A 2006 documentary, directed by Jeffrey Schwartz, journeying the life of writer Jonathan Larson and his groundbreaking rock opera, RENT. join RENTHEADS on Facebook! groups/60261... **I do not own the rights. entertainment use only.**
I think it's beautiful that Sondheim made a point to listen to everything Larson sent him......even when Larson wasn't famous and had nothing else to offer him. Just shows the power of mentors. It's too bad not all of the people we look up to can do that for us.
I saw RENT w/OBC when they didn't even have the programs printed!! Fell in love with all of it and even at that early Broadway show, realized what a talented artist had been taken so tragically early!! Have gone to see it each the Broadway tour has visited and have my ticket for The Farewell Tour in March 2022. Have the OBC soundtrack, the movie, and my souvenir program. He was/is a man who has touched so many many people since the first opening of his show and still continues to do so...it still gives me the chills and tears every time I listened to any of the songs!! Thank you Jonathan, and thank you to his Mom, (may they both rest in peace and joy together,) and to his Dad and sister for giving us this documentary to let get to know the artist behind this magnificent show and music!!
I have to wonder if Sondheim saw himself in John. Maybe he had someone who believed in him like he believes in John. Wish he was still here to see his impact on Broadway and everyone else he Inspired!
I remember watching this documentary on the RENT dvd a million times when I bought it as a teenager. Seeing Tick, Tick, Boom coming full circle has been an amazing experience! Andrew & Lin deserve all the awards.
Same! I think I was 12 or 13 years old when we bought this DVD and I saw Rent for the first time. I remember watching it and just loving it right away but not really understanding it. Then I kept watching it throughout the years and just became absolutely obsessed with it. I remember watching this documentary at the end of the DVD and just crying for some reason. It's such an amazing story! Anyways, I'm now 28 and this is still one of my all time favorites and probably always will be.
I just looked and Nan died in 2019. Mother and son together again. Rest in peace to them both. Also, thank you Jonathan for rent and thank you Nan, Al, and Julie for continuing the legacy
Jonathan will never know how much of an impact he had on me and so many others. I still get chills when listening the songs of RENT and feel like in many ways he grabs my heart and allows me to remember my brother and many others who have died of AIDS. Just watching RENT both on Broadway and the movie, I always tear up or cry. RENT is a true gift.
Wow, this particular musical tears me to shreds every single time I watch it (& I’ve watched the movie & 3 versions of the show MANY times, as well as seeing it live at least 6 to 8 times) & I wasn’t even close to anyone diagnosed w or dying from aids. This must really take you on an emotional roller coaster. I’m sorry for your loss, I hope you have found peace in the years since the AIDS pandemic was so virulent. 😊 💔
I think Jon always knew deep down RENT would have that impact. And thankfully he was told by a New York theatre critic that his work would be very impactful the night he died.
When I started watching this, I had no idea it was a 2 hour documentary. It was 11pm when I started. But this story is so compelling I was transfixed and watched straight through. Thank you for sharing this, and thank you Jonathan Larson.
25 years on from his painful passing and the musical he created is still a huge hit - to this very day. I found this very moving and wonderful to watch. Thank you Jonathan Larson for creating such an inspiring musical.
I've watched this doc several times over all these years but watching it now and hearing Marin Mazzie talk about her dead friend now when she's dead too is extra heartbreaking
Jonathan Larson… a cisgendered, straight white man who had such respect and compassion for the lgbt community… bless his heart! It’s crazy that many assumes Jonathan was gay or had aids simply because RENT featured marginalized people! Nope! He was just a person with a welcome and opening heart.
I was crazy because I used to think he was gay 😂😂😂😂I'm gay too, and rent was just so good. I couldn't believe a hetero man wrote lgbtq people so great.
