It's Christmas Eve in New York City in an East Village industrial loft. Mark Cohen, an aspiring filmmaker, sets up his camera as his roommate, Roger Davis, a songwriter and ex-junkie, tunes and picks at his electric guitar. Mark films Roger, taunting him about his songwriter's block. (Tune Up #1)

The phone rings and the roommates screen the call. Mark's mother leaves a consoling message on the machine concerning the hot plate she sent him, his absenteeism to Christmas, and his breakup with his girlfriend, Maureen Johnson, who left him for another woman, Joanne Jefferson. (Voice Mail #1) The phone rings again. The screening reveals that Tom Collins, an old friend, is calling from a pay phone below the loft. Mark answers, but the conversation is cut short when Collins is attacked by muggers. (Tune Up #2) Again, the phone rings. Mark and Roger pick up hoping it is Collins, but find that it is Benny Coffin, their former-roommate who is now their wealthy landlord. He wants the rent and warns them of an eviction. Then, the electric power blows.

Mark and Roger vent their anger. (RENT) They burn Roger's rock and roll posters and Mark's screenplays to keep warm - burning their past along with the papers. Once more, the phone rings and this time its Maureen. She begs Mark for technical help with the performance she is scheduled to give in the vacant lot next to the loft. Reluctantly, he agrees.

Outside, a badly beaten Collins is found by Angel, a crossdressing street musician, who offers help. (You Okay Honey?) They instantly bond, realizing they both have something in common - AIDS.

Back in the loft, Mark urges Roger to go out with him for the evening. Mark explains to his camera that Roger's girlfriend had killed herself and told Roger they both had AIDS in the suicide note. Instead of going out, Roger refuses, takes his AZT, and dreams of writing one last song to redeem his empty life. (Tune Up #3, One Song Glory) He is interrupted by a knock on the door. It is a beautiful stranger, Mimi Marquez, who lives downstairs. Her power is also out and she needs a match to light her candle. (Light My Candle) Roger and Mimi have an instant attraction, but Roger resists because he recognizes that Mimi is a junkie when she comes back looking for her "stash."

Somewhere else, Joanne's parents leave a message on her answering machine. (Voice Mail #2)

Mark returns with Collins and Angel, who brings money that he earned, tax free, for killing an annoying dog. (Today 4 U) Benny barges in and tells Roger and Mark if they stop Maureen's performance, protesting the clearing of a tent city adjacent to Benny's lot, that he will forgive their backrent. (You'll See) Mark, Angel, and Collins go out, leaving Roger alone again.

In the vacant lot, Mark builds up courage to meet Joanne, his ex-girlfriend's current lover who also intercepted Mark's previous stage manager duties. Joanne originally declines Mark's offer for help, saying that the tech person is on their way, but she decides to accept because the techy is late. The two quickly find common ground on which to talk - Maureen. They share their bad Maureen experiences. Mark leaves feeling good, and Maureen stays behind feeling lousy. (Tango: Maureen)

Angel and Collins attend an AIDS Support meeting, while Mark documents them. The group encourages each other and shows their determination to live without fear with the motto, "no day but today." (Life Support) Meanwhile, Mimi dresses up and goes to the loft the find Roger. (Out Tonight) He is tempted to take her out, but, once again, has doubts and pushes her away. (Another Day) At the support group meeting, a young member starts asking, "Will I lose my dignity . . . Will someone care?" The group starts to chant this, including Roger, who has finally decided to leave the loft. (Will I . . . ?)

Afterwards, Mark, Angel, and Collins stop cops from harassing a homeless woman. (On the Street) The woman is less than grateful and they fantasize about leaving New York. (Santa Fe) Mark goes off to find Roger, and Angel and Collins declare their newfound love for each other. (I'll Cover You)

Joanne calls Maureen from a pay phone while covering two other calls on her cell-phone. (We're Okay) In St. Mark's place, vendors, cops, homeless people, junkies, and drug dealers gather. Angel buys Collins a coat, and Mark meets up with Roger. At the same time, Mimi searches for a fix. (Christmas Bells) Roger spots her. He apologizes for his previous behavior and invites her to dinner.

Maureen presents her performance piece, a satirical protest against Benny's commercial development. (Over the Moon)

After the protest, everyone meets at the Life Cafe. Benny gloats and claims that Bohemia is dead. Mark and his fellow Bohemians proudly argue Benny's comments. (La Vie Boheme) He leaves in a huff, only stopping long enough to snarl something at Mimi that reveals they were once romantically involved. Her beeper sounds and she pauses to take her AZT. Roger realizes that Mimi shares the same secrets as does he. Exhilarated, yet frightened, they agree to give a relationship a chance. (I Should Tell You)

Maureen orders Joanne to go back to the lot several times. Joanne finally gets fed up and rebels, calling the relationship off. She also informs everyone that a fight has broken out on Avenue A. (La Vie Boheme B) When Roger and Mark get back to the loft, they discover that Benny has padlocked their building and called the police. The bohemians continue to celebrate, and Roger and Mimi share a kiss.

