By Jennifer Joyce

“One musical changed Broadway forever and touched the lives of millions. And on June 1, one musical will reach the end of its journey.” Those are the words spoken by Broadway veteran Anthony Rapp on a new television commercial currently being aired. What does it mean? It means the fear that millions of “Rentheads” and other fans have had for some time will finally come true. On June 1, 2008, the final performance of “Rent” will be performed, and Broadway will say “Goodbye, Love” to this ground-breaking show.

Just like “Hair” 40 years before it, and “Spring Awakening” 10 years after it, “Rent” became a musical theater phenomenon that defined a younger generation; it was a happening that every teen and college-age person had to see. Based on the opera “La Boheme,” it tells the story of eight friends and their experiences with friendship, hope, love and loss in one extraordinary year. They battle issues such as homelessness, drug addiction, homosexual relationships and, most importantly, AIDS. They share compassion and kindness with each other every moment as if it was their last. In the end, they learn to share love with everyone in their life, and to never take anything for granted. As the lyrics say, “No day but today.”

Since its creation almost 12 years ago, “Rent” has gone through an amazing journey. It began at the New York Theatre Workshop, where it excited audiences and received positive reviews before its opening. Even the New York Times had good things to say. Unfortunately, tragedy struck just before opening night. After the final dress rehearsal, creator Jonathan Larson, who had conceived the idea of and worked on “Rent” for seven years, suddenly died from an aortic aneurysm. His death, however, became the spark the show needed, and, when it opened two weeks later, it blew everyone away. In fact, “Rent” became so successful that after finishing its run at the Workshop, it moved uptown to Broadway to become the truly remarkable experience one couldn’t miss.

Critics and audiences alike were on their feet each night, and the original cast members became instant stars. They included Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Taye Diggs, Idina Menzel and Daphnie Rubin-Vega. In addition, the theater began the policy of rush tickets, selling the first two rows for only $20 so that people like the characters in “Rent” would have access to affordable tickets. The line became longer each day for those seats, and those truly devoted to the show became known as “Rentheads,” the ultimate fans of the musical who came back to see the show over 15 times. “Rent” went on to win numerous prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize and four of the coveted Tony Awards.

Hollywood took notice of its incredible success and turned the show into a movie in 2005. There is no question “Rent” became a part of the American culture. It has moved millions all over the world, and has convinced countless others to keep going even when hope seems lost. On June 1, the show will celebrate its final performance. Be sure to get tickets now, so you can be included in “the seasons of love” one last time.

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