It is very ironic how his friend Michael in the show and O Grady in real life, found out he had AIDS at the time he was creating tick tick boom and later on started creating RENT, and how he felt he was probably gonna die soon like many of their friends because of the AIDS epidemic while, in the end, he was the one who died at 35 years old while his friend still lives to this day luckily. Never take a day for granted regardless of your circumstances. Fly high Johnny RIP
Sometimes RU-vid recommendations get it right. Can’t believe I’d never seen this before. Beautiful tribute to Jonathan Larson...Weird to think he’d be older than my parents if he was alive today. I’m sure he would’ve written many, many great shows. What a loss
@@curtismichael4703 Which version? Or what release years? That’s crazy, it makes me curious though. I have the movie, the Director‘s cut of the movie, the Broadway show (filmed on the closing night of the ON Broadway run, I’m sure you’re all familiar) & I’ve never seen this. I wonder if it was a special edition at some point? Regardless, I’m glad everyone on here ran into it because it seems to be something everyone is enjoying!
My daughter loves the movie! She knows every word. She’s 20 now, but I played the CD when she was still in her carseat in the back seat. The other day I was watching Rent on HBO while WFH and she walked In with her BF and she said “she’s watching my favorite movie” to him. My best friends took me to see Rent at the Needlander for my 30th when she was 2 years old. Thank you Jonathan! 👏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼. Rent is our Christmas movie!
I was 15 when I first was introduced to RENT (in 2005 when the movie came out) and I fell head over heels. This show meant everything in the world to me. No Day But Today was my senior quote, I saw the show multiple times on tour, got to be in it one summer, the whole thing. I remember being so sad that Jonathan didn't get to see his show blow up the way it did or know how much it means to so many people. But it didn't really hit me until now exactly how tragic it was. Thirty five seems old at fifteen. My husband turns 35 in just a couple of months and I'm only 2.5 years away from it myself. This documentary had me absolutely sobbing. He's left such an incredible legacy behind and I just can't get over how he passed when he was just on the cusp of everything he ever dreamed of. I've been struggling with my purpose and motivation lately, and watching this has renewed the message of No Day But Today for me. Thank you, Jonathan Larson.
I think that’s a beautiful story. How much people grow & change from age 15 to 33 is leaps and bounds & you still love a show you love as a young teenager - and you even had a chance to be in it. That shows what a legacy this show really is. I’m 20 years older than you & my story isn’t really that different. Now THAT’S cool!
We are so similar, from the age, to the ages of our partners to when it was introduced right down to our quote. haha! The only difference is I never got to see it live since I didn't have the means for when it ran its short course here in the Philippines. With everyone around me (including, of course, myself) I never lost that "No Day but Today" candor, though reality and life changed it and how it meant for me as I grew older with more experience. When I was younger, it was more of seizing the day.. but now, it's more of treasuring everyone around you and not taking for granted the time you have with your loved ones..
I'm too young to have witnessed the cultural craze that Rent spawned in the 90s, however, I remember first stumbling upon rent on HBO. I must have been around 14 or 15, the movie adaptation was on, I was zapping channels and was immediately captivated. The costumes, the choreography, the songs everything was enthralling. I learned all the songs, I desperately wanted to play Mimi and Rent instantly became my favorite musical. All the while I never knew about Jonathan Larson's tragic story or of his passing and for many years after first discovering Rent I'm ashamed to admit I never bothered researching Jonathan or his other work. When I finally learned about what happened I felt incredibly sad but I also knew that it wasn't Jonathan's death that drew me to Rent, the show is brilliant and stands on its own two legs. Had he continued on living the show would have still been the phenomenon it is today. So yes, thank you Jonathan Larson for creating a masterpiece
I think it's incredible that, even though Jonathan has passed away, his work continues to live on and be introduced to new generations in the form of soundtracks, movies and clips on RU-vid, many years later. I've only been a fan of his work for a few years, but I have been deeply moved by his music and the way he tells stories. He was truly a gift to the musical theatre world.
Oh my god, I had no idea that he died the DAY before he was meant to see it go public. It's almost cosmically tragic. I'm glad his dream got realized, even if he wasn't alive to see it.
Al: “I hope this show is a success and becomes a lasting tribute to Jonathon.” Indeed it did. I’ve seen the show live, watched the movie, watched filmed live performances, and I’m emotionally invested every single time. Each character speaks to me differently, and the music still makes me tingle.
