The musical 'La Bohème' is based on the novel by Henri Murger and was adapted into a musical by Jonathan Larson. The musical, which is often referred to as 'RENT', has become one of the most popular musicals of all time. It tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists living in New York City's East Village in the late 1980s. The musical follows their struggles with life, love, and art as they try to make it in the world.