I saw RENT for the first time this
past Sunday. I've been meaning to see it for a long time now, but I work in theatre as a
producer and have this nasty habit of never going to shows that I have to pay for. My
history with the show is one of close but no cigar. I received a job offer from the NY
press agents a year ago but had to turn it down. My former boss at Livent was Darragh
Parsons (now the RENT stage manager). My current lighting designer for a show I produced
is Renee Brode, the Assistant on the Toronto Production. I even served Jenifer Aubry at a
store I was working in when she came for her first day of rehearsals. I thought that RENT
would be good when I eventually got around to seeing it. I was in New York the day
Jonathan Larson died. I desperately tried for tickets at NYTW to no avail. I didn't
realise at the time the impact the musical would have, but now we know just what the
outcome was.
My friend Mellissa saw RENT during its first few months in New York. She wept following
the performance and implored me to go. I, however, was too caught up in life to make the
time.
So on sunday I put down my $25 and saw the show from the fourth row of the upper balcony.
I had already purchased the commemorative book and the cd months ago, so i was familiar
with the story, but not with the impact.
I wept. I was transformed.
I am currently undergoing a major reevaluation of my state in theatre. I am succesful to
the point where I don't do work outside of the field, but lately have been feeling
disillusioned with the industry. This show has both helped and hindered that state.
Now, I feel the need for passion in my work. I need to create to survive. to live.
I will never forget the experience. The words. or the message.
I will be returning next month to see the show and reaffirm my faith in art once again. So
on July 15th, I will be third row centre enjoying, questioning, growing, transforming,
crying, and laughing with the words, music, cast and musicians of Rent.
I thank you Jonathan Larson.