Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"...Here in Chicago, where we rarely appreciate non-Equity tours, we got used to these kids and we put up with them, and then put up with them some more, because of the riches of this musical score. They were often cute, but they were nothing like the cast currently ensconced at the Oriental Theatre. Trust me, it’s night and day. This is the real “Rent,” replete with one of the best rock-pop scores ever penned for Broadway by a composer whose restless, emotional melodies oozed out of him like a succession of compassionate, heart-breaking smiles."
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Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...To cut to the chase: The latest national touring edition of "Rent," which opened for a brief stop at the Ford Center/Oriental Theatre on Tuesday, and which reunites its now iconic original stars, Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, is nothing short of sensational. It sets the stage on fire."
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Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Rapp is marvelous, as are his fellow Rent vets Adam Pascal and Gwen Stewart and the rest of an exceedingly likable cast. And director Michael Greif (also a veteran) gives vivid comic-tragic life to Jonathan Larson's musical, which continues to disclose its greatness as the years go by. More than a stunning entertainment, Rent has turned out to be a landmark artistic document of the AIDS epidemic, on a par with Angels in America."
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NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Rent has touched down several times since its initial run here, often with non-equity casts and/or making use of “American Idol” contest winners, but even at its very best during that first area run when there was still considerable attention to professionalism and detail, it has never been quite like this. Area “Rentheads” will have an entirely new experience of a show that they only thought that they knew, and if you’re one of those who never got around to seeing “Rent” and have wondered what all of the fuss is about, don’t squander this brief, rare and perhaps final opportunity to directly participate in the fullest possible experience of the show’s life-affirming message of making the most of the “now.” "
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EpochTimes - Highly Recommended

"...For those who love Jonathan Larson's "RENT", you are in for a special treat as Broadway in Chicago presents Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp reprising their original roles (Roger and Mark). I have seen numerous productions of this show in many different venues and I must state right off the top, this is by far the cleanest, solidest production of all. The diction was perfect, the sound was perfect and each cast member exceeded my expectations."

Centerstage - Recommended

"...This gritty story of an impoverished group of young artists struggling to survive explores such adult themes as AIDS, drug abuse, death and sexual issues and won't appeal to everyone. Still, Generation X audiences especially will continue to connect with the play, in the same way that Baby Boomers did with "Hair." "The Age of Aquarius" has evolved into the "Seasons of Love." "
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Steadstyle Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...If you are a fan of "Rent", this touring show is your chance to see the quintessential production. If you are curious, this is best possible incarnation to view. I tried to watch the film and, with the exception of listening to "Seasons of Love" about two dozen times, could not bring myself to finish it. But this (at times) thrilling and exceptionally produced original version is engaging enough to provide many entertaining moments, although some come by way of unintentional camp."
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