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Rent

Rent at California Theatre Of The Performing Arts

Why see Rent?

No Day But Today!

Don't miss this local production of Rent, one of theater's most vibrant, bold, and important musicals! The winner of four Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Jonathan Larson's seminal musical is a fearless portrait of an HIV-stricken group of New Yorkers, set to a propulsive rock 'n' roll score. Driven by an energetic pace that never lets up, Rent is overflowing with great songs and characters and ultimately forms an electrifying portrait of life and love flourishing in the face of adversity.  It's one of Broadway's best-loved musicals, and it's coming to you!

Rent originally opened amidst tragedy in 1996, with its author Jonathan Larson dying unexpectedly just hours before the show's Off-Broadway premiere. The huge acclaim which greeted his creation ensured his place in theatrical history though, with Variety calling it "the best show in years, if not decades". Rent was subsequently adapted for the screen in 2005, with many of the original Broadway cast, including Idina Menzel, Taye Diggs and Anthony Rapp, reprising their roles.

What Is The Story Of Rent?

Like its inspiration, Puccini's La Boheme, Rent follows the lives of a band of bohemians who are struggling to keep their heads above water. In this version they're living in modern day New York, and the oppressive spectre of HIV/AIDs, rather than tuberculosis, hangs over them.

The starving artists include film-maker Mark, whose girlfriend Maureen has left him for another woman, and his HIV positive roommate Roger, who is trying to write "the" song before dying. Roger is also caught in the midst a whirlwind relationship with S&M dancer and heroin addict Mimi.

Did You Know?

The original Broadway production ran for an incredible 12 years and 5,123 performances, making it the tenth-longest-running Broadway show in history!

Key Information

Audience

Recomended for mature audiences, contains strong language and sex references

Run Time

Two hours and 30 minutes with one interval

Dates

Finished Oct 16, 2022

Cast

Logan Marks as Mark Cohen
Joshua Bess as Roger Davis
Deri'andra Tucker as Mimi Marquez
Devinre Adams as Tom Collins
Javon King as Angel Dumott Schunard
Lyndie Moe as Maureen Johnson
Lencia Kebede as Joanne Jefferson
Xavier McKinnon as Benny Coffin III
Cody Jenkins as Gordon/understudy Roger Davis

Creative

Book, Music & Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
Based on La Boheme by Puccini
Original Direction by Michael Greif
Staged by Evan Ensign
Choreography by Marlies Yearby

Reviews

Customer reviews

85 reviews, average rating: (2.1 Stars)

JoAnne

Rent

Just saw rent at Stratford last night. Had only seen the movie previously. I found this production very enjoyable and powerful in moments. At the onset Stratford Mark was more engaging than movie Mark and knocked it out of the park with the tango number and everything else. Maureen is tough if not impossible to replicate but I loved Stratford Maureen and Stratford Joanne in all their numbers.. I particularly loved Stratford Mimi...Movie Mimi fell flat for me but Stratford Mimi was vibrant portrayed issues and had a much better singing voice. Stratford Tom Collins was excellent. Just loved this production much more than the movie. Thank you all for your effort. ... Read more

Valerie Harris

If you loved the original, this show is as good as it gets!

I was lucky enough to see this show when it first came out. I’ve seen some of the original cast members; I’ve seen it in London; I’ve seen local productions, and a touring production here in San Francisco. I bought the movie and the CDs by the original Broadway cast. I know this show and its songs by heart. When I attending the limited appearance of the 20th anniversary release at the Golden Gate Theatre, I was hoping for a decent rendition. What I got was a true and perfect laudation to the genius of the original work. The cast members were gritty and raw and delivered the messages of the storyline, but nuanced the show with enough of their personalities and their talent to make this not a tribute piece, but their own work of art. I loved every minute of every performance. I wasn’t the only one. When the show ended, the cast got a 10-minute standing ovation. Please don’t miss this gem – this is one to cherish for the ages. Eat at the Waystone (Market St) before/afterwards, ... Read more

Gayle

Amazing Show!

It’s sad to read reviews from people who apparently had no idea what RENT was about! The show itself is a time piece - so how can it be outdated ???? It took place at the end of the millennium- all of the issues were AND STILL are relevant! The cast was the most talented cast I have seen on any touring production. Major kudos to this cast and crew for gracing us with your talent and dedication to this timeless piece! I talked to many people sitting around me who felt the same way! Your passion to deliver this message shines through. So happy to have seen this cast doing RENT justice. We laughed, cried, and sang along. HIGHLY recommended! ... Read more
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