Rent

Act 1: The Bohemian Lifestyle in Alphabet City

Main Characters:

• Mark Cohen:

  • Outfit: Casual 1990s New York street style.
  • A jacket (often a leather or denim jacket), layered T-shirts, cargo pants, and combat boots to reflect Mark’s rebellious and artistic nature.
  • Accessories: A camera (for his filming) and a scarf.

• Roger Davis:

  • Outfit: Worn-out, rockstar-inspired clothing reflecting his grunge aesthetic.
  • A simple T-shirt, ripped jeans, leather jacket, and boots to represent his troubled, yet charismatic personality.
  • Accessories: A guitar, and occasionally a scarf or beanie.

• Mimi Marquez:

  • Outfit: Sexy, glamorous club attire with a bohemian twist.
  • A tight, form-fitting dress or a crop top with a mini skirt, paired with high heels or boots to highlight her sultry and confident persona.
  • Accessories: Bold jewelry, dramatic makeup, and a long flowing coat (for dramatic entrances).

• Maureen Johnson:

  • Outfit: Eclectic and quirky boho-chic style with a mix of vintage and modern pieces.
  • A colorful jacket, layered skirts, and funky shoes to reflect her unique and free-spirited personality.
  • Accessories: A cowbell (for her performance) and bold, statement jewelry.

• Joanne Jefferson:

  • Outfit: Polished yet relaxed professional style, reflecting her “straight-laced” personality.
  • A button-up shirt or blazer, paired with pants or skirts and a professional look that contrasts with the bohemian lifestyle of the others.
  • Accessories: A shoulder bag, glasses, and occasionally a tie or vest.

• Angel Dumott Schunard:

  • Outfit: Gender-fluid clothing, with an androgynous style that mixes glam and punk.
  • A flashy, sparkling top or jacket with leather pants or fitted jeans, showcasing Angel’s showy, flamboyant nature.
  • Accessories: A wig (for the drag queen persona), dramatic makeup, and heels.

• Tom Collins:

  • Outfit: Casual and comfortable with a touch of bohemian flair.
  • A sweater, a loose shirt, and comfortable pants to reflect his intellectual yet laid-back personality.
  • Accessories: Glasses and a backpack, signifying his academic background.

• Benny Coffin III:

  • Outfit: Smart-casual attire, often with a business edge to reflect his gentrification of the neighborhood.
  • A suit or collared shirt, pants, and dress shoes to emphasize his wealth and corporate background.
  • Accessories: A tie, possibly a briefcase or business papers.

Ensemble (Street Performers, Artists, and Residents):

• Street Performers:

  • Mix of worn clothes, eclectic, bohemian styles—torn T-shirts, layered jackets, vintage accessories, and unique items that reflect the countercultural environment.
  • Accessories: Hats, scarves, and instruments (for musicians or performers).

• Clubgoers and Residents:

  • 90s grunge and urban chic styles: plaid shirts, oversized jackets, boots, and casual urban wear.
  • Accessories: Sunglasses, chains, and chunky jewelry to reflect the diverse and creative neighborhood.

Act 2: Conflict, Resolution, and the Finale

Main Characters (Continued):

• Mark Cohen:

  • Outfit: Similar to Act 1 with more layered or ragged clothing in more dramatic moments (e.g., the finale).
  • Accessories: His camera, and more layered scarves or vests to give a raw, emotional look.

• Roger Davis:

  • Outfit: Continues with the grunge aesthetic, but in Act 2, his clothing may appear more worn, reflecting his internal struggles.
  • Accessories: His guitar (a constant symbol of his character), with additional worn-out details like torn sleeves or pants.

• Mimi Marquez:

  • Outfit: Costumes evolve to reflect her emotional journey, transitioning from sleek, seductive attire to more vulnerable clothing (e.g., a simple, unbuttoned jacket over a tank top).
  • Accessories: Jewelry and makeup that express her personal journey, sometimes more raw and emotional.

• Maureen Johnson:

  • Outfit: More dramatic, expressive clothing as the character evolves in Act 2, with brighter or more avant-garde pieces.
  • Accessories: Funky props (cowbell, for example), exaggerated makeup, and bolder styling.

• Joanne Jefferson:

  • Outfit: More formal for the “professional” aspects of her character but with slight bohemian touches as she lets her guard down.
  • Accessories: Minimal, polished jewelry, and a more relaxed demeanor.

• Angel Dumott Schunard:

  • Outfit: In Act 2, Angel’s costumes become more androgynous, often featuring street-inspired glam.
  • Accessories: A change in wigs, dramatic makeup, and continued bold fashion choices that define Angel’s individuality.

• Tom Collins:

  • Outfit: Casual, laid-back attire continues, but possibly a more emotional edge with the clothes becoming slightly more worn.
  • Accessories: Glasses, backpack, and comfortable shoes.

• Benny Coffin III:

  • Outfit: Business-casual, still with some corporate edge, but with more relaxed styling in Act 2, showing his transition.
  • Accessories: A more casual tie or no tie at all, showing his evolving stance on gentrification.

Ensemble:

• Street Performers and Residents:
  • More revealing, raw streetwear for the final scenes as characters express their struggles, losses, and triumphs.
  • Accessories: Worn-down outfits and more poignant, emotional accessories reflecting the hardships the characters face.

Special Notes:

• Color Palette:

  • Act 1: Bold colors reflecting youthful rebellion, with lots of blacks, reds, yellows, and greens for a grunge effect.
  • Act 2: More subdued, muted tones to reflect the emotional weight and struggles, though still with flashes of color for moments of joy and expression.

• Fabric Choices:

  • Act 1: Lightweight fabrics for casual wear (denim, cotton, leather) to reflect the bohemian lifestyle.
  • Act 2: Heavier fabrics for emotional depth (worn denim, wool, and textured fabrics) to reflect the hardships and maturation of the characters.