San Francisco has been my home for nearly twenty years, and so it is probably not surprising that some of my favorite people in the whole world are gay. That said, the only time I have been exposed to AIDS is when we take our kids to make and serve dinner to dying patients at a local AIDS hospice called Leland House. However, after having been born in New York City, raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and educated in Boston, it is amazing to say that I have only known one acquaintance in all these years, who actually died of AIDS. He was my 8th grade boyfriend's brother. The last time I saw Dave Parmelee was in 1978. Since then, Tim and I have seen "Rent", Jonathan Larson's 1996 Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical on Broadway, twice. Both times, we left the theater more depressed about the AIDS epidemic than either compassionate or hopeful. Chris Columbus' adaptation to the big screen, however, changed our entire mindset.

John & Lori Brooke (left), Our "Rent" Guests

Last night, Tim and I were privileged to see the movie, "Rent" in the company of a number of San Francisco's best, including "Rent" director Chris Columbus (the same brilliant filmmaker who brought us Mrs. Doubtfire followed by Harry Potter I and Harry Potter II), Chris' wife, Monica Devereux, as well as fellow filmmaker George Lucas, actor Robin Williams (though we did not see him), the great major league baseball hall of famer, "The Say Hey Kid" Willie Mays, E.T. actor, Emmy award-winning narrator and Sleeping Where I Fall author Peter Coyote (who came dressed in red suede shoes), and two theaters full of Chris Columbus and Jonathan Larson fans.

O.K., there were probably a few Taye Diggs and Jesse L. Martin fans in the crowd, too.

The world premiere of "Rent" took place on November 17th at the Zeigfeld Theater in New York.

All those with tickets to the November 20th San Francisco screening were invited to sit in one of two "East Village" theaters. For this special night, one theater was called "SoHo." The other was called "Tribeca."

Undoubtedly, every guest at last night's "performance" is now also a big fan of the eight artists who co-star in the film.

These extraordinarily talented actors, singers and dancers not only include Taye Diggs (Benjamin 'Benny' Coffin III) and Jesse L. Martin (Thomas B. 'Tom' Collins), but Rosario Dawson (an HIV-infected drug addict, strip club dancer Mimi Marquez) who in real-life is from the Lower East Side, Wilson Jermaine Heredia (who plays a drum-beating, live "in the now", HIV positive drag queen named Angel Schunard), Idina Menzel (Maureen Johnson, whose one-person protest was one of the most amazing acts we've seen on any stage), Adam Pascal (a talented but distraught HIV positive songwriter Roger Davis who finds love and nearly loses it twice), Anthony Rapp (a struggling documentary filmmaker Mark Cohen who is the heart and soul of the group) and Tracie Thoms (Joanne Jefferson, Maureen's Harvard graduate attorney girlfriend).

All of the artists -- save Rosario and Tracie -- were part of the original bohemian Broadway cast. Each one poured their heart and soul into both the big screen production and the new soundtrack just as they did eight times a week on the live stage.

Columbus called Dawson's performance as Mimi, "the birth of a new movie star." We couldn't agree more. We had never heard of her before she was cast in "Rent." Now, we want to see everything she does.

This is what Chris had to say about the film's leading cast of characters in his "Rent" movie blog entry:

Taye Diggs as Benny Coffin III

Taye Diggs

Having finished shooting "You'll See" with Taye Diggs, I was struck by his strong musical talent and charm.

Also, Taye has an amazing sense of humor, one of the funniest people I've ever spent time with.

I don't think a lot of people know that about him.

It would be great to some day see him in a comedic role.

Anthony Rapp as Mark Cohen

Anthony Rapp

The other cast members, as I've said many times, have made my life as a Director very easy.

Anthony Rapp lives and breathes the whole spirit of Rent.

For me, Anthony is the heart and soul of this group.

His focus and intensity are amazing.

Adam Pascal as Roger Davis

Adam Pascal

Adam Pascal is the only person who ever could have played Roger.

He brings an honest rock and roll sensibility to the role.

His voice is powerful and awesome.

He's a terrific actor.

Idina Menzel as Maureen

Idina Menzel

Idina Menzel is incredibly funny, incredibly charismatic, and has one of the strongest voices I've ever heard in my life.

She sparkles onscreen.

She's totally unique, and very real.

Wilson Jermaine Heredia as Angel

Wilson Heredia

Wilson Heredia...well...no one looks better in a dress, male or female.

And he is absolutely heartbreaking in his performance as Angel.

Every nuance and moment of reality that Wilson brought to the stage, he brings to this performance.

