Without You

A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical Rent

By: Anthony Rapp

Narrated by: Anthony Rapp

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Anthony Rapp captures the passion and grit of the theater world as he recounts his life-changing experience in the original cast of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Rent.

When Rent opened to thunderous acclaim off-Broadway, Rapp knew that something truly extraordinary had taken shape. But even as people celebrated the show's success, they were also mourning the sudden death of the show's creator.

When Anthony's mom began to lose her battle with cancer, he struggled to balance his theater career with his responsibility to his family. Here, Anthony recounts both the show's huge success and his overwhelming loss. He also shares his experiences discovering his sexuality, the tension it created with his mother, and his struggle to gain her acceptance.

©2006 Anthony Rapp; Published by arrangement with Irene Skolnick Literary Agency
"Add It Up" written by Gordon Gano ©1980, Gorno Music (ASCAP). Used with permission from Gorno Music (Administered by Alan N. Skiena, Esq.)
"Waitin' for the Light to Shine" written by Roger Miller ©1985, All rights administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
(P)2006 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Absorbing, warm, and hopeful, the book celebrates a man, his work, and a generation struggling with AIDS but determined to survive." (Publishers Weekly)

Simply amazing!

I have loved Rent ever since I can remember. Anthony was the first Mark I saw when I saw it in 2007. I've always admired his work. I love this book and the way Anthony tells of his life and going through the process of putting on Rent.

Amazing story

This book was so incredible. The emotion behind Anthony's words and voice was so heart wrenching. I also loved the care and pride of his Rent memories. It was everything I hoped it would be and more. I loved it!

A wonderful memoir

The book is twice as captivating as the stage show with the same name. Without You is heart felt and a great read for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Raw and Honest

As soon as I started the audiobook, I knew I couldn’t read it or hear this story any other way. I knew that this was more of a memoir of Anthony’s biggest relationships in his life, so it’s a little frustrating that people rated it low because there wasn’t more about Rent. I’m a HUGE Rent head and just finished my own production of it, but I already have all information about RENT I could imagine from the internet and other books. This was Anthony’s love letter to Jonathan and his mother and his reflection of himself during their losses. I love that he takes ownership of his reactions and actions. I love the heart that was given to the reader. As an actor, it was a relieving read. Thank you Anthony Rapp.

Moving on So many levels

I'm already a raging "Rent Head" so this book was just fanning the flame. I love that Anthony reads it himself so the audience gets to hear the story exactly as he wants it to sound. I love love LOVED Without You. I was often moved to tears as well as laughter. An amazing memoir.

Amazing

Such an amazing story. One of my favourite Audio Books. Anthony's story has heart, love, tears and joy and I felt every emotion along with him.

Less about Rent, more about Rapp’s relationships

I I bought this without reading any reviews, assuming that a fair percentage of the book would be about Rent. I’d say 1/4 concerns the rock opera, the rest concerns Rapp’s relationships, primarily hisrelationship with his mother.

He is painfully honest in the text, not pulling punches or trying to make himself look good. In that regard, I greatly enjoyed the book and it’s wonderful to hear Anthony read his own work. But if you’re looking for a lot of inside scoops about the production of rent, this isn’t the book for you.

nice story and well narrated

I really felt Anthony Rapp did a great job telling his story and bring emotion to his words. I found myself in tears several times!

Wow! Such Passion

With the passion put into it, the book felt like I was reading/listening to a fiction novel even though knowing it was about a real person

Emotional ride

Excellent story of the genesis and trajectory of Rent, by one of the original cast members. It includes the heart-wrenching tale of Jonathan Larson and depicts the spirit of his work. It is followed by a detailed account of Anthony's relationship with his mom and her untimely death. It is heartfelt, honest and beautiful. I cried almost every day while listening