Rent

How would you describe the structure of the musical in comparison with common plot structure models (e.g., Aristotelian/Freytag, Cyclical, Episodic, etc.)? How does the passage of time function in the play, and why do you think it works that way?

Research the bohemian movement in Paris in the 19th century and the bohemian movement in the United States in the 20th century. How are they different or similar? In what ways do you see bohemian ideals enacted in the musical? Use specific examples from the text to support your answer.

Find and read a translation of Puccini’s opera La Bohème and compare and contrast the opera with Rent. What elements of the story does Larson borrow straight from the opera? Which songs in Rent are direct references to songs in La Bohème? How does Larson diverge from the storyline? What effect do you think these choices would have on a contemporary audience? In particular, consider Mimì’s fate vs. Mimi’s. Why might Larson have chosen to end his version the way he did?

Revisit the song “La Vie Bohème” at the end of Act I and create a mini dictionary to define all the cultural references and allusions listed. Then, in your own words, explain what the idea of “bohemia” means to you, based on what you have learned from the song.

Research the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s/1990s and the consumption (tuberculosis) epidemic in Europe in the 19th century. Consider aspects such as who was affected, how it was spread, who had access to treatment, stigmatization, and the progression of symptoms. Do you think HIV/AIDS was a reasonable exchange for consumption as the main ailment in the play? Why or why not?

When Rent opened, it garnered a fervent, dedicated following by people who called themselves Rentheads and would see the show over and over, write fanfiction, make art, cosplay, and essentially obsess over the musical. Why do you think Rent caused such a huge response? Use examples from the text of characters, ideas, messages, or situations that you think may have spoken to the (primarily) young people who fell in love with the show.

The answering machine is an important repeated image in the musical, both through the messages played and the characters onstage who speak to other people’s answering machines. What do you think the answering machines signify? Who is calling and who isn’t picking up? How does the answering machine fit into the musical’s overarching commentary about technology?

Briefly research the history of the rock musical in the United States (starting with Hair in 1969) and Rent’s place in that history. How do you think rock music functions dramatically in the show? Is it an effective storytelling tool in this instance? Why or why not? Why do you think Larson decided that the musical would be sung-through as a rock opera instead of simply a rock musical?