Tuesday, November 29, 2005
No Day But Today
I’ve been in love with Broadway musicals since I was about 7 years old. I’m not talking love, I’m talking addiction. One could make the generic comment of “Well, he’s gay. He’s got the ‘show tune’ gene.” But that’s definitely not it. I don’t look or act in the way that you picture that stereotype. Rather, I’m in love with Broadway musicals because I’m in love with theater and music. For years I’ve dreamed of being a chorus boy on Broadway. I thought it was my destiny. However, when I decided to take theater seriously, I realized that my true calling was not through the expression of song. It was through the expression of words. But I digress…
Whatever kind of actor I turned out to be, I will always have that spot in my heart for the “Great American Broadway Musical”. My first obsession was Miss Saigon. My second obsession was Phantom of the Opera, but that’s cuz it was the only other one (besides Cats which other than being my first Broadway musical, offers me nothing) I had seen. Then came the spring of 1996.
I was just home from my first year of college and my “boy” (he was straight, sometimes…go figure) at the time took me to see Rent for my birthday. I remember being a closed minded, Phantom of the Opera kind of guy, sitting in the theater (which they kept freezing – to remind you that you were watching all of this from an East Village loft with no heat – brilliant), and thinking “Oh my God. What is this crazy, ugly, loud, and intimidating show? There’s no set!” Since I had seen it within the first couple months of its premiere, I figured, “Adios Rent! Nice to know ya, don’t bother me again.”
But then on my birthday, my gay and beautiful uncles bought me the soundtrack to the aforementioned. I remembered a few songs from the show that were catchy and I thought "I’ll give this a shot when I have some time".
Later in the day (I guess I found the time...ha) I put the CD from Act 1 of Rent in my player and my life was never the same.
I remember sitting on my bed and following the story, line by line, thinking “When no one else is around, I identify with this shit”. By the time I got to Act 2, I was sobbing. By myself in my room, thinking…why did this show get under my skin in this way? Why when I know none of the words, is it speaking to me?
After that day, I ended up taking friends, family, and boyfriends, to see “Rent”. Probably just so I could see it again. Full on addiction.
At the time they had a lottery where if you showed up 2 hours before the show, you could put your name into a hat and potentially win 2 front row tickets. I won twice (well, me once and my friend once). And I remember selling my previously bought tickets (cuz you don’t risk not seeing it – you buy in advance and THEN play the lottery) at face value or less. Cuz that is the point of Rent. Everyone should have a chance to see it – without paying more than is expected.
Some of the people I’ve taken to see Rent have been forever changed by it. Some of the people don’t get it. But I’ve learned to accept both reactions. At least they’ve had a chance to experience it. If anything, that’s most important.
Over the years I’ve also learned why the show affected me so deeply, back when I was a scared, closeted, suburban, inexperienced, gay man.
Rent is first and foremost about friendship and love. Unequivocally. Second, it is about the real and terrifying issues that artists face in NYC. Sure, the time period of the show focuses only on 1989 and 1990, but as a gay man in 2005, it encompasses every fear that I have; from AIDS, to drug abuse, to loving someone that won’t love you back, right down to wondering how I’m actually going to pay my “rent” and survive in this city. It’s absolutely everything.
When I saw the MOVIE on Friday, I had a group of 15 diverse and wonderful people with me. Of course I had my mom on one side and Kelly on the other. It was heart-warming, and also, an adventure. I had previously promised myself that I wouldn’t sing along (as I know the entire show backwards and forwards), nor focus on anyone else’s experience, other than my own. I wanted Rent to be for all of us, but most importantly I wanted it to be for me.
When the movie started, I began to cry. Part of me was embarrassed that it took so little and part of me didn’t care. “Rent”, the opening number came, and tears bunched in the corners of my eyes; the sheer beauty of seeing the cast of the original production in right in front of my face, their intricate expressions so real and close, everything that I only remember in a memory.
And Chris Columbus…wait.
Chris Columbus, the director who took on this massive challenge…
From the opening number until the closing credits, I was absolutely blown away by his intuitive and sensitive nature when dealing with this material. Jonathan Larson, the creator of Rent, who died spontaneously (from a brain aneurism) on opening night, would have been incredibly satisfied, and more importantly, PROUD of how true Columbus stayed to his story, his masterpiece.
