MY PAST PRODUCTIONS
RENT
RENT is a Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical, with lyrics and music by Jonathan Larson. It debuted in New York City on February 13, 1996 at the New York Theatre Workshop before moving to Broadway, where it opened at the Nederlander Theatre on April 29, 1996. Eleven years later, it is still playing there as the seventh-longest-running Broadway musical.
“Reinventing Broadway.” “A raw and riveting milestone in musical theatre.” PETER TRAVERS, ROLLING STONE
“Exhilarating landmark rock opera.” BEN BRANTLEY, NEW YORK TIMES
“Full of heart, passion and wit.” CLIVE BARNES, NEW YORK POST
Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme, RENT is a modernised story that follows the lives of a group of Bohemians living in New York City’s East Village over the course of a year as they struggle with relationships, drugs, loss, love, creativity, AIDS and paying their “rent”. RENT was one of the first Broadway musicals to clearly feature gay, bisexual, lesbian, and transgender characters.
RENT is considered revolutionary for bringing controversial topics and counter culture to a traditionally conservative medium, and is credited with increasing the popularity of musical theatre in the younger generation. Many critics have also mentioned how the show speaks to Generation X, calling it "a rock opera” for our time. “Although written in the early 1990’s, RENT’s contemporary story line is relevant to today’s South African society.” says producer Hazel Feldman. “In fact the story is timeless and very much resonates with youth around the world.”
RENT will be staged at the Artscape Theatre Complex from the 09th November for a limited season.
Combine the attributes of youth, talent and boundless energy together with drive, enthusiasm and passion for the theatre and you’ve got a “sensational” 22-member RENT cast featuring new and exciting young performers.