I had never seen Rent before, and was excited to go. We had good seats - Row N on the main floor. That said, the sound system was so horrible, or so badly adjusted for the generally terrible acoustics in Centennial Hall, that we had two problems. None of us could understand the lyrics - maybe that is partly the singers, but we think it's mostly acoustics. AND there were times when the louder music literally hurt our ears! What a shame.
So, while I was able, with great concentration, to figure out most of what was going on, I don't think it should be that much work. And this experience sort of reinforces our decision this year not to renew our subscription to Broadway in Tucson. It just doesn't work in Centennial Hall.