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Rent FAQ
After opening in a small Off-Broadway theater ÊRentÊ a modern adaptation of Puccini's ÊLa Boh¬meÊ quickly became a worldwide phenomenon with a more zealous and devoted fan base than had any musical in history. ÊRent FAQÊ includes biographical info on the musical's brilliant creator Jonathan Larson who tragically passed away at age 35 the night before the show began preview performances. Other chapters focus on the creative team and original cast; the development of the script and score from early drafts and workshop performances to the version we know and love today; the movie version tours and much more. The section ÊRentÊ Cultural Literacy is a guide to all the titles and real people referenced in the show and the East Village and Alphabet City locations that ÊRentÊ helped make famous; another chapter provides clues to the characters and tips for anyone thinking about auditioning for the musical or putting on a production! A final chapter provides a rundown with numerous photos of revivals and local productions all over the country including regional community and dinner theaters and high school and college versions. ÊRent FAQÊ is a treasure trove of information background and fun facts for the show's devotees as well as anyone who might be lucky enough to be discovering the musical for the first time!
- GenresNonfictionTheatre
421 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 21, 2018
I first became aware of RENT when a former co-worker lent me her 2-disc CD. I listened to the entire show several times over that weekend and immediately just fell in love with the music and the story. My friend was amazed I was able to figure out the entire show just from listening to the music. While I wasn't able to see the original cast on Broadway, I did eventually see a touring company and was just blown away. Since then I've seen the movie hundreds of times, watched the final Broadway show on DVD, and read the coffee table companion book to the show.
When I found out this book existed, I knew I wouldn't be a true Renthead if I didn't own it. This book so did not fail in its quest to inform the reader about every aspect of the show. It's literally page after page of information on everything from Jonathan Larson's brief time on this planet and his efforts to get this show made to a detailed recounting of the original opera the show is based on to how the original cast was put together to even an entire chapter on all the people and places referenced throughout the show. I learned so much from this book. However, I truly enjoyed every minute I spent with this book.
When I found out this book existed, I knew I wouldn't be a true Renthead if I didn't own it. This book so did not fail in its quest to inform the reader about every aspect of the show. It's literally page after page of information on everything from Jonathan Larson's brief time on this planet and his efforts to get this show made to a detailed recounting of the original opera the show is based on to how the original cast was put together to even an entire chapter on all the people and places referenced throughout the show. I learned so much from this book. However, I truly enjoyed every minute I spent with this book.
December 14, 2020
Five stars for being successful at what it wants to be: a one-stop shop for literally every last iota of information about every last aspect of Rent, its inspiration (Puccini), its lyrical references, story points, themes, Jonathan Larson, every cast member, touring cast, producer, and behind-the-scenes crew member. Reading this book straight through will test whether you REALLY love Rent, because this is aimed squarely at hopeless Rentheads with a lot of time on their hands and the dire need to know every detail about, well, everything Rent-related.
The paperback I read is actually 350 pages, and each page is packed dense with text. It's printed on thick paper stock and is thus quite the tome. Tom Rowan's writing is serviceable and generally transparent (meaning, you don't notice the words so much as you are able to envision the events he's describing; that's a good thing). Re-reading familiar but beloved touchstone anecdotes such as the first presentation the day of Larson's death still provides a spine-tingle. Rowan's language remains understated even when describing the wild heights of Rent's 1990s success.
If you don't already love Rent, reading this won't make you a fan. It might not even be for those who like Rent, but aren't obsessed with it. But: if you really DO love everything about Rent, the Rent FAQ won't soon be outdone. If you like Rent a medium amount, all the key information points can be found in shorter features such as the No Day But Today documentary included on the movie version DVD, or various magazine articles or the Wikipedia page.
The paperback I read is actually 350 pages, and each page is packed dense with text. It's printed on thick paper stock and is thus quite the tome. Tom Rowan's writing is serviceable and generally transparent (meaning, you don't notice the words so much as you are able to envision the events he's describing; that's a good thing). Re-reading familiar but beloved touchstone anecdotes such as the first presentation the day of Larson's death still provides a spine-tingle. Rowan's language remains understated even when describing the wild heights of Rent's 1990s success.
If you don't already love Rent, reading this won't make you a fan. It might not even be for those who like Rent, but aren't obsessed with it. But: if you really DO love everything about Rent, the Rent FAQ won't soon be outdone. If you like Rent a medium amount, all the key information points can be found in shorter features such as the No Day But Today documentary included on the movie version DVD, or various magazine articles or the Wikipedia page.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews