Queer and hetero fans alike salivate over the big screen adaptation of the multi-Tony award winning Broadway musical, "Rent"- lusting for a redux of the Bohemian tale set in the once destitute Lower East Side of New York City in the AIDS ridden 80's. The seemly apparent tragedy is a tale of hope in the face of poverty, AIDS and the survival of mankind. The story line, including its queer subplot, is magnetic. The music, produced and arranged by Rob Cavallo, is a natural field of energy.
The late Jonathan Larson, Rent book, music and lyrics author, has become the Van Gogh of Broadway musicals. He left us before his creation could be realized on Broadway. Since then, his name lives on with the timeless hums of "Seasons of Love," "I Should Tell You" and my personal favorite, "Santa Fe" to name a few. All of the original Larson pieces feature performances by Rosario Dawson (as Mimi Marquez), Taye Diggs (as Benny), as well as other original cast members Idina Menzel, "Law And Order's" Jesse L. Martin, Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, Wilson Jermaine Heredia and Tracie Thoms.
At first listen, I thought the movie soundtrack of Rent was perhaps redundant. With my collection of Larson magic still in tact, I saw little need to own a new recording. I gave it a chance, however, only to discover that the motion picture soundtrack isn't meant to replace the original recording at all; it's a compliment to the original score. The tracks hold true to the original Broadway songs, with enhancements that make the movie soundtrack "richer and multi-layered" as Soundtrack Executive Producer, Chris Columbus, calls it.
At first listen, I thought the movie soundtrack of Rent was perhaps redundant. With my collection of Larson magic still in tact, I saw little need to own a new recording. I gave it a chance, however, only to discover that the motion picture soundtrack isn't meant to replace the original recording at all; it's a compliment to the original score. The tracks hold true to the original Broadway songs, with enhancements that make the movie soundtrack "richer and multi-layered" as Soundtrack Executive Producer, Chris Columbus, calls it.
It's obvious that some lyrics were cut or modified to satisfy the rigid cinema folks, but for that reason the Rent soundtrack, void of the annoying answering machine messages from Mark's mom and scaled down into digestible tracks, is ever more enjoyable to an audience beyond the loyal musical theater groupie scene.
Think of the original Broadway cast recording of Rent as the expensive mink in your closet- a family heir loom unveiled at the finest events or social obsessions; while it's brand new sibling, the Rent Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, carries the coveted title as your favorite everyday use garment. You can't live without either and you shouldn't.
Think of the original Broadway cast recording of Rent as the expensive mink in your closet- a family heir loom unveiled at the finest events or social obsessions; while it's brand new sibling, the Rent Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, carries the coveted title as your favorite everyday use garment. You can't live without either and you shouldn't.
The Rent soundtrack is bound to recall the memories of perhaps a personal time of uncertainty. A place in your life where the struggle never compromised your beliefs or ideals. If you want a complete reflection, light a few candles, disconnect the phone and pop in the original Rent Broadway musical soundtrack. If you seek an everyday reminder that hope is always alive, the Rent Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is a perfect rush hour, gym or show bar companion.
