Rent was written by Jonathan Larson in 1996 to push boundaries and tackle taboo subjects like HIV, homophobia, and multiculturalism. The plot follows bohemians in New York City who do not want to conform to societal norms and have their own beliefs. It is loosely based on Puccini's La Boheme, with the characters dying of HIV instead of the plague. The musical explores relationships between characters like Maureen and Joanne dealing with trust issues and commitment, and Roger and Mimi as drug users, with Angel dying of AIDS alongside their friend Collin. Unfortunately, Jonathan Larson died the night before the premiere of Rent in 1996, though his vision was to create a rock musical with

1. Rent was written by Jonathan
Larson in 1996.
Jonathan Larson wanted to push boundaries,
Taboo subjects. Such as HIV, Homophobia and
Multi-cultism.
The Plot.
Bohemians, don’t wantto follow the normal.
They have their own beliefs.
Tackling the ‘American Dream’.
Bohemian lifestyles.
Base on La Boheme by Puccini
People dying of the plague
Rent people dying of HIV
Maureen+ Joanna- highlights trustissues/
want of commitment.
Rodger+ Mimi- drug users.
Angel+ Collin- have Aids. Angel dies.
RENT.
Musical stylistic features.
Outline of story line and
characters.
Jonathan is an American composer.
He wrote the music and the lyrics
for Rent.
Sondhiem was a big influence for Jonathan.
Andrew Llyod Webber was also an influence
for Jonathan.
The night beforethe premier Jonathan died
(in 1996). His vision was to do a rock musical.
Seasons Of Love- is a song withinRent.
Rock musical, Opera- recitative,
musical dialogue.
Gospel- Belt, decoration of melody,
improvisation.
Key-
Blue- what I already knew about the musical
Rent, without any input from the lesson.
Purple- information learnt fromthe team
leader.
Pink- information learnt fromthe hand out.