Entertainment Editor

Water bottles, romance novels and backpacks litter the hard concrete floor in front of downtown Jones Hall. Fast food bags sit on nearby tables. Everywhere, groups of rambunctious teenagers, quietly patient professionals and bemused couples sit, waiting, wanting something that's still far away.

An impending show by some high-profile rock band? An appearance by a famous celebrity? A too-good-to-be-true giveaway?

All of the above - sort of.

What this is, and will be possibly until Sunday, is the ever-growing following bestowed upon Rent, Jonathan Larson's electric musical (see review, Page 5) that's selling out everywhere it goes. In keeping with a New York tradition that had fans lining up the night before, the front two rows of the orchestra are being sold for $20, cash only, two hours prior to each show.

The announcement has had fans ranging from high-school drama students to middle-aged engineers braving Houston humidity to ensure a seat.

"Rent is my life. If I don't get in, I'll kill myself, again," said Tony Aucoin, one of the 50 or so people who lined up Friday for tickets to the 8 p.m. performance. Aucoin wasn't alone in his sentiments. Many agreed Rent is indeed something special.

"I saw it in Boston. I loved it," said Margaret, who refused to give her last name but admitted to having "nosebleed" tickets for a later date. "It was more current issues, more issues I could relate to. I really, really enjoyed it so much."

Throughout the wait (which lasted nine hours for those who got there earliest on Friday), Rent rats discussed favorite songs and characters along with their takes on what the future holds for the show.

"Rent is sure to be a classic," said Torie McMillan. "It's The Sound of Music for the '90s!"

Well, not exactly. Rent's themes are decidedly darker, from drug use and gay relationships to AIDS and homelessness. Its spirit, though, is universal, which is what attracts so many people.

Not all of the devoted got tickets. There are only 30 seats for sale at the $20 price, a fact that freshman chemical engineering major Edward Galvez bemoaned as he stood near the line's end.

"If it wasn't for traffic, I would have been here sooner," said Galvez. "I would have definitely gotten tickets."

$20 tickets for Rent will be sold for every remaining performance, with a limit of two per person. To ensure your pair, it's best to arrive at least three or four hours before they go on sale. If you wanna play it safe, though, take a sleeping bag.