Why 'Rent' is More Essential Than Ever in 2025

(Photo: Jason Goodman)

by Chris Peterson

A couple of days ago, I saw that a community theatre group was planning on producing the musical, RENT, later this year. I’ll be completely honest when I say that the first thought in my head was “Isn’t that a bit dated now?” and thinking that there are plenty of other shows a local theatre group could perform.

But then I stopped and really thought about the world we’re living in now that New Year’s has passed. It dawned on me that perhaps RENT isn’t dated in 2025, rather that 2025 is the perfect year to perform Jonathan Larson’s iconic musical.

RENT transformed the landscape of musical theatre, offering a raw, unfiltered portrayal of life on the edge in New York City’s East Village during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its themes of love, loss, friendship, and resilience, set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis and economic hardship, captured the heart of a generation. In the years that have passed, the world has changed in many ways, but in some respects, it has remained strikingly the same. As we look toward 2025, the need for productions of Rent is not only relevant—it’s crucial.

In 2025, the musical’s exploration of the AIDS crisis remains a critical part of its relevance. Though medical advancements have reduced the physical toll of HIV/AIDS, it continues to disproportionately affect marginalized communities, especially people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. More than just a health issue, it’s a social issue that requires ongoing education, compassion, and action. RENT allows us to reflect on the strides we’ve made in terms of treatment, while also reminding us that the fight against stigma and misinformation is far from over.

It also resonates deeply in 2025 because of its portrayal of economic hardship. In the musical, characters are grappling with issues like gentrification, unaffordable rent, and job insecurity. In an era of skyrocketing housing prices and widespread income inequality, these struggles are no less pertinent today.

Artists, in particular, face challenges not only in making a living but in finding spaces where they can create and thrive. The arts have always been the lifeblood of society, and yet, they are often the first to be undervalued and underfunded. RENT serves as a critique of a system that leaves behind those who are most in need, and its characters, from the struggling musician Roger to the dancer Mimi, remind us that creativity and art cannot be measured by financial success alone.

But perhaps more than anything, the musical is a story about community. In a world that increasingly feels divided, the notion of “found family” and the bond between individuals who choose to stand by one another through thick and thin is profoundly moving.

In the post-pandemic world, the need for connection has never been more apparent. RENT speaks directly to the loneliness and isolation many of us have felt in recent years, offering a hopeful message about the power of love, friendship, and support. Its characters—Mark, Roger, Mimi, Collins, Angel, and others—may come from different walks of life, but they share a collective commitment to being there for each other, even in the face of impossible odds. This idea of unconditional solidarity is one that rings true in the aftermath of global crises, economic upheaval, and social unrest.

In 2025, we are more in need of messages of hope, resilience, and inclusivity than ever before. RENT is not just a reflection of the past; it’s a call to action for the present. Its lessons about living authentically, embracing our differences, and facing the world’s challenges with love and courage are more vital now than they have ever been.

Productions can serve as powerful catalysts for discussion and change, reminding audiences of the importance of community, creativity, and compassion. As we look ahead to the future, let us remember the legacy of RENT and continue to bring its message of love and defiance to the stage. More productions are needed now, not just for entertainment, but as a means of healing, educating, and inspiring the generations to come.