Last weekend, FOX aired it’s latest live musical, this time taking on one of the most beloved pieces of theater in history: Rent. Everyone who loves theater naturally loves Rent, but I think for my generation it’s particularly special. For most theatrically-inclined millennials, Rent marked their first exposure to Broadway and the first show they became totally addicted to, blasting the 2-disc cast recording any chance they got. As a Rent-loving millennial, my expectations were high when I tuned into the live show, and while it definitely didn’t live up to its predecessors, I was still thrilled that an entirely new generation were exposed to the show’s crucial message of the importance of tolerance, friendship, empathy, and loving people for exactly who they are.
As Thought Catalog points out, Rent is one of those musicals that continues to shape lives of theatre kids, no matter what generation. Its success can be credited to the show’s powerful music, compelling themes, and colorful characters. Although various details of the story might seem dated to some, the overall message is a universal one, making it relatable to people of all ages.
It will also be one of the biggest tragedies in American theater that Jonathan Larson never lived to see the sensation his masterpiece would become, or to have known the impact Rent would have on millions of people. Ultimately, you don’t have to be a struggling rockstar like Roger or living “La Vie Boheme” like Mimi to relate to the show’s message or its multi-layered, complex characters. Here’s a few of the key lessons we can all learn from the lyrics and music of Rent.
- Live everyday like it’s your last. “The heart may freeze or it can burn. The pain will ease if I can learn. There is no future. There is no past. I live this moment as my last. There’s only us. There’s only this. Forget regret or life is yours to miss.”
- Be yourself and surround yourself with people who appreciate you for you. “Take me for what I am, who I was meant to be and if you give a damn, take me baby or leave me.”
- Don’t run from life by burying yourself in your work. “Mark has got his work they say. Mark lives for his work and Mark’s in love with his work. Mark hides in his work.”
- Value the love in your life, keeping in mind everyday is a gift. “I think they meant it when they said you can’t buy love; now I know you can rent it….” (Writer’s note: Angel and Collins will always be the superior Rent couple)