Act Two

In the mess of the riot, the community stops to ask, "How do you measure the life of a woman or a man?" The answer - "love." (Seasons of Love)

It is now New Year's Eve. Mark films a "breaking back into the building party." (Happy New Year) Mimi and Roger are in love. Maureen humbles herself enough to win Joanne back. Collins and Angel arrive with a blowtorch to melt the lock and the celebration is complete.

Once back inside, Mark discovers a telephone message from Alexi Darling, a tabloid television show host, who saw his New Year Eve's riot footage. She offers him a job. (Voice Mail #3) Benny apologizes and offers to give the boys new keys to the old loft. (Happy New Year B) Roger suspects Benny's motive, which insults and infuriates Benny. Benny implies that Mimi changed his mind about letting the boys back in by sleeping with him. Mimi denies it, but that doesn't stop Roger from being jealous. Outside, Mimi gets cornered by her dealer and he gives her something to ensure a "happy new year."

Now it is Valentine's Day. Roger and Mimi are living together, but Roger continues to be intensely jealous and frequently threatens to leave. Mark still lives behind his camera. At their apartment, Joanne and Maureen battle, giving each other an ultimatum. (Take Me or Leave Me) Neither one will back down and they split up again.

In the Spring the future changes are becoming evident. The community now asks, "How do you measure a last year on Earth?" (Seasons of Love B) Roger accuses Mimi of being unfaithful with Benny and moves out. Mimi mourns her loss. Collins nurses Angel, who is becoming increasingly ill. (Without You) Roger and Mimi begin to reconcile as Spring is coming to its end. Maureen and Joanne also rekindle their relationship.

Summer is ending and Alexi Darling is still calling Mark, offering him lots of money. (Voice Mail #4) A lot of lovemaking goes on in frustration of the age of safe sex. (Contact) By fall time, Roger, Mimi, Maureen, and Joanne are all separate again. Collins and Angel, who were faithful and true throughout, are now forever separated - Angel has died.

At Angel's memorial, each friend offers a loving tribute. Clutching the coat that Angel bought for him, Collins claims his undying love for his lost companion. (I'll Cover You - Reprise) Outside of the church, Mark calls Alexi and accepts her job offer. He is depressed with how much life has changed since Christmas Eve - just one year ago. (Halloween) While the mourners leave the funeral, Mimi finds out that Roger is leaving town. Arguments between all the estranged lovers erupt. Collins begs them to stop, for Angel's sake. Maureen and Joanne are moved to once again try their relationship. Mimi leaves with Benny.

Mark tries to talk Roger out of moving and running from his pain. Roger lashes out and accuses Mark of also hiding his pain and fears behind his camera. Mark wonders if Roger is only afraid to watch Mimi die. Mimi shows up, insisting that she has just come to say goodbye. (Goodbye Love) Roger leaves for Santa Fe, and Mimi begs for Mark's help in persuading him to stay. Benny offers to help Mimi pay for her drug rehabilitation, but she refuses and runs away. When Benny covers the cost of Angel's funeral, Collins is grateful and the two go off to get drunk. Mark prepares for his meeting with Alexi.

Mark questions his life and the world as Roger does the same on his way to Santa Fe. (What You Own) They both remember the memories of last Christmas, when they were connected and their friends were their family. Roger begins to discover his song. Mark turns down the tabloid job to finish his film.

Roger, Mark, Mimi, and Joanne's parents wonder about their children as the new holiday approaches. (Voice Mail #5)

It is Christmas Eve again. Mark hopes to screen a rough cut of his film that evening. Roger moved back to New York and the loft, and he has finished his song. (Finale) It has been a while since anyone has seen Mimi. The power goes out but spirits are good because Collins arrives. Maureen and Joanne carry a deathly ill Mimi down the sidewalk.

Lying in the loft, Mimi finally tells Roger that she loves him. Roger begs her not to leave him and sings "his song" to her. (Your Eyes) Roger tells Mimi that he "has always loved" her. He cries out her name as she passes out in his arms.

Moments later, Mimi reawakens and tells a story of seeing a warm white light where Angel stood, urging her to return to her life. (Finale B) As they celebrate life's awful uncertainties, the community re-affirms love as the strongest force known, acknowledging that there is "no day but today."

RENT currently plays at the Nederlander Theatre on Broadway and there is also a traveling RENT show. Both run 2 hours and 45 minutes.

next

RENT - the movie. It is based on the Jonathon Larson Broadway musical. The film was to be directed by Spike Lee and produced by Meet the Fockers (Robert De Niro's production company) and Cappa Productions, but Mirimax pulled the funds. It is likely that the plans will be revived, but under a different director. It is rumored that possible cast members are Justin Timberlake (of N'Sync) and Audra McDonald. It is also reported that singer Marc Anthony auditioned for a part. Neil Patrick Harris (from Doogie Howser, M.D.) will most likely not be reprising his role as Mark. The release date is currently unknown.