What did Sondheim think of Rent?
Stephen Sondheim, one of the most celebrated composers and lyricists in the history of musical theater, has had a profound impact on the industry with his unique and innovative approach to storytelling through song. When it comes to the groundbreaking musical Rent, Sondheim’s thoughts and opinions are particularly intriguing, as he was not directly involved in the creation of the show.
Rent, with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, opened on Broadway in 1996 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The musical tells the story of a group of young artists living in the East Village of New York City in the 1980s, during the height of the AIDS epidemic. The show’s raw and emotional portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of its characters resonated with audiences worldwide, and it remains a beloved piece of art to this day.
Despite not being a part of Rent’s creative process, Sondheim has expressed his admiration for the show on multiple occasions. In an interview with The New York Times, he said, “Rent is a great piece of work. It’s a beautiful piece of music, and it’s very touching.” Sondheim’s praise for Rent is particularly noteworthy, as he is known for his critical eye and high standards when it comes to musical theater.
One of the aspects of Rent that Sondheim appreciated was its ability to tackle serious issues without becoming didactic. “The way it deals with the AIDS crisis is very moving,” he said. “It’s not a polemic, but it’s very powerful.” This sentiment reflects Sondheim’s own approach to musical theater, which often delves into complex and difficult topics without shying away from the truth.
Furthermore, Sondheim has commended Rent for its originality and the way it blends musical genres. “The music is very different from anything else that’s been done,” he said. “It’s got a rock edge, but it’s also got a lot of classical influence.” This fusion of styles has helped Rent stand out as a unique and memorable piece of theater.
While Sondheim’s involvement with Rent was limited, his admiration for the show is clear. His appreciation for the musical’s emotional depth, originality, and ability to tackle serious issues with sensitivity highlights the enduring impact of Rent and its place in the pantheon of great musical theater works. As Sondheim himself has said, “Rent is a great piece of work, and it’s one of the reasons why musical theater is still evolving.
