From Stage to Screen

Broadway hit Rent in theaters for the holidays

By Bryan Blanks
Corier Staff

The soundtrack to the highly anticipated film adaptation of Rent the musical hit stores September 27. Rent has been a huge success on Broadway and, after years of speculation, the stage show will finally hit the big screen on November 23. The movie soundtrack includes all of the original songs performed on Broadway, including one extra song written by the late Jonathan Larson, who passed away prior to the debut of the show. The song titled “Love Heals” was originally crafted for the show, but was later cut in production. Most of the original cast can be heard on the new film soundtrack and there are only two new additions to the main cast, which include Rosario Dawson, who portrays Mimi, and Traci Thoms, who will play the role of Joanne. Dawson brings the biggest star power to the movie, recently seen in Sin City and Alexander. Other well-known cast members include Tae Diggs, Law and Order’s Jesse L. Martin and Wicked’s Idina Menzel. The movie will be directed by Chris Columbus, who has previously directed two of the Harry Potter and Home Alone films. With an experienced director and a stellar cast, Rent is sure to be a hit among audiences. The show has had a huge impact over the years and has touched the lives of so many theatre fans. Finally, its message will reach a larger audience this holiday season. Rent is a show about the true reality of life and how to love one another despite the obstacles we must endure. Larson, who also wrote the entire show, placed a lyric in one of the show’s title songs that reads, “Measure your life, Measure your life in love”. This lyric displays the beauty behind Rent. The show is unbelievably touching and is sure to bring a tear to your eye. Rent debuted on Broadway in 1996 and, according to the International Broadway Database, has run 3,920 performances as of September 25, 2005. The show has received a number of prestigious awards, including a Tony Award for Best Musical. Looking at the success and impact Rent has had over the past 10 years, it is safe to say the film adaptation is sure to be a hit this holiday season that you won’t want to miss.