Sure…as a die hard Rent fan; you feel the way I do. Why didn’t they just make the ENTIRE thing a musical, the way it is on Broadway? Why go 98% of the way?
Why cast Rosario Dawson (who did a completely acceptable job) as Mimi, when the part could have been cast with one of the OTHER legendary Mimi’s? Karmine Alers, anyone?
Why did we have to actually see Roger drive to Santa Fe? That was just a waste of a missing song: “Happy New Year”, “Contact”, etc.
And really…would it have been SUCH a mistake to have the voicemails sung? It was part of the charm to begin with.
But that being said.
In my entire life, I have never had a movie experience quite like this one. But never before had I been so love in love with a piece of art.
I was relieved and comforted by the absolute authentic nature of the film, that I allowed myself to fall in love the way I did the very first time. Angel, Mark, Tom Collins, Maureen…I always feared I would never again see you in your original form. And eventually, you will be immortalized in my DVD collection. (and of course I’ll upgrade every time the producers come out with a new collector’s edition. I’ve already bought the movie soundtrack, even thought it’s virtually identical to the Broadway cast recording. Heh. Overboard.) Even after a decade, you actors are EXACTLY the same people that I associate with the title roles. You are the story of Rent.
Rent not only changed the way I see Broadway musicals, it changed (and continues to change) my life. I live in NYC (duh). And I’ve also (basically) lived 3 blocks from Alphabet City. I’m gay. I’m afraid of giving over to sex and love. And most of all, I’m scared that I’m never going to finish my movie.
But the one thing that listening to and watching Rent gives me, is hope that I truly can accomplish that which seems impossible. Yet also, that love is real. The pursuit of art is not only acceptable, it’s necessary. Love your friends and family now, before they’re taken away. Additionally, love…most importantly, yourself, without any of the regret.
And if all else fails and you still are one of those people that just don’t identify with the story…realize this…
Just by living, you’re doing more than is ever expected of you. That’s all Mr. Larson wanted to say.
I’ve been in love with Broadway musicals since I was about 7 years old. I’m not talking love, I’m talking addiction. One could make the generic comment of “Well, he’s gay. He’s got the ‘show tune’ gene.” But that’s definitely not it. I don’t look or act in the way that you picture that stereotype. Rather, I’m in love with Broadway musicals because I’m in love with theater and music. For years I’ve dreamed of being a chorus boy on Broadway. I thought it was my destiny. However, when I decided to take theater seriously, I realized that my true calling was not through the expression of song. It was through the expression of words. But I digress…
Whatever kind of actor I turned out to be, I will always have that spot in my heart for the “Great American Broadway Musical”. My first obsession was Miss Saigon. My second obsession was Phantom of the Opera, but that’s cuz it was the only other one (besides Cats which other than being my first Broadway musical, offers me nothing) I had seen. Then came the spring of 1996.
I was just home from my first year of college and my “boy” (he was straight, sometimes…go figure) at the time took me to see Rent for my birthday. I remember being a closed minded, Phantom of the Opera kind of guy, sitting in the theater (which they kept freezing – to remind you that you were watching all of this from an East Village loft with no heat – brilliant), and thinking “Oh my God. What is this crazy, ugly, loud, and intimidating show? There’s no set!” Since I had seen it within the first couple months of its premiere, I figured, “Adios Rent! Nice to know ya, don’t bother me again.”
But then on my birthday, my gay and beautiful uncles bought me the soundtrack to the aforementioned. I remembered a few songs from the show that were catchy and I thought "I’ll give this a shot when I have some time".
Later in the day (I guess I found the time...ha) I put the CD from Act 1 of Rent in my player and my life was never the same.
I remember sitting on my bed and following the story, line by line, thinking “When no one else is around, I identify with this shit”. By the time I got to Act 2, I was sobbing. By myself in my room, thinking…why did this show get under my skin in this way? Why when I know none of the words, is it speaking to me?
After that day, I ended up taking friends, family, and boyfriends, to see “Rent”. Probably just so I could see it again. Full on addiction.
