Search  for anything...

Rent: The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Musical―Complete Libretto and Oral History

  • Based on 0 reviews
Condition: New
Checking for the best price...
$21.98 Why this price?
Holiday Deal · 45% off was $39.95

Buy Now, Pay Later


As low as $5 / mo
  • – 4-month term
  • – No impact on credit
  • – Instant approval decision
  • – Secure and straightforward checkout

Ready to go? Add this product to your cart and select a plan during checkout.

Payment plans are offered through our trusted finance partners Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Apple Pay, and PayTomorrow. No-credit-needed leasing options through Acima may also be available at checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Free shipping on this product
This item's return window has been extended for the holiday season: FREE refund/replacement until Jan 31, 2026

To qualify for a full refund, items must be returned in their original, unused condition. If an item is returned in a used, damaged, or materially different state, you may be granted a partial refund.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.


Availability: In Stock.
Fulfilled by Amazon

Arrives Monday, Dec 22
Order within 3 hours and 3 minutes
Available payment plans shown during checkout

Protection Plan Protect Your Purchase
Checking for protection plans...

Description

In these pages, Rent offers what most theater books can't: a chance to step behind the curtain and feel the electricity of a stage phenomenon as it unfolds.Rent has single-handedly reinvigorated Broadway and taken America by storm. Sweeping all major theater awards, including the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for drama, as well as four 1996 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score for a Musical, Rent captures the heart and spirit of a generation, refleting it onstage through the emotion of its stirring words and music, and the energy of its young cast. Now, for the first time, Rent comes to life on the page -- through vivid color photographs, the full libretto, and an utterly compelling behind-the-scenes oral history of the show's creation. Here is the exclusive and absolutely complete companion to Rent, told in the voices of the extraordinary talent behind its success: the actors, the director, the producers, and the librettist and composer himself, Jonathan Larson, whose sudden death, on the eve of the first performance, has made Rent's life-affirming message all the more poignant. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dey Street Books


Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 21, 1997


Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 160 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0688154379


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 70


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.8 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.42 x 0.84 x 13.85 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #85,678 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #10 in Performing Arts Reference #12 in Performing Arts History & Criticism #63 in Broadway & Musicals (Books)


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Monday, Dec 22

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

  • Klarna Financing
  • Affirm Pay in 4
  • Affirm Financing
  • Afterpay Financing
  • PayTomorrow Financing
  • Financing through Apple Pay
Leasing options through Acima may also be available during checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Top Amazon Reviews


  • The creation & legacy of Jonathan Larson 's RENT
Format: Hardcover
This book is a large coffee table sized book. Through interviews with family, friends, & integral people who helped Jonathan Larson build his masterpiece, the story of RENT emerges via much hard work, sweat, frustration, & many rewrites. The book also contains the full libretto for RENT. I believe Larson's Pulitzer & Tony award winning musical would have been a hit whether or not Larson died. However, his death right b4 the 1st full dress rehearsal at New York Theatre Workshop highlighted the many messages in RENT & buttressed the main thought: "NO DAY BUT TODAY". The book goes into the success & aftermath of RENT, & there are plenty of pictures. Let me say, there would be No Hamilton without RENT. Jonathan Larson put topics & people into the forefront like meth addiction, transvestites, homelessness, & AIDS, when Ronald Reagan ignored the crisis & took years to even speak the acronym. If you love RENT, then this book is a must have. Jonathan Larson was neither gay nor afflicted with HIV, but many of his closest friends were, & his musical is intertwined with pieces of his friends & his own life, & a calling to action of the heart, mind, soul, & body, & is in itself, a legacy & testament to his beloved friends. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2022 by MarkoftheDragon

  • My new favorite movie!
Format: Hardcover
I have wanted to see Rent on Broadway since it came out 10 years ago, but never got to. I was thrilled to have it made into a movie. I saw it in the theater twice in a couple days, & preordered the DVD. I waited anxiously for it to arrive. This movie is so wonderful, & right away became my favorite movie of all time. It is life affirming. The overall themes are living life to the fullest in the face of poverty & impending death, friends forming a family that takes care of one another, & celebrating life. I cried through most of it. The music is incredible, beautiful songs & amazing harmonies. I have listened to the cd so much since I got it 3 months ago, I may just wear it out! I loved all the characters, thought they all did a great job. I especially like the story of Tracie Thoms, going from Rent Head fan to starring as Joanne in the movie. She has an incredible voice. Wilson Jermaine Heridia was unforgettable as Angel. I've liked Jesse L Martin on Law & Order, but seeing him as Collins made me totally nuts for him. That man can sing & be sexy as a gay man, even to a straight woman! Buy this movie & the cd, you won't be disappointed. La Vie Boheme!!!!!!!!!! (I'm looking for baggage that goes with mine-Mimi) ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2006 by Tracy M. Edwards

  • great book
Format: Hardcover
so much information. plus the pictures are great, and all the songs are included.
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2023 by Amazon Customer

  • Awesome Book
Format: Hardcover
When I got this book, I thought it would be the size of a regular book but it was pretty big! Like other comments mentioned there is interviews from people who knew Jonathan Larson including the original Broadway cast. There is the full libretto of the entire play and the biographies of all people featured in the play. I’m still reading it but so far it’s pretty awesome to have especially if your a fan of Rent. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2019 by Britnee Britnee

  • This book is essential for any RENThead. It includes ...
Format: Hardcover
This book is essential for any RENThead. It includes lots of background information on how Jonathan created the show, many colorful pictures of the Original Broadway Cast, and the full libretto. Overall, a very worthwhile investment if you are a fan of Rent. Bare in mind that the book was published in 1997, so the cast biographies in the back do not include some of the cast's post-Rent achievements that boosted them to major stardom (e.g. Idina Menzel and "Wicked"). ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2015 by texasrose

  • What a wonderful book
Format: Hardcover
The book gives the history behind Rent and what it meant to Jonathan Larson and his friends. It was so sad that he died before he could see how well received it has become. A true legacy. I also loved the full libretto included. It helped me understand the lyrics better.
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2019 by Beaglemom

  • RENT the book
Format: Hardcover
Really wonderful detailed story about the birth of "RENT" the musical, its composer Jonathan Larson, and all of the folks involved who helped bring the show into reality. Tons of pictures including both behind and in front of the curtain, and the full libretto of the show. An absolute MUST for RENT heads! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2012 by Susan R.

  • Calling Renheads
Format: Hardcover
This is an awesome Coffee Table book for any Renthead!
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2021 by Tanta Jones

Can't find a product?

Find it on Amazon first, then paste the link below.
Checking for best price...