"for instance, glory is all flash backs of roger with april...what the hell does that have to do with the song???"
Well, why is Roger depressed? How does he know he has AIDS? Why is he constantly going to the edge of the building, possibly to jump? Where else in the script do you want the visual of April killing herself? Mark's little monologue saying what happened won't cut it in a movie.
"And 'Take me or Leave me' is sung at their (Maureen and Joanne's) engagement party."
It's not quite an engagement party, but a party celebrating their partnership.
" The first act takes place in one night - Christmas Eve. Why, after Light My Candle does it say "Next Day"?"
While yes, the script does change the timeframe, it's not that bad. I mean, just how believable is it that all that happens in Act 1 happens within a few hours? Granted, the musical says its one magic night, but again, the movie must have a certain credibility.
"First of all, this mid-80's crap..."
The screenplay never says it takes place in the 80s. In a series of flashbacks, the screen shows NYC in the 80s. That doesn't mean the movie is set in the 80s, just that they are showing the state of the city in the 80s, which sets the story perfectly. That part of the flashback is open to interpretation (and who knows, it may just have been a typo, which there are several in the script).
"Extra Characters"
I don't recall any in the newest version we have. Gordon (or was it Steve? I don't remember) from the life support meeting has a bigger part, but that's mostly it.
And, just so you all know, the Rent has been discussed relentlessly before, at least 20 pages worth. In fact, we ran out of things to discuss, so the thread died. However, if you wish, feel free to revive it
RENT SCREENPLAY