I saw it last month in New York. Nicely done.

I spent a lot of time as an expatriat in Europe also, and it rang a lot of bells, even for a white guy. The relationship with those back at home was universal and evocative, and I could defiintely relate.

Ummm. Rent is still running.

I've seen PASSING STRANGE twice -- once downtown, once up -- and admire it. I recommend it.

But I think it shows a lack of grace that Stew simply dismisses musical theatre written in a style different from his as dorky. Yes, there are shows that aren't written in a rock idiom, but then, uh, SWEENEY TODD wouldn't be better in a rock idiom. And yes, if I have to choose between SWEENEY TODD and PASSING STRANGE as a work likely to maintain its potency over the decades, no question which I'd bet on. Different subject require different ingredients. Stew's approach would not match a lot of subjects worth putting onstage. I think GYPSY -- particularly the current production -- works like crazy, even if it probably isn't to Stew's taste.

Different artists embrace different styles and textures. James Baldwin didn't piss on Jane Austen. The Beatles and the Beach Boys seemed content to share the planet without making cracks about each other. This is called professional courtesy, mutual respect.

But Stew, who has been welcomed to Broadway, with the back of his hand dismisses the work of many of those who welcome him. He has many talents as a performer, but if he can't muster the energy to be graceful, he might at least attempt tact.

Loved most of it, and hope he gets some Tony's for it. I wish the author could have spoken about the ending and how much of that was his real life.

The only time I remember seeing a dildo on TV was on VH1's The White Rapper Show, when Persia threatened to beat up John Brown with her dildo. Great TV moment.

"Rent" is scheduled to end its Broadway run on Sept. 7, 2008. The article has been corrected reflect the fact that the show is still running.

I am just a white guy, writer/artist, painter, professor, who supported MLK when few white guys did, so I don't understand what a musical which is NOT a musical is all about and even if I did, I am not sure why there is something on HBO which is supposed to be an ADULT delivery channel but they have to censor it. Plus I cancelled Cable because the idea of cable was NO commercials, so I was paying people to watch their commercials? No thanks, let fools pay to be stressed, I don't like commercials. I will wait for the DVD on anything that looks interesting. When I cancelled cable I bought 250 movies and that is what I watch now. I watch nothing that has commercials.

Bytheway I never have walked my dog on a beach because I am allergic to dogs and don't like to see dogs and horses on beaches-E-Coli.

THASSIT!!

PS I know what a dildoe is but don't think seeing a guy using one is entertaining.

Oh, rock music on Broadway! What a novelty! It's only been 40 years since "Hair," and Broadway musicals had already been sampling rock'n'roll since the '50s. "Passing Strange" might have seemed fresh and original 25 years ago; I found it tired, clumsy, self-indulgent and ear-splitting (it's amplified as if the small theatre was an arena!) It's also playing to half-empty houses, and a significant portion of the audience walks out cursing the critics who praised it. In a healthier Broadway season, it would be a footnote.

But the sad fact is, none of this year's other contenders are any better.

...but I don't think you get to wear the hat of the Broadway Outsider anymore. Not when critics, awards, and the media have embraced you so wholeheartedly. Pretending you're the ostracized cousin doesn't ring honest in that environment.

That said, Passing Strange is not nearly as revolutionary or aggressive as this article (and most of Stew's press interviews) make it seem. Ultimately, it's a pretty tame story that follows fairly predictable plot points.

It's a new point of view, that's true...but it's the same old story...