The “RENT 20th Anniversary Tour” is coming to the WVU Creative Arts Center for one show only Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 304.293.7469 and 800.745.3000.
In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s “RENT” continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A reimagining of Puccini's “La Bohème,” “RENT” follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love.
“RENT” received its world premiere off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop Feb. 13, 1996, to ecstatic reviews and transferred to Broadway April 29, 1996. The production won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Evan Ensign is restaging the 20th anniversary tour based on original direction by Michael Greif (Tony and Drama Desk nominations, “RENT”). Original Broadway creatives Marlies Yearby (choreography), Angela Wendt (costume design, and Tim Weil (music supervision and additional arrangements) are joined by Jonathan Spencer (lighting design), Keith Caggiano (sound design), MiRi Park (associate choreographer), and Matthew E. Maraffi (adapting original scenic design by Paul Clay) to make up the creative team for the tour. The “RENT 20th Anniversary Tour” was cast by Joy Dewing Casting with additional casting by Wojcik | Seay Casting.
Tickets are going quickly for the Feb. 12 production at the WVU Creative Arts Center. Tickets start at $49 for the general public and at $29 for WVU Students. Tickets may be purchased at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center Box Offices weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and any time at ticketmaster.com. WVU Student discounted tickets are limited to one per valid WVU Student ID or offer code. Patrons should note that this production may contain strong language and/or explicit subject matter. While many find these types of events suitable for young adults (13 and older).
This event is produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment. Stay connected with the latest event updates through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by following @wvuevents.