By Kaylee Johnson
Campus News
On its 25th-anniversary farewell tour, the esteemed classic Broadway musical that revolutionized the face of theater is now touring around the country to pay homage to devoted fans and new thespians and theatergoers alike. “Rent” is back and as bold as it was when it first appeared on Broadway in 1996. What is so touching about seeing such a timeless artistic gem revitalize and glow on stage again is how it touches new generations of young people and unifies its original audience. I could not help but look out into the theater during intermission, and during that time, I saw faces young and old alike. I, a teacher, even saw some of my elementary students, who were completely blown away by the depth of the show and the diversity of the cast. “Rent,” as it always intended to be, is still a show that brings people from all walks of life together.
I saw “Rent” for the first time when I was seven years old. Prior to the show, I had ridden on the infamous Times Square Toys-R-Us ferris wheel and shopped for a look-alike doll at the American Girl Doll Store. New York City was at its magical peak for me, the hustle and bustle of the taxi cabs and street hot dogs made me feel so sophisticated and important. Prior to seeing “Rent,” I remember seeing the cast perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on an old VHS recording my parents had for some strange reason and rewinding it again and again, dancing in front of the tube television, liberated with my unbrushed mane of hair and costume high heels. Though I was possibly too young to grasp the full meaning and layers in “Rent” when I was that young, I understood that at the core of it, everyone deserves love, respect, and decency. At that time, gay marriage was not even legal, and trans rights were not spoken about in society. “Rent” was such a beautifully taboo show to have on Broadway. How bold to touch on topics like addiction, aids, sex, poverty, capitalism, sexuality, advocacy, and longing in 1996. Obviously “Rent,” while far ahead of its time, was and still is cherished in the theater world.
Seeing the touring version of “Rent” at the stunning Proctors Theater in Schenectady, New York, made me step back into that magical moment I experienced many years ago. In a childlike tone, glazed with innocence and homey comfort, I asked my partner to take my photo in front of the stage props, which looked nearly identical to the beautifully intricate stage props that “Rent” was centered around 25 years ago. I was excited to be there early, as I got to see something beautiful happen in the audience, strangers, including many LGBTQIA+ couples spoke to each other about what “Rent” meant to them, and I felt a strong sense of unity and acceptance marinade the room in a spiritual way.
The touring cast has the same powerful, knee-trembling effect that the original cast did, and it is a magnificent experience for new theatergoers who were too young to see “Rent” when it was new. The show is meant for any and all, and it will leave you with a lasting impression that makes you consider your place in the world and you can inspire those around you. “Rent” is still touring and will be stopping in Stony Brook, Philadelphia, and Rochester before heading south.
If you are an Upstate New Yorker, I encourage you to check out Proctors Theater, as it brings the magnificence of Broadway to humble Schenectady. Upcoming performances include but are not limited to: “Waitress,” “The Prom,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “My Fair Lady,” “Cats,” “Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird,” and “Mean Girls.” The theater itself is an enchanting sight to be seen, and the shows are of pristine Broadway-quality, at a more economical price, and in your backyard. There is no experience quite as magical as seeing the grit and whimsy of a show unfold on stage, knowing how many finite details went into making it come to life. Proctors is also located near Jay Street, an artsy, lively district of Schenectady, packed with delicious Italian and other food, a bookstore, quirky coffee shops, and independent art galleries. For more information on purchasing Proctors Theater tickets please visit: www.proctors.org.
To see touring “Rent,” go to rentontour.net.
Facebook Comments