Jonathan Larson's Amazing Music And Lyrics example essay topic

From homeless to homosexuals, "RE NT" reflects a variety of people and lifestyles found in our diverse modern day world. The musical's ongoing theme is to forget regret and live each day as if it were the last. The 1996 Tony-award winning "RENT" is a lesson in life. It is a powerful resurrection of Henry Murger's classic love story "La Boheme", made famous in the 19th century opera of Puccini.

There is no doubt in my mind that Jonathan Larson's amazing music and lyrics displayed throughout the show are responsible for the incredible widespread success of "RENT". An example that strongly exemplifies Larson's powerful emotion packed lyrics is when Krystal L. Washington, who portrays Mimi Marquez, wholeheartedly sings "Another Day", proclaiming living for now and ignoring obstacles. Her amazing rendition grasped the breath from within and ripped in from my chest as I became choked up with Larson's deep inner themes and the heart-felt emotion displayed by Washington. Having premiered at the New York Workshop prior to its run on Broadway, "RENT" has a minimalist set which corresponds to the poor, who are New York City's East Village artists.

The setting of Mark and Roger's run-down apartment truly depicts the struggle and hardship faced on a daily basis by these artists who have chosen a more difficult course of life to pursue. These artist obviously do not live to become wealthy, but more to chase after a dream that is found so deep within their hearts. They have a passion and an inner love burning at the pit of their stomachs to make it on stage; regardless of how many times life smacks them in the face with tremendous social drama. Jonathan Larson, who died from an aortic aneurysm the night before its premiere at the New York Workshop, beautifully incorporates diverse musical genres and lifestyles. What has been called the "Hair of the '90s" brings controversial social and political issues to the stage, including sexuality, the financial stress of young artists, and the fight against AIDS.

Each member of the cast, whether playing a large or small role, is extraordinary. Sebastian Arce lus does and outstanding job as he successfully portrays characterization found within the confused filmmaker Mark Cohen. Sebastian's unique interpretation of Mark Cohen is quirky and so genuine that one feels compassion for his lonely and independent character and grows to love and respect him. Andy Senor is definitely deserving of two huge thumbs up for his portrayal of Angel Schunard as he displays a profound understanding of the sensitivity and spunkiness of his character.

Dancing around the stage in platform shoes and striped tights, Senor is hysterical in his representation of the AIDS-infected drag-queen while singing the techno song "Today 4 U". Krystal L. Washington and Ryan Link, who plays Roger Davis, have great chemistry, which creates an emotional moment in the last scene. Ryan is compelling as he sings the ballad "Your Eyes" to the dying Mimi. In Larson's revised version of Puccini's "La Boheme", Mimi overcomes her illness. The hit song "Seasons of Love" which opens the second act is filled with energy and emotion that is transferred from the actors to the audience. This powerful company is an extraordinary example of the gripping and heart-wrenching issues addressed in "RENT".

Jonathan Larson presents a great contrast in characterization when divergent qualities within Angel and Roger become apparent through the plots unfolding. Angel is one who embraces life with his symbolic name like a Jesus figure when he has to face the largest struggle of all. Roger is the complete opposite as we can see that he gives up on the struggle and does not feel there is any hope in trying to fight it; he would rather take the path of least resistance and just succumb. Roger's roommate Mark is one who charges forth against the tides and tried hard to overcome the hardships before him. It is extremely apparent that each individual character plays an integral role in the shows plot. I feel that Jonathan Larson's intentions and themes are shown true throughout the entire musical as it portrays the lifestyles of young actors deep in emotion and struggle.

As the show unwinds, each song exhibits complex lyrics which convey deep inner messages to go with each situation during their respective scenes. Amazing choreography and movement of the character to go along with each song's tone of upbeat ness or somberness definitely break the mold of the average Broadway musical, just as Larson had planned. He was looking to attract a younger crowd within the youth of America who could essentially relate to the real world issues being faced on a daily basis with a different voice. Also, Larson wanted to let the mainstream be aware of AIDS and its increasing prominence as the social drama unfolded. I feel that he definitely fulfilled the real definition of what a social drama really is. He wanted to change prevailing attitudes of AIDS and on homosexuality in a human way, letting people know that harsh stereotypes should be abandoned before anyone judges someone else; a strong message worthy of contemplation.

I can additionally see an intention of connection where people with common miseries forge families among themselves to become one unit together. "RENT" is highly reflective of the times during the early 90's in the New York City's east village when it was originally written by Jonathan Larson. At the time there was an incredibly conservative government in office and it was difficult to get funding for newly emerging performing arts from the stringent politicians. I find that "RENT" deals with community and how problems overtake unexpectedly and create a tight knit bond between the people of that community.

The ambiance found in the Nederland er Theatre definitely reflected the ideals of the times as well. Jagged scaffolding and unpainted walls blended well with the meager scenery to reflect Larson's themes and intentions of true emotion and struggle. Michael Greif does a phenomenal job directing Jonathan Larson's amazing "RENT". His keen sense of intense social drama acting vastly contributed to the success of the smooth flowing production all the way through and I would definitely recommend this musical gem to New York theatre goers. I believe Greif did awesome in portraying Larson's original intention when he first created the play and it seems as if this play will run for many years to come. The incredible emotion and struggle exemplified by the young cast as they pour their hearts out on stage make this show a top-shelf must see, especially for the younger crowds with harsh pre-determinations about Broadway.

The mold has been broken. No, not broken, SHATTERED. Two plump thumbs up!