I agree there have been better musicals than Rent in the past 20 years. There have also been shows like Wicked and Mormon that have entered public consciousness. However, I do think there is a link with Rent and Hamilton that hasn't been seen in 20 years. I think it's hard to put into words. It's a combination of the 'I haven't seen something like this on Broadway before' factor, the music that is unexpectedly appealing to theatre audiences, the emotions that it's bringing out in people, the passion of the fans, and the commercial and critical success. Let's not forget that the demand for Rent tickets was what introduced the lotto system that is now so popular with Hamilton fans. Lin himself has said that if it wasn't for Rent, he doesn't know if he would have ever become a composer.
I guess I would say Hamilton is the most impactful musical since Rent, not to me in particular, but in general terms.
Updated On: 4/16/16 at 05:19 PM