Theatre Sarnia will present the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical RENT this month, with performances running May 23 to 31 at the Imperial Theatre in downtown Sarnia.
Set in New York City’s East Village during the height of the AIDS crisis, RENT follows a group of artists and friends navigating love, loss, identity, and survival. The production is directed by Kate Hardy, with musical direction by Denise Chaulk and Val Schmidt.
“RENT changed the direction of musical theatre,” said Hardy. “A blend of rock anthems, modern day themes, and classic theatre techniques brought in an entirely new generation of performers and theatre-goers. One of the central themes of RENT is community, support, and leaning on those around you. The company of players that have come together for this production have extended this theme into their rehearsals and have shown to be a force of support for one another.”
Hardy added that the musical’s relevance has not diminished since its debut nearly three decades ago. “The impact of RENT on audiences is still as significant today as it was when it opened in 1996. We see characters who are surrounded and met with fear, death, and the unknown at every turn—and each day they choose hope, love, and life.”
The production opens Friday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m., with additional performances on May 24, 25 (matinee), and May 28 to 31. There are no shows scheduled on Monday or Tuesday of the performance week.
Executive Director Brian Austin Jr. called RENT “a landmark musical that dares to speak about issues often not discussed, and it does so with heart, courage, and unforgettable music.” He added, “We’re thrilled to bring this story to our community—one that continues to remind us to measure our lives in love.”
Musical Director Denise Chaulk said the show’s demands on the cast are considerable. “RENT is a rock musical with operatic influences. One of the challenges is that there is a ton of music with many powerful songs. This makes it vocally demanding, so we needed the cast to have strong vocal skills. The cast for this production is more than rising to the occasion and theatre-goers will be in for a real treat.”
Co-Musical Director Val Schmidt said the show’s themes remain resonant. “The storyline of RENT being set to music is ingenious as it serves to inform, affect, and touch the soul. The topic of intolerance, hatred, and bigotry is so relevant today, and I think everyone who sees this phenomenal production will be powerfully influenced.”
The production team includes choreographers Bethany Tiegs and Olivia Gogas, intimacy direction by Henri Canino, and stage management by Emma Van Barneveld.
Tickets are available through the Imperial Theatre Box Office, online at imperialtheatre.net, or by phone at 519-344-7469.
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