Jesse L. Martin as Tom Collins

Jesse L. Martin

Every time Jesse sings, I'm overcome with emotion.

His vocals are rich and filled with intensity.

Yet there are two sides to his personality.

When he sings "Santa Fe," you get caught up in the charm of his performance.

But in the "I'll Cover You" reprise, Jesse can actually make you feel the depths of his pain.

Tracie Thoms as Joanne Jefferson

Tracie Thoms

Tracie Thoms, one of our new cast members, is truly one of the brightest new, young performers I've seen in a long time.

I think Tracie truly has it all.

A gifted comedic actress, she's also an extremely realistic and sensitive dramatic actress with a voice that will make Aretha Franklin jealous.

Rosario Dawson as Mimi Marquez

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson, obviously one of our new cast members, has done a phenomenal job in her portrayal of Mimi.

Her vocals on "Out Tonight" are stunning.

And she has brought the character of Mimi to life. Her performance is astounding.

Tim admitted that he was glad I bought four tickets to the benefit screening. However, he said he was not necessarily looking forward to seeing the film. He said, "Take me to hear that amazing song Seasons of Love and I'll be satisfied. The rest of the production is so dark and raw and sad."

After seeing the movie, Tim sang a different tune. He said to me:

Everything after their Seasons of Love opening was pure gravy.

The amazing thing is that, while the story is still tragic, especially the AIDS support group scenes where members of the group start disappearing; I found I came out of the theater with my soul fed rather than 'hungry.'

I went in thinking it was a story about poverty, illness, death and despair. I came out believing it is a rare story about life, love and hope.

Jennifer, you definitely ought to take the time to write a story in Rugged Elegant Living about this film.

On Wednesday, November 23rd, the film -- which was shot primarily in San Francisco -- will be formally released by Warner Bros.' Columbia Pictures, Columbus and Michael Barnathan's 1492 Pictures, and Robert DeNiro and Jane Rosenthal's Tribeca Productions.

For those willing to invest $10 and 133 minutes of their time for a window into the late Jonathan Larson's mind and heart, I do not just recommend it.

If you know or love anyone who could have even a remote chance of contracting the HIV virus, if you live anywhere near someone who is currently HIV positive and you care about this epidemic, or if you simply love terrific filmmaking, song and dance, this is a story you have to experience.

"Rent" The Movie is sure to have a permanent lease on your heartstrings.

The sound of the film alone is magical.

Chris Columbus says that "each frame is filled with emotion and dedication."

We not only see it, we feel it -- frame-by-frame.

After last night, I'm ready to head back over to the Leland House as soon as I can to cook and serve another meal ... and I don't cook.

The next time I go I'm bringing my copy of the "Rent" soundtrack.

After experiencing this film, I also find myself more grateful than ever that I live in San Francisco, where tolerance and compassion can teach our children to thrive in the midst of adversity, sadness and death.

Chris Columbus' direction, Stephen Chbosky's screenplay (co-written with Chris), Stephen Goldblatt's photography, Howard Cummings' production designs, Keith Young's choreography and Jonathan Larson's songs on the big screen are masterful.

Each scene is clever, powerful and full of soul.

Columbus calls "Rent" The Movie, a celebration of all things that are important about life.

On Sony Pictures' blog, Chris says:

It's a film about hope. It's a film about courage, about compassion and tolerance, and the ability to find the strength within ourselves to live each day.

At the after party on Sunday, in part in honor and support of Project Open Hand, one of our two guests, Lori Brooke said to Chris, "I'd like to be the first to congratulate you on your Oscar nomination."

How Do We Measure A Year In The Life?

As we prepare for Thanksgsiving this week, there is much for which we have to be grateful.

This cast of characters opens our eyes to see and know that no matter what our circumstance in life, we can have a "family" and a "sense of community."

"Rent", the longstanding 1996 Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play by Jonathan Larson was Larson's take on the opera La Boheme.

"Don't let fear keep you from taking chances" is a central theme in Larson's original story.

It also became a central theme for those who were passionate about bringing his story to the big screen.

Julie & the late Jonathan Larson

If it had not been for Chris Columbus' nine year passion for this project, combined with the perseverance of Jonathan Larson's sister Julie and family, the foresight and financial pockets of Revolution's Joe Roth, and the willingness of 1492, Sony, Columbia and Tribeca to come together and invest $77 million to make and market it (nearly $50m to make and $27m to market), we may never have seen "Rent" on the silver screen. This would have been especially unfortunate for those who can afford a $10 movie ticket but not a $20 - $95 Broadway seat nor a bus or plane ticket to Manhattan's Nederlander Theatre.

