Seven days later five o'clock Saturday afternoon Jubilee wondered into the rec room. She said something but everyone was preoccupied. She sent up a few paffs.
"What gives Jubes?" Angelo asked, pausing his video game.
"I said has anyone seen Paige? I've been looking forever."
"Don't exaggerate Jubilation." Emma said as she entered the room. "Now students please go put on clothes that don't have hole in them. We are going to the theater."
"Cool what movie?" Mondo Chimed.
"What's this world coming to?" Emma touched the bridge of his nose. "We are going to a play."
"Wait we've got to find Paige." Jubilee said.
"Don't worry about that. Go get dressed children."
"These are very good seats." Sean commented. "Tell me Emma how much persuasion did you have to use."
"I've said it before; all men have a tendency to do what I want."
"What's it called? RENT?" Monet asked. "Why didn't we get playbills?"
"I asked they said there was a screw up at the printing company. Is this one of those singing plays?" Jono said.
"Yes, but try not to think of Moulin Rouge, Live Theater has such a nicer feeling about it. Audience participation you know."
"Well the set looks like a yard sale."
And it did. It was folding chairs around a collapsible table. The fire escape up-stage was pretty cool looking. There were scaffoldings on either side of the stage. Under one was the orchestra. Hanging just under the fly space to one side was a large white sphere. The moon, at first glance.
"Jubilation, stop sulking and enjoy yourself." Emma said.
"I just think Paige would have had allot of fun tonight."
"Oh I think she'll be fine."
The house lights went down. About twelve people walked out on stage. A very cute guy took center; he had a camera, and wore glasses and a blue and white striped scarf. He introduced himself as Mark Cohen. Mark began talking about himself and his roommate Roger. He talked about their wood burning stove, which was a tin garbage can. Laughter went through the audience that grew when he said that everything in the apartment was powered by one incredibly long extension-cord that ran from outside. He finished up and took up his camera. The music began.
Mark- December 24th 9 p.m. eastern standard time, from here on in I shoot with out a script. See if anything comes of it, instead of my old Shit. First shot Roger tuning a fender guitar he hasn't played in a year.
As it continued the story became a little easier to follow. When Mark's mother left a message on the answering machine we learn about Moreen.
Mark's mom- Oh and Mark. We're sorry to hear that Moreen dumped you I say Se La Vie. So let her be a Lesbian there are other fishies in the sea. Love Mom.
Jono almost spit fire at that line. Angelo was holding his side. Jubilee was still thinking about Paige. Monet and Emma were softly discussing what was going on.
Collins, the ex-roommate called up just before he was mugged. Then Benny called. Apparently Benny is also and ex-roommate who now owns the building. He had promised Mark and Roger they wouldn't have to pay rent, and now broke his word.
Roger- When we were roommates.
Mark- Remember?
Benny- How could I forget? You, me, Collins and Moureen, how is the drama queen?
Mark- She's performing tonight.
Benny- I know. You still her production manager?
Mark- Two days ago I was bumped.
Benny- You still dating her?
Mark- Last month I was dumped.
Roger- She's in love.
Benny- She's got a new man?
Mark-Well no.
Benny- What's his name?
Mark and Roger- JoAnne.
Benny- RENT, my amigos is due, or I will have to evict you. Be there in a few.
Mark- The power blows.
The music picked up and everyone on stage started going wild as the title song began. Mark and Roger sang about how cold and hungry they were and what the bohemian life was like for a film maker and song writer. Collins was stumbling around, the muggers had taken his coat. JoAnne appears stage right on the phone booth talking to Moreen.
JoAnne- Don't scream Moreen. It's me JoAnne, your substitute production manager, hey hey hey. Did you eat? Don't change the subject Moreen. But darling, you haven't eaten all day. You won't throw up, you won't throw up. The digital delay? It did blow up exactly, there may have been one teeny tiny spark- YOU'RE NOT CALLING MARK.
Collins talks about how he just got back to town and this happens. How Lucky are we? The entire cast is singing. The phone rings.
Mark- Hello.
JoAnne-Hello?
Mark- Moreen? Your equipment won't work? OKAY ALL RIGHT I'LL GO!
MARK & HALF OF THE COMPANY
How Do You Leave The Past Behind
When It Keeps Finding Ways To Get To
Your Heart
It Reaches Way Down Deep And Tears
You Inside Out
Til You're Torn Apart
Rent
ROGER & OTHER HALF OF COMPANY
How Can You Connect In An Age
Where Strangers, Landlords, Lovers
Your Own Blood Cells Betray
ALL
What Binds The Fabric Together
When The Raging, Shifting Winds Of Change
Keep Ripping Away
BENNY
Draw A Line In The Sand
And Then Make A Stand
ROGER
Use Your Camera To Spar
MARK
Use Your Guitar
ALL
When They Act Tough - You Call Their
Bluff
MARK & ROGER
We're Not Gonna Pay
MARK & ROGER W/ HALF THE COMPANY
We're Not Gonna Pay
MARK & ROGER W/ OTHER HALF OF
COMPANY
We're Not Gonna Pay
ALL
Last Year's Rent
This Year's Rent
Next Year's Rent
Rent Rent Rent Rent Rent
We're Not Gonna Pay Rent
ROGER & MARK
'Cause Everything Is Rent
"Well doesn't that grab your attention?" Sean said. The students laughed, even Jubilee couldn't deny, this was cool.
