By ROBERT FELDBERG The exuberant final performance of "Rent" last Sunday ended one of Broadway's most remarkable, and unlikely, runs.

They cheered, they cried and gave the show a standing ovation even before the first note was sung. Broadway said goodbye this week to "Rent," 12 years and 5,124 performances after it first became a rock musical with a message for theatergoers of all ages.

By Erica Hansen Deseret News It's the end of an era.

By Alice T Carter For performer and playwright Anthony Rapp, the time he spent with the musical "Rent" was filled with elation and despair, sadness and triumph. Rapp created the role of Mark Cohen for Jonathan Larson's wildly successful, Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning musical.

By Alice T Carter For Anthony Rapp, the events surrounding "Rent" were the best of times, the worst of times and, most of all, an intense time. Rapp originated the role of Mark Cohen when what was to become a surprise blockbuster musical made its debut off-Broadway in February 1996.