Created by Jonathan Larson, RENT is a rock musical that tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life in New York City's East Village during the late 1980s and early 1990s, amidst the shadow of HIV/AIDS.

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The musical centres around Mark, a filmmaker, and Roger, a musician, who are roommates and best friends. Other key characters include Mimi, an exotic dancer and Roger's love interest; Maureen, a performance artist and Mark's ex-girlfriend; Joanne, Maureen's lawyer girlfriend; Angel, a drag queen percussionist; and Tom Collins, a philosophy professor.

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Through their interconnected lives, the characters deal with love, loss, friendship, and the pursuit of their dreams.