Ditto! Every version that’s been televised, every version that I’ve seen on small & and/or larger stages, every time I listen to the soundtrack - everything about this show has me emotionally invested & I’ve never been entirely sure why. It’s just simply beautiful, I suppose. I’ve heard people describe this as a story about aids or a story about poverty & I don’t know what you guys think, but I think it’s simply a story about love & friendship. That’s the core story & the challenges the different characters face because of AIDS, poverty, fearful/unfair treatment from others & so on, is really just an offshoot in a story that revolves around love & acceptance. It’s BEAUTIFUL, that’s it! “The opposite of war isn’t peace/it’s creation”. ❤️
So much love. As a bereaved mom of a son who died of complications of prematurity and Marfan syndrome, my heart goes out to Jonathan’s parents, sister, and all those whose lives he continues to reach. Thank you for this documentary.
This is honestly the most inspirational heartbreaking documentary about a person i've ever watched. Really puts things in perspective and makes you want to work harder, cause he never gave up.
I saw the OBC in 1996 and to this day “Rent” is one of my favorite musicals ever. I’ve seen it live many times and listened to the soundtrack many more. No matter how many times I watch it, it always moves me to tears. Jonathan Larson was a musical theater genius and was taken from us far too soon. It would have been awesome to see what else he would have done had he had the opportunity.
His songs on tick tick boom got me on turning thirty and I can't remeber the name of the song but it literally felt like he was in my head during an anxiety attack. He would have made more music that was real to people
Back in 1996, I saw the OB on Vegas at the Paris Hotel. My Niece was part of the ensemble, and she got us some cool, up front seats. I was totally blown away by the intensity of the Show, the Storyline, the Music and the Lyrics. Still, I was one of those who loved the Show, but did not know Jonathan. Later when this Story came out with the 2 DVD Set, Jonathan Larson became practically a Hero. When I saw the Trailer at the Movies, it said, "The Play that defined a generation..." and it was so true. Thank You Jonathan Larson, and Thank you Nan (RIP), Al, and Julie for keeping the Hope alive.
Every time I feel sad or feel like I need some inspiration, I come back to this documentary and I get reminded of why I fell in love with musical theatre in the first place. It was because of this man who died days before I was born. Thank you, Jonathan Larson
@(1:15:17) his Mom says she’s not a mystic & doesn’t know if he had any sense of impending doom for himself, but there certainly is a reoccurring theme of “Make the Most of the Time that you’ve Got.” … That was the theme because Jonathan wrote this play about losing his friends too soon to AIDS. It’s pure Irony that HE, Himself died prematurely. He would have no idea that he had reached the Zenith of his life’s dream & that there would be no more plays for him. I moved into the East Village in 1996 to pursue Broadway. I auditioned 4x’s for the part of Maureen. Got so close, but sadly no gig. I wanted to be apart of the magic that Jonathan & the crew created. I will forever hold this play in my heart & soul. Thank you Jon💜
When my 18 year old was a baby, the only way she let me comb her hair was if I played Season's of Love on a loop. She is now 18, and Rent is still her favorite musical next Hamilton. She just watched Tick Tick Boom. She just burst in my room screaming and crying..."WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME JONATHAN LARSON DIED".
That show, when it came out, was so cutting edge and completely nothing like anything that came before it. We really lost out losing Jonathan. I love to imagine where he would have taken musical theatre.
Don't know where you live,but it is currently being performed at Hope Mill theatre in Manchester, England. Was due to be performed last year but it was cancelled due to Covid. All praise to Hope Mill for getting it on at this time. Saw it on Saturday, without doubt the best musical I've ever seen. Will be going again before it ends in September. Hope Mill is a small theatre, with big productions and deserve every credit for revivals such as Hair! and getting Yanks onto a UK stage. If you live in the UK it's well worth the journey. The reviews are all 5*.
