The Department of Theatre Arts at SUNY New Paltz presents Jonathan Larson’s award-winning musical, “Rent”.
The musical is directed by Jack Wade, chair and professor in the Department of Theatre Arts.
“Rent” tells the story of a group of young artists and musicians dealing with AIDS, gender identity, homosexuality, drug addiction and poverty as they struggle to make it in New York City’s Lower East Side. It is a story of hope, friendship and love that reminds us of the strength found even in moments of deep struggle.
Ensemble Members: From left, clockwise: Heather La Barbera — Antonia Carey — Dominick Multari — Steven Yeuh — Kyle Marra
“In the midst of the most difficult circumstances you can choose love, you can choose life, you can embrace community and, most importantly, you can choose kindness,” said Wade.
Analise Rios as Mimi Marquez and Scott Phillips as Roger Davis
The musical is based extensively on Puccini’s La Boheme, incorporating musical themes, plot twists, and lyrics of the opera. Premiering in 1996, “Rent” won widespread acclaim, including the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, six Drama Desk Awards, three Obie Awards, four Tony Awards, and the Pulitzer Prize.
Left to right: Berlande Millus as Maureen Johnson and Jenny Berger as Joanne Jefferson
Musical direction for “Rent” is provided by Elizabeth Gerbi, assistant professor of musical theatre, and choreography by Joe Langworth, adjunct lecturer of dance and performance. The production staff includes student set designer Dana Weintraub ’16, student costume designer Amber Dutton ’14 and stage management by Jhanaë Bonnick ’14. Sound design is provided by Sun He Kil, assistant professor of sound, and lighting design is provided by guest designer Driscoll Otto.
Diego Velazquez as Angel Dumott Schunard
Featured Image: From top, clockwise: Analise Rios as Mimi Marquez — Dan Hurley as Mark Cohen — Berlande Millus as Maureen Johnson and Scott Phillips as Roger Davis.
All Photographs by Les Muldorf.
Performances continue on the following dates:
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 20, 21 and 22 at 8:00 p.m.
Closing with a matinee on Sunday, November 23 at 2:00 p.m.
McKenna Theatre is located located on the New Paltz campus.
Tickets are $20 for general reserved, $18 for seniors (62+), New Paltz faculty and staff, non-SUNY New Paltz students, and $10 for SUNY New Paltz students. The Box Office, located in Parker Theatre, is open Monday – Friday, from 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased online here: For additional information call (845) 257– 3880 or email boxoffice@newpaltz.edu.