Happy Birthday Rent!

Yesterday, Rent the musical turned 20 years old.  Words cannot express how happy and how sad that makes me.  Whenever I think of the show, I can't help but think of its playwright who worked so long and hard on a show that he never got to see on Broadway.  Jonathan Larson would have been 56 years old this year, and I can't even begin to imagine what he would have accomplished in the last 20 years since gaining success and acclaim for such a beautiful show as Rent. 

However, on the other hand, it's truly great to celebrate Rent for all that it is - joyful and heartbreaking.  I never really wanted to see it.  I knew it would be depressing and I knew I'd probably cry.  It is and I did, but I learned that it's also uplifting.  It shows the power of friendship and love and just pushing through. 20 years ago, the community these artists were living in was so very different than it is now, which makes the show seem a bit dated. However, the message is still the same and still very important today.  

You're never alone. No matter what you're going through, you will always have someone there to help you.  As long as you're surrounded by people that love you, you'll be fine. 

Happy Birthday Rent!  I love you and sing you constantly, even though you make me cry every time!  

And if this song doesn't at least give you goosebumps, then you have no soul at all... : )