I wish I had gone to an arts school during Johnathan’s time, people seemed so genuinely passionate about performing, hangout at lunch being creative, sounds magical 🥲
I was fortunate to be invited to attend RENT, here in San Diego, CA, today. Incredible show! I really enjoyed it… But I have to confess that I didn’t know anything about the story of RENT. So I’m watching now this presentation in RU-vid, and I’m very grateful for it. What a beautiful life Jonathan Larson lived. Short, but with a fulfilled dream, at least. An example in every sense of the word.; not only as a way to feed a personal desire but something for people to be aware of genuine compassion and understanding those around us. This is a message for humanity, entirely. For the loss of Jony, my heart goes to his incredible wise loving parents and sister who encouraged him to follow his dream; and to family and friends who surrounded him with unconditional love, too. Mayu Gonzalez
The love that was shared between Angel and her beloved Collins is the very definition of true love; a love worth fighting for and a love that will survive all of life’s dark storms and lonely moments. In their song "I'll Cover You", the lyrics are a tender promise of how they will always be there to love and protect each other. Angel was there for Collins after he was attacked in the street. She comforted him and brought him home out of the snow. Collins returned Angel’s love by accepting her for the beautiful and unique soul that she was. He showed his love to Angel by holding her when she was sick and comforting her when she was dying. When they are at Angel's funeral, Collin’s sings their song to her again...and it just once again illustrates the deep and perfect love that entwines them. I think for Angel…she never lost her dignity because she had love. She was cherished and protected both by Collins and by her friends. In the end, she found peace because of that love that was shown to her.
Grew up belting every word and every harmony. Brilliant musical by a brilliant man. He taught me how to be an activist. Got to take my oldest to see it live 3 years ago. Can’t wait for it to tour here again
Thank you for this wonderful film--I was fortunate enough to see the original cast on Broadway, and RENT is forever a part of my life. Thanks to the performers, producers, musicians, directors, and everyone connected with the show--and especially to Jonathan's family. :)
The first time I watched this movie, I did not expect to bawl my eyes out over a shot of people slowly fading out as the camera spun around a support group. I didn't fully understand the A.I.D.S. Epidemic before and I'm so glad I was able to understand it because of this amazing movie
When I watched Rent (both 2008 production on RU-vid and movie version on DVD), I feel entranced by the individuality and compassion. I don't know anything about Jonathan Larson, until I watched this documentary. I am a big fan of his. He inspired me to get back into writing, art, and my love of theatre again. So for that, thank you, Mr. Larson.
This just popped up a year late. I was so excited when they recorded the actual live show for its last week on Broadway, I immediately bought the DVD and watch it over and over. What a blessing when I could only see it live once. Much more fun than a movie and they did a great job picking the final cast. Thank you to everyone involved over the years and especially the production that went into filming a live musical. Having it truly be the end of something really brought out the emotions and the extras were touching. Thank you RENT
RENT is my most favourite musical ever, I became a fan in 2004ish when I moved to NY for school @ went to Adelphi! There was a buzz around campus that it was Jonathan Lawson‘s alma mater and I’m like “who”? then my friend introduced me to RENT soundtrack and I memorized the lyrics by singing in her car driving around the city hehe. It was so fun waiting in the rush ticket line to get front row seats for $20!! I just have tons of memories from college years involving NYC & RENT. LoVe IT 🕯🎸🐄🎭🎶🎼🎥
Beautiful story. A friend recommended I watch Tick Tick Boom. I have never seen the live show or film of Rent - now want to see it all. What talent - what humanity - what a legacy!
I'm going to see Rent tomorrow in Detroit. This video is right on time for me. I had no idea about the life & death of Jonathan. Now watching the show will have even more feeling for me.
I can't believe I am just hearing Jonathan's story almost 30 years later. I saw RENT in Los Angeles in 1996. The only thing I knew about the story was it had something to do with AIDS. I was definitely drawn to seeing this play 1. having been a theater l9ver all my life and 2. I was a Senior in High School and involved in Girl Scouts. I was a puppeteer in a show called Kids on the Block, which was a program on AIDS awareness. I got my mom's best friends to go with me and take my mom for her birthday. I have seen dozens of shows through the years in LA, I have to say RENT will always be at the top of the list for me. ❤❤❤
Rent is unique unlike any other show ever. Forever in my heart. I know every song and always sing my favorites at karaoke bars with my best friend who is also a Renthead like me. His death was a tragedy surgery would have saved his life. I’ll always think Marfan syndrome aortic aneurysm risk when I take care of my future patients. RN Nurse practitioner student over here. RIP Jon
It was via this documentary that I learned about Tick, Tick, Boom! So when the trailer for the movie came out, I knew it was Jonathan Larson, and I knew I was in for something special, and I was right. Rent and Tick, Tick, Boom! Who knows what amazing creations he would've made had he not passed away.
