I first saw Rent on Broadway back in 2003, saw the movie on opening night, bought the final Broadway performance on DVD, and the number of times I've listened to the soundtrack is embarrassing to my iPod. All that being said, I think I learned more about what Rent truly is & what it stands for tonight than I have ever had!
Our read-through tonight was literally a read through. No singing, no melodies, no rockin' riffing. Just words. Words that explore some the deepest emotions that a musical can really handle! As one of the cast members mentioned, Rent isn't just about gay people and AIDS, which at the surface level it can easily be misconstrued as. It's about community, love, hope, passion, family, fire, the list can go on and on.
Personally, since I spend most days hanging out with teenagers, the discussion was the highlight of the night for me! Simply getting to hear everyone's opinions on the meanings of the words to them, seeing a room full of people coming from all different types of backgrounds, families, cities, & history sharing their feelings, connecting their stories of Rent to their own lives in their own ways, simply fascinating.
I'm gonna think of more funny things to say next time I promise :D
Cole
Honest living!
