Musical theater buffs are greatly anticipating the release of "RENT: The Motion Picture." The movie, unfortunately, does not open until November. To keep these fans placated, the soundtrack has recently been released. However, those unfamiliar with the musical "RENT" should not be deterred from experiencing it for themselves.
Many first-timers will find "RENT" unlike most musicals they have ever listened to. The music is not the usual cheesy, upbeat stuff that plagues many a musical, nor is it an unoriginal romance or melodrama. "RENT" is a rock opera written by Jonathan Larson and inspired by Puccini's La Boheme. It opened in January of 1996 and rapidly became a nationwide sensation, nominated for a number of awards, and has since opened in other countries.
Larson's music tells the story of a group of bohemian friends who cannot pay their rent and are about to be evicted right before Christmas, hence the title. Yet there are underlying themes of love and friendship that become increasingly significant as the different characters endure their personal hardships.
The saga of the characters would not be nearly as appealing if it weren't for the awesome musical arrangements also done by Jonathan Larson. The accompaniment in all of the songs consists of mainly keyboard, drums and electric guitar giving it a rockin' sound that seriously makes you want to dance.
Another aspect of importance is the quality of the voices of the characters. A musical consists mostly of singing, so if the voices are mediocre, the whole experience will be mediocre as well. Fortunately, all of the voices showcased are incredibly pleasing. Each vocalist has his or her own unique style and tone that can sound amazing alone or in harmony with others.
With a small primary cast of five men and three women, it is important that each vocalist sounds well both alone and in a group. There is no need for a huge chorus with this ensemble, because no matter the combination of singers, the harmony produced is almost always striking, with no need for extra voices.
Although all eight members of the cast have exceptional voices, Adam Pascal (Roger) is especially talented as a vocalist. He has a deep, slightly raspy voice that is so gripped with emotion, you can tell exactly what his character is experiencing without even seeing it played out on screen. A person can get shivers listening to his voice; his monologue "One Song Glory" is a perfect example of this.
Just as listeners may choose their own favorite vocalist, so might they also begin to favor certain songs on the soundtrack. There are some songs like "Rent" and "La Vie Boheme" with very fast tempos. These songs are fun to try to sing along to, and it is an accomplishment when you finally know all the words.
A rock opera is not complete without a ballad or two, and some of the more pensive and sad songs enter this category. The ballad "Seasons of Love" is one of the most recognized songs from "RENT". On the other hand, there are some different, slightly weird songs like "Over the Moon" that have to be taken for what they are: a chapter of the story. In this song's case, one of the characters, Maureen, uses performance art as part of her eviction protest. Although the song is a little eccentric, the message of the song is that a leap of faith is needed to get you where you want to be.
"RENT" fans will also find a bonus track on the CD. The last song of the second disc is called "Love Heals." Performed by the entire cast, it has a very soulful feel and is a positive addition to the original score. The song is a message to people in distress over any circumstance: "If you feel the storm ahead, as you lie awake in bed … love heals." An appropriate message, especially in today's turbulent contexts.
Even if you're not a musical theater enthusiast, anyone who likes an eclectic style of rock and roll music may find the soundtrack for "RENT: The Motion Picture" a pleasant surprise.
It may also encourage you to check out the movie coming out in November and the show coming to Madison in February.
Grade: A