Such a beautiful guy and Idina Menzel did nothing, but praise him on her tour. So proud to have these people in our generation and memories, god bless you all ❤️🙏 Seasons of love gets me every time and a favourite mine is “take me or leave me”. Genius song
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I see RENT and TTB in a whole new way. beautiful. I so love his fire and drive too. Rest In Peace Jonathan, I hope you are proud. thank you for your magical art.
I used to love the Moondance Diner, it was near the first location of The Film Forum. I was so sad when Moondance closed. Rest well Jonathan, you are missed. What could have come boggles the mind. Rest well too, Marin Mazzie, Broadway misses you.
I watched many stage production since my youth. My father was into it and my teen years were spent going to the local stages where I lived. I saw the original US run of Phantom in SC. 2010 I came across the add for the final night of the original run for Rent. I bought it just to add to a collection. Until I put it in and the magic of it. Being a conservative white, middle aged guy I was surprised of how it hit. Little did I know when I watched it, how it would affect my life. At 51, one of my children told me they were trans. I believe my faith and this production helped me deal.
Thank you for bringing it to video. I enjoyed the second theater version too. Own it! Many of us can't get to Broadway on a whim. This is a show everyone needed to see. I feel the same about Sweeney Todd as well.
Something that I’m just thinking of for the first time….AMAZING that Jonathan had so much drive and so much urgency in his life - to do something so big at really a very young age! I’m 24 - I certainly don’t have the ambitions to accomplish anything close to what he accomplished by 35! Of course it’s so incredibly tragic that he passed when he did. Completely unfair - but it is incredibly inspiring to know how much is possible when you put your whole mind and heart on your passions! ❤
There were so many faces of people who died of the AIDS epidemic. Many people that well known and those that weren't well known. To hear more of this story is a reminder. So many people have died. Still many live.
Thank you for bringing it to video. I enjoyed the second theater version too. Own it! Many of us can't get to Broadway on a whim. This is a show everyone needed to see. I feel the same about Sweeney Todd as well. Having an Aunt who was gay and passed away, this always makes me cry. So much has changed for gay people. Her love for me opened my eyes and made me question my religion. Now, it is just love for all of the good people around me. What a gift to the world. 😚
I taught theatre in texas schools for 12 years almost 12 years ago. The internet was there but we didn’t really use phones for that, the data was insane! I taught my kids a little about rent but more the story of Jonathan Larson-i would have gotten in trouble teaching too much of that musical in my religious conservative show. But it was my way of giving all the kids who thought they didn’t have a voice or representation a way to express themselves!
We saw the original cast, minus Taye Diggs, on Broadway. Actor, David Hasselhoff was seated next to me on my left. He was sitting on the edge of his seat the whole performance! I’m a New Yorker, born and bred, so I “knew” the story, personally. So, so, many of my family & friends had died from drugs, HIV, or the tough life New York’s Harlems or Barrios can dish out to you. New York is a lovely town, because of its coat of many colors.
Rent would still be the greatest musial of all time even if Jonathon was still alive.. the real shame is what we missed out on.. the other crazy awesome stuff he would have put out
There is just a small touch of beauty in him dying before he witnessed his work. I believe God takes us only once our purpose is fulfilled … whatever that may be. He fulfilled his purpose in this life and got to go home with God ❤ how tragically beautiful
It used to happen a lot, marfan's isn't the death sentence it used to be. My Family didn't know we had it either (My Dad was adopted) his aorta dissected in 2000, turned out We all have it, the same thing happened to My Brother at 26y/o, then Me in 2015 at 33y/o. I was fortunate the tear was abdominal aoarta (type B) turned into a massive aneurism and just got to it last year before it got Me. He for sure would have had little to no blood pressure on one side, which would have given them a clue You'd think ey!
This is a very sad story. RENT, for me, was so hard to get through as I had lost a very close friend to AIDS at the start of the epidemic. He was only 28. At the end of the show, I was overcome emotionally. So many were in the same boat.
Also struggling for your dreams is hard . Sometimes it is in the struggles you learn the most. The lessons learned can be used to help others. I am thankful for his life and what he left behind.
I've been lucky enough to see rent a number of times in New York and once in Vancouver. It's still one of the most moving and timeless musicals I've ever seen.
