Well, since I mentioned Rent in the reaction essay, I thought it would a good idea to elaborate on it (and throw in a clip). Later, the actors mentioned are pointed out as they appear in the clip.
The clip is from the movie, but has at least five of the original cast members (from the Broadway version) playing the same characters. "Seasons of Love" is the opening song, and the tune can be heard throughout the movie.
Rent was written in the 90's by Jonathan Larson. Larson tragically died during the final dress rehearsals and never saw it on stage. It opened off Broadway but gained popularity and became the seventh longest running show.
The story is set in New York during the AIDS epidemic in the 80's. With eight main characters, their stories intertwine. Mark (on far end) is a film producer, Rodger (between Tom and Joanne) is a musician and is HIV+, Tom (sings second solo) is a computer teacher looking for work also HIV+, Benjamin (on Mimi's right) is a landlord and the only one to leave the group. Joanne (curly haired soloist) is a lawyer and Maureen's love, Angel (on left of Mark) is a HIV+ transvestite and Tom's love, Mimi (first close up) is a exotic dancer with AIDS. She falls for Rodger and is a drug addict. Finally there is Maureen (the redhead) who is a performer.
The movie takes place in the course of a year. During that time, Mark and Tom find work, Rodger writes his final song, Maureen and Joanne get married, Angel dies and Mimi nearly loses the battle to drugs. It is a musical, so be warned, but the singing and dancing is great (one of my favorites).
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