RENT
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
At the dawn of the 1990s, New York City is home to an ever-diminishing bohemian community. The East Village is dying, in every sense. The wild bunch of artists in RENT are fighting personal battles on multiple fronts: the encroaching gentrification of their neighbourhood, the debilitating grip of addiction, the fearful ravages of the onset of the AIDS epidemic, and the more existential struggle of finding meaning in a world beset by loneliness. This 25th anniversary production of RENT emerged out of the global Covid-19 pandemic and highlighted more than ever the relevance of the show and its central them of searching for “connection in an isolating age”.
RENT was written as a joyful rock celebration of the resilience of the bohemians living in New York in the 80s and 90s. The people that brought their music, art, fashion and dance to the fore. This show also serves as a testament to the thousands of lives cut short in their prime when AIDS cut a swathe through these communities. The bravery of those people and the love shown by those who cared for them can never be underestimated and will never be forgotten.
One iconic city, one life changing year, one astonishing masterpiece: RENT.
Played the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House from 27 December to 31 January, 2021
& The Art House, Wyong from 4 February to 6 February, 2021
Co-Presented with LPD Productions
Book, Music & Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
Director Shaun Rennie
Musical Director Andrew Worboys | Choreographer Luca Dinardo
Set Design Dann Barber | Costume Design Ella Butler
Lighting Design Trent Suidgeest | Sound & AV Design David Bergman
Production Manager Andrew Garrod | Intimacy Coordinator Nigel Poulton
Stage Manager Ashley Kurrle | Assistant Stage Manager Nicola Stavar
Assistant Director Amy Sole | Assistant Musical Director Dylan Pollard
Associate Costume Designer Sancia Holden | Associate Lighting Designer / Programmer Ryan McDonald
Head of Wardrobe Claudia Kryszkiewicz | Audio Mixer Courtney Weaver
Producer Gus Murray | Producer Lauren Peters
Starring
Callum Francis, Seann Miley Moore, Mia Morrissey, Tim Omaji, Elenoa Rokobaro, Monique Salle, Robert Tripolino, Mat Verevis,
Henry Brett, Jarrod Draper, Kieran McGrath, Marissa Saroca, Angelina Thomson, Stacey Thomsett
Keys 1 Andrew Worboys | Bass Konrad Ball
Guitar 1 Nathan Barraclough | Drums Cypress Bartlett | Guitar 2/Keys 2 Ben Fink
“It’s heartbreaking. It’s electrifying. It’s the best RENT can be. You’ll weep into your mask.”
— The Guardian
“If the response from the full house is anything to go by, this production of RENT proved to be the musical we perhaps all need right now.”
★★★★
— Theatre People
“A fun, riotous display that gives Larson’s message of unity in the face of hardship space to still ring true… Exactly what we need on our stages right now.” ★★★★
— TimeOut Sydney
“The universal message of the show ‘No day but today’ has never been more relatable. RENT is a must see for this summer.”
— DanceLife Australia
Gallery
Production Photography Prudence Upton
