The show itself is extremely similar to the Broadway production, and the important things such as the messages come across as perfectly as before, so there is nothing for an old fan to worry about. New fans also get to experience an amazing production of Rent; they're not missing anything. Rent is truly a masterpiece, and the staging at New World Stages is amazing and help the emotion of the show. It's easy to care for the characters and relate to them. The musical also has some extremely meaningful messages, and a few years of maturity and a wonderful production really made them sink into me this summer.
Although some say Rent is dated and not as poignant as it was over 15 years ago, many of the messages are universal and important, and most people my age are in the perfect time in their lives to appreciate them. There are many "turning points" during adolescence, and during these times loves are lost and found, time is wasted and made the best of, and romance is being experienced and explored for the first time. The message to "measure your life in love," both between friends, family, and lovers, really hit hard when I saw this production. There isn't anything greater. The "no day but today" outlook doesn't only apply to those who could die any day of AIDS or other diseases; our generation has grown up with 9/11 and the aftermath taking over the news for nearly 10 years. We've always had the knowledge that with the powerful weapons out there, anything can happen. So, we should live each day to the fullest, since we don't know what could come tomorrow. Part of living is loving, and so is falling. The "give in to love or live in fear" message is easy for nearly anyone my age to relate to. Being afraid to fall in love, for whatever reason, is common. However, once Roger gives in, he becomes extremely passionate. The way he looks at his girlfriend is enough to make nearly any girl fall in love and wish for something similar. So, although the things such as AIDS, cross-dressers, gays, and others aren't as taboo as when Rent first premiered, it is far from dated, especially for teenagers.
The first time I saw it this summer, I saw it with a group. It was made of mostly females, but the one male there loved it. Granted, he was excited to be there, but his excitement wasn't let down. My friends and I all cried at various parts in the show; it was a wonderful catharsis. As I watched how confident one of the girls was I couldn't help but think how much I wished I was her, and nearly everyone agreed, even though we were admitting to looking up to a stripper. I saw it with another group, with more guys, and one of them said it was his new favorite show and he wants to see it many more times. I met only one person who thought it was just okay, but he lived a more sheltered life, so I don't know if some things didn't hit him as hard because of a lack of life experience, or if it just wasn't his type. Most, however, absolutely loved it.
I'd recommend Rent to nearly everyone my age. Most girls will easily fall in love with Matt Shingledecker's Roger; he's a great blend between troubled rockstar and caring guy. Guys, on the other hand, are harder to gauge for. The rock score is usually more appealing to them, and the excitement on stage can keep them interested without a spectacle. It's definitely one of the top choices I'd suggest for a teenage guy who may not be too into theatre. The lessons can be appreciated by both guys and girls, and they're what really make the show for me.
Basically, just go. This production of Rent is wonderful. The lottery is a cheap way to go and the front row is awesome, but they don't have too many seats which is unfortunate. The lotto loser seats are also very affordable and offer a good view, so I'd suggest doing that. The nice thing about it being off-Broadway is that even if you by far in advance it's affordable and there's not really a bad seat in the house. So, go!
If you have any comments or questions e-mail me or comment :)