At the time they had a lottery where if you showed up 2 hours before the show, you could put your name into a hat and potentially win 2 front row tickets. I won twice (well, me once and my friend once). And I remember selling my previously bought tickets (cuz you don’t risk not seeing it – you buy in advance and THEN play the lottery) at face value or less. Cuz that is the point of Rent. Everyone should have a chance to see it – without paying more than is expected.
Some of the people I’ve taken to see Rent have been forever changed by it. Some of the people don’t get it. But I’ve learned to accept both reactions. At least they’ve had a chance to experience it. If anything, that’s most important.
Over the years I’ve also learned why the show affected me so deeply, back when I was a scared, closeted, suburban, inexperienced, gay man.
Rent is first and foremost about friendship and love. Unequivocally. Second, it is about the real and terrifying issues that artists face in NYC. Sure, the time period of the show focuses only on 1989 and 1990, but as a gay man in 2005, it encompasses every fear that I have; from AIDS, to drug abuse, to loving someone that won’t love you back, right down to wondering how I’m actually going to pay my “rent” and survive in this city. It’s absolutely everything.
When I saw the MOVIE on Friday, I had a group of 15 diverse and wonderful people with me. Of course I had my mom on one side and Kelly on the other. It was heart-warming, and also, an adventure. I had previously promised myself that I wouldn’t sing along (as I know the entire show backwards and forwards), nor focus on anyone else’s experience, other than my own. I wanted Rent to be for all of us, but most importantly I wanted it to be for me.
When the movie started, I began to cry. Part of me was embarrassed that it took so little and part of me didn’t care. “Rent”, the opening number came, and tears bunched in the corners of my eyes; the sheer beauty of seeing the cast of the original production in right in front of my face, their intricate expressions so real and close, everything that I only remember in a memory.
And Chris Columbus…wait.
Chris Columbus, the director who took on this massive challenge…
From the opening number until the closing credits, I was absolutely blown away by his intuitive and sensitive nature when dealing with this material. Jonathan Larson, the creator of Rent, who died spontaneously (from a brain aneurism) on opening night, would have been incredibly satisfied, and more importantly, PROUD of how true Columbus stayed to his story, his masterpiece.
Sure…as a die hard Rent fan; you feel the way I do. Why didn’t they just make the ENTIRE thing a musical, the way it is on Broadway? Why go 98% of the way?
Why cast Rosario Dawson (who did a completely acceptable job) as Mimi, when the part could have been cast with one of the OTHER legendary Mimi’s? Karmine Alers, anyone?
Why did we have to actually see Roger drive to Santa Fe? That was just a waste of a missing song: “Happy New Year”, “Contact”, etc.
And really…would it have been SUCH a mistake to have the voicemails sung? It was part of the charm to begin with.
But that being said.
In my entire life, I have never had a movie experience quite like this one. But never before had I been so love in love with a piece of art.
I was relieved and comforted by the absolute authentic nature of the film, that I allowed myself to fall in love the way I did the very first time. Angel, Mark, Tom Collins, Maureen…I always feared I would never again see you in your original form. And eventually, you will be immortalized in my DVD collection. (and of course I’ll upgrade every time the producers come out with a new collector’s edition. I’ve already bought the movie soundtrack, even thought it’s virtually identical to the Broadway cast recording. Heh. Overboard.) Even after a decade, you actors are EXACTLY the same people that I associate with the title roles. You are the story of Rent.
Rent not only changed the way I see Broadway musicals, it changed (and continues to change) my life. I live in NYC (duh). And I’ve also (basically) lived 3 blocks from Alphabet City. I’m gay. I’m afraid of giving over to sex and love. And most of all, I’m scared that I’m never going to finish my movie.
But the one thing that listening to and watching Rent gives me, is hope that I truly can accomplish that which seems impossible. Yet also, that love is real. The pursuit of art is not only acceptable, it’s necessary. Love your friends and family now, before they’re taken away. Additionally, love…most importantly, yourself, without any of the regret.
And if all else fails and you still are one of those people that just don’t identify with the story…realize this…
Just by living, you’re doing more than is ever expected of you. That’s all Mr. Larson wanted to say.
