RENT: genius, empowering, closing, and...what did he say?

It's true. The beloved rock musical, RENT is closing after almost 13 years on Broadway. For those of you who don't know what this musical is about, it's based on the opera La Boheme, and tells the story of eight friends in NYC's the East Village, who struggle with poverty, AIDS, relationships, and life in general. Out of the eight friends there's Angel and Collins...(a gay couple), Maureen and Joanne...(another gay couple), Roger and Mimi...(lovers), and Benny...(their landlord). Almost all of these people are affected by AIDS, but from audience member's point of view, you wouldn't have known it unless you were listening very carefully. Throughout most of the musical, it was just singing and rock and roll music, instead of dialog which I would have preferred. They only mentioned the word 'AIDS' once in the entire show. The music and singing was stupendous. Tamyra Gray, who stared as Mimi, was perfect for the role. Even though Rent is a simple show, I gave it a "collar's up," because it teaches us that we have to live life to the fullest! For more information about Rent visit www.siteforrent.com.

Rent was created into a feature film in 2005, and many people compare it to Across the Universe. Across the Universe is a great movie that also depicts the lives of friends in NYC, accept with Beatles music and a 1960's setting. Many people agree that if you would substitute AIDS with the Vietnam War you would come up with this movie. I give Across the Universe a "collar's up as well.