RENT: A Story That Resonates Even Today

Is RENT as relevant today as it was when it first hit the Broadway stage back in the mid-90s? That is the question I seek to address today on the Simon Morris blog. Is this classic modern musical still relevant?

This is a problem that every musical theatre production faces at some point or another, as does every piece of art that has ever been created. Art often depends on the societal trends of the day to make an impact, however it is its ability to rise above its own cultural environment and tap into common human emotion that makes great art timeless.

RENT: The Tale of One Group of Friends in Alphabet City

The show itself chronicles a year in the life of friends as they struggle with love, loss, addiction, desperation and so much more. Classic tunes from the show include fan favourites such as ‘La Vie Boheme,’ ‘Seasons of Love,’ ‘I’ll Cover You,’ ‘Take Me or Leave Me’ and ‘Without You’

The general story sees these friends meet, connect, fall in love, struggle with issues such as heroin addiction and AIDS, deal with the death of one of their own (Angel) and survive, coming together in Mimi’s hour of need and saving her from following Angel to an early grave.

A Musical That Taps Into the Very Essence of Humanity

On the face of it, RENT has endured because the issues that plague its characters are ones still very present in modern life. Many people still suffer from drug addiction and AIDS, LGBT rights, which are skilfully explored in the production, are more prevalent than ever and the excesses that so typified the 1980’s backdrop of the piece still reverberate in 2014.

However, I would suggest that this is an overly simplistic explanation of the enduring popularity of RENT. Yes, many of the issues it explores are more prevalent than ever in today’s society, but it’s the musical’s ability to tap into common themes in human emotion that made it, and continue to make it, a massive hit with audiences across the musical theatre loving world.

So, Simon Morris readers, if this little analysis has taught you anything, it should be that a musical works when it resonates with audiences. Only through the exploration of complex human emotion can audiences gain that window they need to form a connection with the characters up on that stage and, ultimately, grow to love them!

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We’re Off to See the Wizard!

Greetings Simon Morris readers, last week reports suggesting that JK Rowling has agreed to the development of a Harry Potter theatre production set tongues wagging everywhere. Potter fanatics across the world wept with joy.

Growing up as a kid in the 90’s, of course I was a Harry Potter fan. I was obsessed. I remember the first time I got Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, I read it non-stop until I finished (it took me two days) and I practically made my mum drive me to Waterstones at midnight to collect my pre-ordered version of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Like any real Potter fan, I felt as though a hole had formed in my heart at the end of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

The Story of Lily and James

Naturally therefore, the news that my favourite book could be being brought to life via my favourite is probably the best news I’ve heard all year. The downside is that as far as we know, it’s not being turned into a musical. I can forgive that, because it’s freaking Harry Potter!

So what do we know so far? Initially, not much, but there are some things we do know. The leading choice for director for the project is John Tiffany, an accomplished professional whose production of The Glass Menagerie on Broadway clinched seven TONY award nominations.

We also know that this play won’t tell the story of Harry Potter. We’ve already done that and it seems that Rowling has no desire to retell an old favourite. Rather, she is going to go back to his parents’ generation. She is going to tell the story of Lily Evans and James Potter.

Simon Morris on Lily and James

In my opinion, Simon Morris readers, this is an inspired decision. There’s always been a curiosity about Lily and James in the Harry Potter fandom. We’ve never really known much, with the exception of a couple of scenes witnessed by Harry in the books, and a window into the lives of the people who created the Boy Who Lived could be a fine edition to the Harry Potter canon.

This once I’ll reluctantly forgive the fact that it isn’t going to be a musical (imagine the epic love show tunes you could get out of James years’ long pursuit of Lily). This hasn’t been confirmed but if it is, this play should be the stuff of legend and I’ll do all I can to be there opening night!

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My Top Five Musical Theatre Anthems

Every time I get out my IPod and switch the player to my ‘musical theatre’ playlist, there are five songs that even now inspire something in me that nothing else can, and that’s why I believe they rise head and shoulders above the rest. That’s why this week I wanted to let you in on my top five musical theatre anthems!

A musical number is meant to inspire something inside you – whether it is pride, anger, fear, sadness, compassion, bravery, admiration etc. It’s supposed to make you feel something, and in turn make you believe in the character’s story and wish them well on the journey they are taking.

This is the basic criteria that I use to define a musical theatre anthem; it’s got to get you in the heart. So what are my top five of all time?

1) Defying Gravity: The all-time favourite has to be first act closer ‘Defying Gravity’ from Wicked. The song comes at a point where the carpet has been ripped out from under Elphaba, and you’re totally with her when she decides to say a big ‘screw you’ to the wizard and chart her own path. Plus the last bit of the performance, the rise up and the high note, is just spine tingling.

2) Don’t Rain on My Parade: A Funny Girl staple, ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade’ is similar to ‘Defying Gravity’, but it’s more hopeful. Fanny believes in the power of her love and her future and that, along with the bold passion littered throughout, has you standing up in your seat every time.

3) Don’t cry for me Argentina: The seminal classic from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, ‘Don’t cry for me Argentina’ is a more subdued, reflective affair. It’s Eva taking the time to share her love and devotion with her people, and the sweeping nature of the tune makes you feel like you’re taking a stroll down memory lane arm-in-arm with Eva herself.

4) I’ll cover you (Reprise): For me the reprise of this classic love show tune is more powerful than its first turn because of time and perspective. You’ve seen just how strong the feeling is between Collins and Angel, and this heart breaking lament makes you feel as if you’ve lost your life partner right alongside Collins. You’re broken for and with him.

5) I Dreamed a Dream: What else can I say, Simon Morris readers, except to say that this song is exceptional. A lament which sees Les Miserables character Fantine express her complete hopelessness, you just want to hold her hand and let her know everything will be ok, even if it really won’t be for the troubled heroine of this musical masterpiece.

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