Let the inspiration begin.

The seasons of love, compassion and courage we witness through song, dance and artistic expression in New York's SoHo and Tribeca neighborhoods, is a story that should be heard.

The ratings board gave "Rent" - The Movie a PG-13 rating because they think the film is important for young people.

On Sunday night, Chris said the scene he would be most reticent about kids seeing is the strip club dance by Mimi at the Cat Scratch Fever Club.

He advised parents not to take children under 13 to the film because, he says, it is an "R-rated story."

Columbus is on a mission with his latest and most edgy creation to-date.

Columbus previously told the media:

Our country is at a point now where I feel we've taken a giant step backward compared to 1996.

Things like diversity and alternative lifestyles and acceptance and tolerance, those are like bad words. This movie makes people think about them again.

As I write this story, I am listening to the CD from the original motion picture soundtrack.

After seeing the play on Broadway, when I found myself thinking about the stage production, my thoughts were mostly sad. Of course, I think part of the sadness came from the fact that the gentleman who created the play died before it became the huge success that it is today.

In reflecting upon the movie, however, and listening to the songs again today I've been struck by the positive chords; the chords of love, support and simply being there for your friends.

It was also a positive to learn that Jonathan Larson's family was "blown away" after seeing a "rough cut" of the film.

The Larson family wrote:

We're happy to say that we're thrilled with what we've seen and heard and continue to be grateful that Chris Columbus has been so inclusive with us throughout the entire process.

Al keeps saying he wants to adopt Chris, because Chris truly knows what Jonathan was trying to do with "Rent" and genuinely feels the same way Jon did.

John Brooke, one of our guests at the screening, said the following day:

What has stayed with me from the movie are the characters.

I think Chris used more close ups, head shots, etc. with either solo or two of the actors at a time, than usual. I'm thinking that is what made the character connection.

Bringing a musical to film is always a big challenge. Trying to share nearly equally so many characters with only a minimal story line (no car chases, bombs, "evil doers", etc.) while keeping it entertaining must also be difficult. Chris really pulled it off with style.

I love what is said on the inside jacket of the CD regarding Jonathan Larson (February 4, 1960 - January 25, 1996). They said this about the original creator of "Rent":

We each live in a number of overlapping communities: a community of family, a community of friends, still another of neighbors ... the people in our school, our city or town, our country, and - ultimately - the community of mankind.

Jonathan was passionate about living life, creating music, and making a difference in each of the communities in which he lived - particularly Broadway and musical theater. He chose the title RENT because it means both what we pay to a landlord and a split in a fabric or group. This show is his way of using words and music and humor to help repair the rifts he saw in the communities we all share.

Numerous theaters will be showing midnight screenings of "Rent" tonight.

"Rent's" formal release date is Wednesday, November 23rd, 2005.

On December 7th, a "Rent" songbook which includes 18 songs: Another Day * I'll Cover You * Rent * Seasons of Love * Take Me or Leave Me * What You Own * Without You * You'll See * Your Eyes * and more, as well as eight pages of color photos, will be released. It can be pre-ordered now.

On the inside jacket of the the 2005 RENT soundtrack, Chris Columbus writes:

I have always believed in the power and glory of Rock and Roll. A great pop or soul song has the ability to change your life.

It is something that satisfies the soul in a variety of emotional situations.

You can play a great song when you are in a wonderful mood, and the music will lift your spirits even higher. The same piece of music can be played when you find yourself in a dark, lonely place, and that song will become a dear friend, a welcome partner in sorry. There are hundreds, thousands of these songs that come to mind: 'In My Life,' 'What's Going On,' 'Thunder Road,' 'I Wanna Be Sedated,' 'Lose Yourself,' 'Fortunate Son,' 'Redemption Song,' 'Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of' ... The list goes on forever, comprised of songs that have made my life a much better place. Songs that I will go back to, time and time again...These are the songs of RENT. The songs of Jonathan Larson...Because of my love for those songs, I wanted to direct the film version of RENT...

This has been the single most rewarding cinematic journey of my career. Every time I watch the film, or listen to this newly recorded album I find myself uttering the same four words ... Thank you Jonathan Larson.

Thank you Jonathan Larson.

Congratulations to Chris Columbus, the Larson family, Taye, Jesse, Rosario, Wilson, Idina, Adam, Anthony, Tracie and all those involved in the making of this raw, hard-to-swallow, tragic, tearful, yet inspirational film!

For further details, please go to "Rent's" official web site at:

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "no day but today" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King, Rugged Elegance, LLC

New York's 'Rent' to Become A Movie Shot in San Francisco by Director Chris Columbus