Viva la vie Boheme

It started as a simple reading in the early 90s. What was originally slated to be a 4 to 6 week run in a 150-seat off-Broadway house became what is currently the 8th longest running show in Broadways history, (sadly) closing in September of 2008 after an amazing 12 year run.

Last night, I had the privilege to see the last night of the shows engagement in town. I knew it was to be a "final tour." What I didn't realize is that I was seeing, indeed, the LAST show (not including what I am sure will be an enormously well-received and long awaited revival that cannot come soon enough).

To say this show has a following would be an understatement. The energy in the auditorium was crazy electric, which I am sure had the oxymoronic effect of not only upping the players' energy but adding to nerves as well. I don't think there was a person present who didn't know the show, love it, embody parts of it, and just exude all that is, was, and shall be RENT.

I have seen this show numerous times on tour; I was fortunate enough to see it at the Nederlander in NYC (it's home house). Every time I see it, I am moved further and deeper, and fall more in love with it. Last night was no exception. Seeing Adam Pascal (who'd I'd have the joy of seeing in Aida) and Anthony Rapp in the roles they originated was incredibly powerful. As usual, it took no more than a few bars of the opening number of Act II and I was already in tears. The best part? The original female Seasons of Love soloist was also in the cast. There are no words to describe her performance.

To witness the final curtain call of the show was beyond moving. Introductions, stories, memories, thank yous, tears, hugs, love, applause, energy, screams and whistles, and an ovation for the cast that was totally put to shame by the outpouring of deafening cacophonous, joyous, raw emotion that was filled the auditorium when Jonathan Larson's parents, who were two rows in front of me, were introduced by Anthony Rapp.

For more about this stunning show, go here.