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By CityRENT
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RENTFrom Broadway to the Silver Screen
2005-11-30
Article Written by: Sami Jo
According to a fellow moviegoer—an anonymous gentleman who toured with the Broadway show for a year and a half—this film is a flawless translation of the Tony-winning stage show. Of course, much of that is probably due to the fact that six of the eight main cast members were all in the original Broadway play in 1996. Taye Diggs (Benny), Wilson Jermaine Heredia (Angel), Jesse L. Martin (Collins), Idina Menzel (Maureen), Adam Pascal (Roger) and Anthony Rapp (Mark) all reprise their original roles. Rosario Dawson ( Sin City ) plays Mimi and Tracie Thoms plays Joanne.
For those unfamiliar with the Broadway hit, RENT is best summed up as a story of Bohemians living in the East Village of New York City dealing with financial struggles, relationships, drama, and AIDS—and its impacts. The show's writer and composer Jonathan Larson posthumously won two Tony Awards in 1996 for Best Book (Musical) and Best Original Musical Score. RENT still runs on Broadway today, and it remains a favorite for many theatergoers.
This movie will make you sing, laugh, and, if you're like my mother or the guy sitting next to me in the theater, you'll even cry. Since it is a musical, much of the film is performed through song, but unlike most musicals, the actors in this film have unique ways of conveying their every emotion through their words, facial expressions, gestures and even enunciation. This film is absolutely incredible, and you will definitely want to buy the soundtrack.
Final Thought: I'm currently adding this epic to the list of reasons why I should venture to New York City for a few days…in the spring, of course.
