was the death of Jonathan Larson, who wrote it, right before the premiere. That loss always colors the show for producer Jeffrey Seller.

'For me, the experience is always laced with my memories of Jonathan and my mourning of his loss. Fortunately, most people don't have to deal with it. At this point, most people don't know that story and just take the show for what it is, and that's a good thing.'