Jonathan Larson (1960–1996)

Larson's Pulitzer-Prize-winning musical remake of the opera La Boheme has long been one of my favorites, but I'd never read the book until now. I loved seeing the dialogue and lyrics all written. The show moves fast and there are frequently multiple conversations going on at the same time, so it's easy to miss things. It was especially fun to read the lyric-heavy La Vie Boheme. There are so many clever references that I had to read it through multiple times just to appreciate it all.

This show more version also has some photos of the original stage production and some extra info about the author (who died before the show became a success). I loved having a chance to learn more about the real life events that inspired Larson to write the show.

What I really love about this story is the fact that it stresses accepting people as they are. It encourages us to dive in and live our lives, even though you might get hurt. One of the best lines comes from Mark, "The opposite of war isn't peace, it's creation!" show less

As a friend of mine like to point out every time this play comes up... "GET A JOB!". That would solve sooo many problems in this play. I agree. But I still love the music. Maybe not the reasons behind them. But the songs are moving.

Yeah, I know it's a big hit on Broadway, but (old fogey warning here) just remember ratings are personal and subjective as well as objective assessments. I did not care for the subject matter or the musical idioms.
If you want to see a graphic presentation of the changes in our society, compare Oklahoma to Rent; OK doesn't shy away from hard subjects (sex and death included), but Rent has only one song that can be sung outside the show.

"Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes; how do you measure, measure a year?" A gently swinging poignant rock ballad that is very singable.