A WORD FROM YOUR OFFICIAL RENT BLOGGER

In short, I'm an acting, singing, guitar playing, theater guy, who has green eyes, straight teeth, and bites his finger-nails. I discovered RENT in January of 2005. I was given tickets to a touring cast for Christmas by my dad's then-girlfriend's mom. (Get all of that?) I went into the theater not knowing anything about the show or the music. I was going to be a blank canvas for RENT to make an impression on.

I sat quietly in my seat as the play unfolded before me. After the last note rang out, and the house lights came up I stood with the rest of the audience for the standing ovation, but, I had made my decision... I didn't like it.

You're probably thinking, "WHAT!? -- How can this CLOWN be MY official RENT Blogger?"

Well, I'll tell you. It just so happens that during intermission I was still undecided about the show, so, using some leftover Christmas cash, I bought the cast recording.

I listened to that 2-CD set (that I'm sure you probably own) occasionally, but I never really heard it, or listened to its message. I never really gave RENT my full attention until my great grandmother died 2 months later.

"Great Nana" was a wonderfully kind and loving woman. (One of those "living saint" types.) We were very close, and her sudden death took a huge toll on me. She was the first person to die that I was very close to, and it was her death that opened my eyes and ears to RENT's message.

The songs took on a whole new life and meaning. "Measure your life in love." "No Day But Today." "Forget Regret." Every word resounded within me now, and Jonathan Larson's music elevated my spirits and helped me through one of the hardest times of my life. I've been a RENThead ever since.

I'm not a RENThead because of the number of times I've seen the show. (My count is at four: two touring casts, and twice in NYC.)

I'm not a RENThead because I own the movie, or any other amount of merchandise. (A keychain, a button, and a T-shirt.)

I'm not even a RENThead because I know all the lyrics to the songs.

I'm a RENThead, because like you, RENT has touched me in a very special way. I believe in RENT's fundamental message, and it makes me a better person. That's why, if you're reading this, you're a RENThead too.

Welcome to our brand new site for this exciting new production of RENT in New York City. I'm so happy to be your Official Blogger, and I can't wait to share my love of RENT with you. (And vice versa)

No Day But Today,
Paul