RENT: To go or not to go

This is in response to the letter from Arcadia Nicklay (Dec. 7) regarding the Lake City Playhouse production of the musical "Rent." I feel it is only fair to offer a description of this theater piece from another perspective so that members of the community can make an informed decision as to whether to see this production.

I was living in New York City in the mid-90s when "Rent" debuted and was fortunate enough to see it several times. It is one of the most moving and meaningful pieces of theater I have ever seen. "Rent" tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive in New York City under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. It is one of the longest-running musicals in Broadway history and has had countless touring productions around the world.

"Rent" received the prestigious 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical and it was made into a major motion picture. It is loosely based on the Puccini opera "La Boheme" in which the characters are struggling with an artist's life in Paris under the shadow of tuberculosis. It has all of the classic themes of great theater: Love, friendship, compassion and hardship mixed together with some light-hearted moments and powerful music. The most famous song in the show, "Seasons of Love," offers the wonderful message "...measure your life in love."

Whether we agree with the content of a theater piece, a piece of artwork or even a cinematic work for that matter, we live in a country where people can choose to view it or not. I believe that the people of this community would agree that just because you disagree with something or it is simply not your cup of tea, it does not mean that it should be banned or censored. That's not what freedom is about.

The question is not whether the Lake City Playhouse's production of "Rent" should happen or whether they should have even chosen to do the musical in the first place; the question is simply whether you want to attend the show or not. But let's be educated and do our homework before we jump to a hasty decision based solely on a biased and one-sided description. This musical will not be for everyone, but for those who want to see an edgy and entertaining Pulitzer Prize-winning theater piece, you will have that opportunity because the Lake City Playhouse is offering just that.

LAURA SABLE

Coeur d'Alene