Rent (Secret Theatre) NYC Reviews and Tickets

88%

(22 Ratings)

Positive

95%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Entertaining, Great singing, Absorbing, Clever, Ambitious

About the Show

Based loosely on "La Boheme," "Rent" follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.

From the show:

Welcome to Rent, the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning musical that shaped a generation. With its premiere in 1996, this production became a pop culture powerhouse of urban life, rock music, plus a story that all ages can relate to.

"Based loosely on Puccini's La Boheme, Jonathan Larson's Rent follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. The physical and emotional complications of the disease pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom and Angel. Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art; her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble. Benny has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income and is on the outs with his former friends. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical."

Show-Score Member Reviews (22)

Intelligent, Masterful, Dated, Profound, Clever

See it if you are a fan of contemporary storytelling and loud music.

Don't see it if you don't like the score.

Edgy, Great singing, Entertaining, Ambitious, Clever

See it if You love a tragic, ambitious musical with a great score and social commentary.

Don't see it if You're uncomfortable w/stories about the LGBTQ+ community or POC. Some of the story might seem dated if you're unfamiliar with the context.

Relevant, Resonant, Profound, Great singing, Ambitious

See it if you like an form of theatre, or like to see things that are timeless.

Don't see it if You don't like complex theatre or shows that cover deep and intense topics.

Absorbing, Great staging, Great singing, Profound, Thought-provoking

See it if you seek joy through tragedy

Don't see it if you don't support the fight against HIV/AIDS (I'm lookin' at you Reagan)

Edgy, Quirky, Slow, Raunchy, Ambitious

See it if you want a thought-provoking, edgy, raunchy show with a powerful message.

Don't see it if you like calm, traditional theatre.

Disappointing, Sad, Entertaining, Ambitious, Confusing

See it if I'm biased but it is my lease fav musical.

Don't see it if you want to be depressed and confused

100

Entertaining, Enchanting, Delightful, Clever, Absorbing

See it if you love people and wonderful songs

Don't see it if a

Resonant, Masterful, Great acting, Entertaining, Ambitious

See it if You enjoy a classic musical. Great music with a relatively simple plot to follow. Bring tissues, you are sure to cry.

Don't see it if You don't like the mention of AIDS/HIV. The show is based around the disease and does have a good amount of death mentioned.

Trailer

Creative team

The Secret Theatre

Producer

Jonathan Larson

Composer / Bookwriter / Lyricist

Lauren Elder

Director