Research Guides: Rent (musical) in UMD Libraries: Newspaper Articles about "Rent"

Overview

One of the most talked-about musicals of the second half of the 20th century inspired countless articles and reviews in newspapers all around the country. This selection of pieces from the New York Times and focuses on several aspects of the musical, from reviews of early performances to reflections on the life and work of composer Jonathan Larson, and even the inclusion of Larson's personal papers in the Library of Congress collection.

NYT

Brantley, Ben. “East Village Rock Opera a la ‘Boheme’ and ‘Hair’.” The New York Times (14 Feb. 1996): C-11.
An early review of the original run of 'RENT' from the New York Times.
Grimes, William. “Life After ‘Rent’ for a Little Theater with Big Ideas: Not Much Has Changed at New York Theater Workshop, Yet in a Way, Everything Has.” The New York Times (18 May 1997): H-4.
The effect of 'RENT''s outrageous success on a non-profit theater workshop company.
Marks, Peter. “Looking on Broadway for a Bohemian Home: A Raucous Rock Opera about Life on the Edge is Moving Uptown.” The New York Times (26 Feb. 1996): C-9.
Larson's 'RENT' moves from off-Broadway to Broadway.
Tommasini, Anthony. “A Composer’s Death Echoes in His Musical: ‘Rent,’ With More Than a Nod to ‘La Boheme,’ Shows Life on the Edge.” The New York Times (11 Feb. 1996): H-5.
Reflections on Larson's death as 'RENT' gains momentum in its first run.
Tommasini, Anthony. “The Seven-Year Odyssey That Lead to ‘Rent’.” The New York Times (17 March 1996): H-7.
A study of the experiences and events that inspired Jonathan Larson to compose his smash-hit rock opera.
Van Gelder, Lawrence. “On the Eve of a New Life, an Untimely Death.” The New York Times (13 Dec. 1996): B-6.
An account of the last days of Larson's life and the first days of the premiere production of 'RENT', interspersed with accounts of co-workers and a New York State Department of Health report on the death of the young composer.