Let me start my review by saying I grew up with Rent as a kid with the original cast recordings. I've seen it on Broadway, and few other big cities. I have high standards that are maybe a little too high for my favorite musical. After seeing the watered-down gleeish movie version in high school(I could go on), and seeing a bad traveling version I almost gave up on Rent. Five years later, I come across what I've always wanted: a recording of the stage show! I went in with my doubts but I think this is probably the next best thing to seeing the Original cast. Hell, I knew I wanted to buy it ten minutes in. It's a shame they didn't make this for the last original cast show, but i digress. It brings forward the true feeling of Rent,something the film didn't do. Not to mention you get to hear ALL the music, and see the story Jon Larson wrote. The actors aren't perfect at all times, I feel some seem like their copying their character voices from the OBC. and some lack the power and or soul for their role, but this is really nip picky of me because you can tell they LOVE the show. As Rent-heads do I'll say my favorites I really like Mark, Moreean, and Collins! I felt Me-me seemed a little to tamed didn't have the full edge of mi-mi. Roger and Angel were OK, but I didn't think their voices were up to belt this stuff like it should be. Joanna, the same Joanna from the movie, was even MORE awesome then she was in the film. I finally feel like I can watch Rent again without all that Hollywood watered down hairspray covered cheese wiz (Rent deserved better!). Viva La vie Boheme!!!!!!!
