By By Elyssa A. Goldstein
When Rent debuted on Broadway in late 1996, a musical based in the true grit and grace of rock and roll was a foreign concept. Playwright Jonathan Larson broke all the rules with his musical about love, life, friendship and AIDS. The immensely popular theater subculture in New York City had never witnessed such an event, and took to Larson’s words and music almost immediately. Larson died of the disease he documented so truthfully and creatively in Rent the night before its debut at the New York Theatre Workshop, and each performance since then has served as a tribute to what he spent most of his life trying to accomplish.
On Nov. 23, Rent will be released on the big screen with the original Broadway cast-with the exception of Mimi, who is played by well-known film actress, Rosario Dawson. The film is directed by Chris Columbus who is known for directing Home Alone and the first two Harry Potter installments.
The Rent: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was released as a two-disc collector’s edition and as a preview of the film version of the musical. The rock qualities are extremely evident on this soundtrack, with hard-driving piano and guitar lines. Songs that have inspired a new generation of drama students such as “Seasons Of Love,” “One Song Glory,” “La Vie Boheme” and “Take Me Or Leave Me” are included. Each song is a hit and a masterpiece in its own right.
Adam Pascal as Roger and Anthony Rapp as Marc bring back a calming sense of familiarity with their interplay on “Rent” and “Goodbye Love.” Pascal’s voice is raw and emotional, dripping with intensity on each note, as detailed in “Your Eyes.”
Idina Menzel returns as Maureen (along with husband, Taye Diggs, as Benny) from a successful stint on Broadway in Wicked. Her voice and comedic sensibility contribute to one of the stronger performances on this record, but it is truly Rosario Dawson who steals the show.
Her voice is pure and inspired, and her balance with Pascal is nothing short of eloquent as evidenced by “Light My Candle,” “Another Day,” and “Without You.”
The soundtrack is a moving rendition of a musical that is sure to become even more expansive and beloved with its film release.