The opposite of war isn't peace… it’s creation: A 30-year retrospective of “Rent”

CULTURE The opposite of war isn't peace… it’s creation: A 30-year retrospective of “Rent” It has been 30 years since the musical 'Rent' opened. Thirty years after its Broadway debut, “Rent” continues to be celebrated even without the presence of the person who brought it to life. Composer and writer Jonathan Larson died on Jan. 25, 1996, at the age of 35, the morning of the musical's first off-Broadway preview. He would never see the production open on Broadway or witness the extent to which his work would become a defining piece of American musical theater. Yet three decades later, his music continues to find new audiences. On Oct. 26, 2026, the 30th-anniversary concert brought together performers from across the musical's history to celebrate Larson's work. Its broadcast event extended the celebration beyond the one-night event, while raising more than $4.5 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

This excerpt comes from the named source. Read the original for the full reporting.