I have an evil confession to make. I think I like Rent better. I know, I know. I fully expect Puccini’s ghost to smite me anytime now. If one day I suddenly turn into a puff of smoke, you’ll know why. It’s just that I find myself very impressed with how well Jonathan Larson not only adapted the story but expanded it. He took the slightly dull supporting characters of Colline and Schunard and gave them a very significant story line in the 20th century version.

Plus, it’s easier to sing along with rock songs than with opera. And I like that Mimi lives at the end of Rent.