RENT comes to Brookfield July 5th.

MEASURE IN LOVE!

Alphabet City Take Shape at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts this July.

Set in New York City’s East Village and based on Puccini’s “La Boheme”, "RENT" follows the lives of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians as they struggle to survive and create in Manhattan’s Lower East Side during the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet City, while under the shadow of the AIDS epidemic. With breathtaking music ranging from raw and exuberant rock to soaring ballads, "RENT" is a pop culture phenomenon about love, friendship, finding your voice, and living for today – while emerging with faith for tomorrow. This production, directed by Michael Burnett, features a vibrant and talented cast of local actors and musicians.  

“RENT” opened off-Broadway at the New York City Workshop in January 1996.  Early in "Rent," a character sings of writing one song " . . . before I go, one song to leave behind. . . . " All the more affecting, therefore, that on Jan. 25th, the day "Rent" was to begin previews Off-Broadway, Larson died suddenly of an aortic aneurysm. Shortly before his death. Larson wrote "In these dangerous times, where it seems the world is ripping apart at the seams, we can all learn how to survive from those who stare death squarely in the face every day and [we] should reach out to each other and bond as a community, rather than hide from the terrors of life at the end of the millennium." This message continues to ring true to new generations who discover this moving and powerful musical.

“RENT” made its Broadway debut on April 29, 1996 and the standing ovations never stopped. The acclaimed musical went on to win every major Best Musical award, including the Tony Award, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Over the course of its groundbreaking 12-year New York run, RENT transformed the definition of musical theater – and changed Broadway forever.

The show features Rob Bassett as Mark Cohen, a struggling film maker more comfortable viewing life through his lens than in actively engaging in it; Bennett Cognato as Roger, a musician who fears not only the loss of his creative energy, but his life to HIV/AIDS; Molly Rose Just as Mimi Marquez, a club dancer dealing with addiction and an HIV/AIDS diagnosis, she falls in love with Roger; John Mudgett as Benny, Mark & Roger’s former roommate caught up in the allure of wealth and affluence; Lauren Brown as Maureen, a bisexual performing artist and Mark's ex‐girlfriend, unafraid to take on the establishment and fight for what she believes in; Sara Mariano as Joanne, a lesbian Ivy League-educated lawyer and activist, dealing with Maureen’s flirtatious nature; Nick Kuell as Collins, gay computer genius, teacher, and anarchist who falls in love with Angel, a young drag queen and street percussionist played by Torrey Thomas. Collins’ and Angel’s relationship is the heart of the show, as the genuine love and devotion they have for one another brings hope and inspiration. 

The cast also includes Mallory Escott, Christopher Hunter, Jessica Sciuto, Kristin Hoose, Ryan Bulson, Sydney Coelho, Janice Gabriel, and Kezia Waters in the ensemble, performing a multitude of roles.

Performances are July 5th-28th. With Wed-Sat shows at 8 p.m. and two Sunday Matinees – July 14th and 21st at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students. There is a free preview for seniors on Wednesday, 7/4.  For tickets, call 203-775-0023 or order online at www.BrookfieldTheatre.org.

RENT contains mature themes and language, and is recommended for older teens and adults.