If you've read my "
About Me" page or seen
that recent article in the Pioneer Press (or
my left forearm) you know that
RENT is not just my favorite musical, but one that will forever hold a special place in my heart. I can't explain why. Part of it is timing; I was in my early 20s when it premiered in 1996, just like the characters, living on my own for the first time and trying to figure out this thing called life (which I'm still trying to figure out). But more than that I just connected to the story, the emotions, and the message of the piece. A beautiful message of life, love, community, and light in the face of the darkness that surrounds us, one made even more poignant by the death of its creator
Jonathan Larson the night before
RENT's first performance off Broadway. I never tire of seeing it and never pass up an opportunity to see it - I've seen every tour that has come through the Twin Cities since the first national tour in 1997, I've seen it once on Broadway and once
off, and I've had the pleasure of seeing two
local productions. Now
RENT is on the road again with the 20th anniversary tour, a production filled with as much life, heart, and energy as ever. And it's
stopping in Minneapolis for just one week only. Whether it's your first, or 15th, or 100th time seeing it,
RENT is a joyful, moving, inspirational experience.