Measure Your Life in Love

My sister, Nicole, introduced me to RENT about 3 years ago. Long after it was touring to the Midwest. She and Wade have seen the musical more than once, which I am extremely jealous of. The truth is, she probably tried to introduce it to me much earlier, before I was 'open' to it. As a result, I've missed out on seeing it in person in NYC. I was saddened to learn that after 12 yrs. on Broadway, RENT was closing it's doors. Keep in mind, it will still tour, but I so wanted to see it in NYC. I just couldn't justify the cost. Thankfully, there was a special engagement showing of the final performance at theaters this weekend. Nicole and Wade offered to babysit Mason, while Josh and I went to see it. Now, Josh is NOT a big fan of RENT, so I really appreciated him coming with me. We have very different views on the movie, but we went and enjoyed the 3 hours together. Let me say, I thought it was AMAZING!! I've seen the movie, of course, but I listen to the Broadway version more regularly on CD. There are some differences between the two, for sure. I was happy to be able to visualize some of the songs that were not portrayed in the movie. To put it mildly, I was thrilled to be able to see it in any capacity.
There are a lot of controversial issues going on in RENT. Drugs, AIDS, homosexuality, etc. For me, I like to focus on the presence of love throughout the musical. Each character deals with whatever life throws at them in their own way. In the end, love helps them get through it all. If you want to read about the show, click here RENT
The creator of RENT, Jonathan Larson, died the night before RENT opened at an off-Broadway theater in NYC.

'An ambulance took Jonathan to the hospital, and he was diagnosed with food poisoning. A few days later, after another incident, doctors at a second hospital said he had the flu. On January 25, 1996, Jonathan - weary but excited - went to the final dress rehearsal of Rent at New York Theatre Workshop. By the end of the show, Jonathan was surrounded by friends and supporters shouting in approval and stamping their feet. After the ovations subsided, he was interviewed by a reporter from The New York Times. The reporter told Jonathan off the record that Rent was an amazing achievement, destined for success. Then he went home, put on some tea, and died. His roommate found him on the floor of the kitchen, beside his coat. Jonathan Larson was 35 years old.'

There are so many good songs from the show that make me want to enjoy life to its fullest. Here are a few:

Seasons of Love
I'll Cover You
Without You

I'm already planning to see the touring show in March '09 in San Diego. Hopefully, it will work out so that I get to. It's fun for me to have a new obsession, even if it has lasted 3 years!