Rent: Vocal Selections Paperback – December 1, 1996

This book is a large coffee table sized book. Through interviews with family, friends, & integral people who helped Jonathan Larson build his masterpiece, the story of RENT emerges via much hard work, sweat, frustration, & many rewrites. The book also contains the full libretto for RENT. I believe Larson's Pulitzer & Tony award winning musical would have been a hit whether or not Larson died. However, his death right b4 the 1st full dress rehearsal at New York Theatre Workshop highlighted the many messages in RENT & buttressed the main thought: "NO DAY BUT TODAY". The book goes into the success & aftermath of RENT, & there are plenty of pictures. Let me say, there would be No Hamilton without RENT. Jonathan Larson put topics & people into the forefront like meth addiction, transvestites, homelessness, & AIDS, when Ronald Reagan ignored the crisis & took years to even speak the acronym. If you love RENT, then this book is a must have. Jonathan Larson was neither gay nor afflicted with HIV, but many of his closest friends were, & his musical is intertwined with pieces of his friends & his own life, & a calling to action of the heart, mind, soul, & body, & is in itself, a legacy & testament to his beloved friends.

I have wanted to see Rent on Broadway since it came out 10 years ago, but never got to. I was thrilled to have it made into a movie. I saw it in the theater twice in a couple days, & preordered the DVD. I waited anxiously for it to arrive.This movie is so wonderful, & right away became my favorite movie of all time. It is life affirming. The overall themes are living life to the fullest in the face of poverty & impending death, friends forming a family that takes care of one another, & celebrating life. I cried through most of it.The music is incredible, beautiful songs & amazing harmonies. I have listened to the cd so much since I got it 3 months ago, I may just wear it out!I loved all the characters, thought they all did a great job. I especially like the story of Tracie Thoms, going from Rent Head fan to starring as Joanne in the movie. She has an incredible voice. Wilson Jermaine Heridia was unforgettable as Angel. I've liked Jesse L Martin on Law & Order, but seeing him as Collins made me totally nuts for him. That man can sing & be sexy as a gay man, even to a straight woman!Buy this movie & the cd, you won't be disappointed.La Vie Boheme!!!!!!!!!!(I'm looking for baggage that goes with mine-Mimi)

so much information. plus the pictures are great, and all the songs are included.

When I got this book, I thought it would be the size of a regular book but it was pretty big! Like other comments mentioned there is interviews from people who knew Jonathan Larson including the original Broadway cast. There is the full libretto of the entire play and the biographies of all people featured in the play. I’m still reading it but so far it’s pretty awesome to have especially if your a fan of Rent.

This book is essential for any RENThead. It includes lots of background information on how Jonathan created the show, many colorful pictures of the Original Broadway Cast, and the full libretto. Overall, a very worthwhile investment if you are a fan of Rent. Bare in mind that the book was published in 1997, so the cast biographies in the back do not include some of the cast's post-Rent achievements that boosted them to major stardom (e.g. Idina Menzel and "Wicked").

The book gives the history behind Rent and what it meant to Jonathan Larson and his friends. It was so sad that he died before he could see how well received it has become. A true legacy. I also loved the full libretto included. It helped me understand the lyrics better.

Really wonderful detailed story about the birth of "RENT" the musical, its composer Jonathan Larson, and all of the folks involved who helped bring the show into reality. Tons of pictures including both behind and in front of the curtain, and the full libretto of the show. An absolute MUST for RENT heads!

This is an awesome Coffee Table book for any Renthead!

This is everything a Renthead needs in their lives. Pure awesome in book form.

That is great

Increíble musical, que hizo historia hace ya 20 años. Este libro es una delicia para todos los amantes del teatro musical y de Rent en particular. Las letras completas, fotografías del elenco original, y muchas cosas más.

Hält genau was wir erwartet haben. Die Gitarren Akkorde sind gleich mit aufgezeichnet. Also wunderbar übersichtlich.Empfehlen wir gerne weiter

洋書なので英語がわからない人には読みきるのに根気がいります。でもレントファンならそれをも惜しまないと思えるようなすばらしい１冊です。