A Beginner’s Guide to RENT: The Musical
Members of the Brecon Little Theatre company during rehearsals
If you’ve ever heard the song “Seasons of Love” but aren’t quite sure where it came from, you already know more about RENT than you realise. Jonathan Larson’s iconic show changed the face of theatre when it premiered in 1996, and it’s still captivating audiences nearly three decades later. And, with Brecon Little Theatre bringing our adult company’s production of RENT to Theatr Brycheiniog this October 9th–11th, now is the perfect time to dive into some fascinating facts about the show.
RENT Was Inspired by Opera
Larson based RENT on Puccini’s 1896 opera La Bohème. The opera followed young artists in Paris, while RENT moved the action to New York City’s East Village in the late 80s and 90s. Instead of tuberculosis, Larson’s characters grapple with the HIV/AIDS crisis, making the story deeply relevant to its time.
Jonathan Larson Never Saw RENT on Broadway
Jonathan Larson tragically passed away the night before the show’s off-Broadway premiere in 1996, never seeing the cultural impact his work would have. Cast and crew performed that first preview as a tribute, and audiences were so moved that the show quickly gained momentum, eventually becoming a Broadway sensation.
It Gave Us Household Names
Many actors who started in RENT went on to become stars. Idina Menzel (Maureen) is not only well-known for originating the role of Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway and in the West End, but is arguably best known as Elsa from Frozen, while Taye Diggs, Jesse L. Martin, and Anthony Rapp all built major careers in stage and screen. This is proof of how powerful the show’s raw, emotional storytelling was in launching talent into the spotlight.
Seasons of Love” Became a Defining Anthem of the Show
You’ve probably heard it before - that unforgettable “525,600 minutes” refrain. It wasn’t just a popular tune, though; it became the anthem that defines RENT’s spirit. Over time, this powerful chorus evolved into a cultural touchstone and has been used in school productions, memorial services, and broadcasts around World AIDS Day, proving that it isn’t just a song, but a message rolled into melody.
A Pop-Culture Punchline: Team America
The satirical film Team America: World Police lampooned RENT with a fictional musical called “Lease” complete with the deliberately shocking song “Everyone Has AIDS.” It’s awildly exaggerated nod to RENT’s heartfelt portrayal of the AIDS crisis, but it continues to prove the cultural impact the musical has had over the past three decades.
The Broadway Run Was Legendary
RENT officially opened on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre in April 1996 and continued until September 2008, giving it a run of 12 years, 5,123 performances, and over $280 million in gross revenue. It also earned multiple Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize, solidifying its legacy as one of Broadway’s most enduring hits.
Where to See RENT
This October marks something historic here in Brecon. Following the success and praise of our last production, Jesus Christ Superstar, Brecon Little Theatre is taking on a production that demands raw emotion and a fearless cast. It’s a bold move for BLT and a chance for local audiences to see a community theatre company tackle one of the most iconic musicals of all time. RENT is packed with stories that make it more than just a musical. It’s a piece of theatre history, and this autumn, you don’t have to travel too far to see it! Book your tickets today for BLT’s production of RENT at Theatr Brycheiniog, running October 9th–11th, and see the important stories the show’s characters tell come to life on stage.