Rent: Musical Information & Synopsis


Synopsis

Rent takes place in New York City’s East Village during the late 1980s/early 90s. The story revolves around a group of struggling artists who are living in poverty and trying to pursue their dreams while facing the challenges of love, loss, and the HIV/AIDS crisis. As they navigate their lives, they come together as a chosen family, supporting and inspiring one another to live each day to the fullest. Rent explores themes of love, friendship, acceptance, and understanding.


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Musical Information

Parental Warning: Adult Themes/Content

Musical Type: Late 20th Century (1996)

Cast: Medium (13+ Roles)

Genre: Drama

Setting: 1980s, 1990s / USA (NYC)


Creative Team

Music/Lyrics/Book: Jonathan Larson

Based On: The opera, La bohème


Awards

Drama Desk Award: Outstanding Musical (1996)

New York Drama Critics’ Circle: Best Musical (1996)

Pulitzer Prize: Drama (1996)

Tony Award: Best Musical (1996)


Cast Albums

Original Broadway Cast (1996)➝


Licensing

Rent is available to license through Music Theatre International.

Australasia Licensing Options

Europe Licensing Options

International Licensing Options

Resources

Audition Songs: Theatre Trip

Sheet Music: Amazon➝


Tags

1990s, Christmas, College, Dark, Dating, Dramatic, Edgy, Friendship, Halloween, LGBTQ+, Megamusical, Narrator, One-Word, Popular, Pulitzer Prize, Rock, Solo Composer, Sung-Through, Tony Award, Tragedy, Winter


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