News / Features
A Complete Guide to the Songs in RENT
Johnathan Larson’s rock musical RENT returns to the West End, starring Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things) as Mark. Inspired by Puccini’s La Bohème, the story follows a group of young struggling artists living in New York’s East Village during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis. This complete song guide of RENT the musical has you covered, with the story being told through song there are some spoilers ahead so proceed with caution Bohemians… Tune Up #1 An introduction to the characters of RENT and their daily struggles of trying to make it as an artist living in New York. Mark, a film maker with no script or inspiration shoots from his camera aimlessly. Roger tuning his guitar that he hasn’t played in a year, now trying to write one great song. RENT The characters Mark and Roger have been living in squalor, with no heating, no stable income and no inspiration. But, their old friend Benny allowed them to live in his building for free, but now wants them to pay last year’s rent to continue stay living there. One Song Glory The gut wrenching rock ballad sung by Roger, telling his story about his battle with HIV which he contracted from his last girlfriend, who upon hearing the news committed suicide. Roger hopes to write one last song to be remembered by, before he dies. Light My Candle We’re introduced to Mimi, Roger and Mark’s neighbour looking for warmth and some light after Benny cuts off the building’s power in protest. Mimi flirts with Roger who is hesitant to return any affection due to his diagnosis. Today 4 U After being missing for a few days, Collins finally reaches Mark and Roger’s apartment with his new friend and lover, Angel, who saved him after being jumped in the streets. Angel in full drag and a festive outfit, shares the money she earned in a rather unconventional way. Tango: Maureen A highly comical dance number in RENT the Musical. Mark catches news his ex-girlfriend Maureen needs assistance at the protest she has arranged against Benny’s plan to evict the homeless. Mark meets Maureen’s new lover, Joanne. The two find an unexpected rhythm together, bonding over Maureen’s bad habits of gaslighting and cheating. Out Tonight Mimi’s catchy rock solo, she attempts again to seduce Roger, tempting him to come out and party with her. The song shows her wild side, which Roger disdains recognising the pattern of addiction he once fell into, which leads into the next track… Another Day Roger reacts abrasively to Mimi’s suggestion to go out, frustrated by her distraction from his song and his inner battle whether to tell Mimi of his diagnosis and his addict past. Singing back to Roger, Mimi encourages him to seize the day with Johnathan Larson’s famous lyrics ‘no day but today.’ Santa Fe Sick of New York, Collins and Angel dream of opening a restaurant in Santa Fe; a simpler easygoing life, away from the draining nature of the all-work, no-play and low pay city. Can we come too? Over The Moon The infamous Maureen is finally introduced to the story, performing her performance-art protest song against Benny’s wishes to evict homeless people from the building he owns. The song based on ‘Hey Diddle Diddle’ pokes fun at Benny, criticising capitalism, gentrification of New York and corporate greed. La Vie Boheme Benny confronts his old friends after the protest, claiming he’s trying to make a better community and home for them. The song title translates to ‘The Bohemian Life,’ which references a lifestyle rejecting societal norms and conventions with the priority to live freely and creatively. The self proclaimed bohemians toast to their lives that they are perfectly happy with, throwing Benny’s offer of a ‘better life’ back in his face. I Should Tell You A duet with Mimi and Roger finally facing the conversation they had both been facing, with their battle with addiction and their HIV diagnoses. From this honest conversation, they realise they can be together without risking the others' health.
8 Jul, 2026 | By Alicia Bridge
