You’ve heard of it, you’ve listened to that girl in your math class sing the songs and you may have even see the movie a few years ago. But now, Rent has made its way to Orlando and is running at the Bob Carr theater through Sunday, December 6.
The show is fantastic. First of all, it’s really loud. If you are one of those people who does not enjoy a traditional, calm show, then this may be right up your ally — no pun intended (as the scenery is in an ally). The songs are catchy, the acting is vivacious and the music is inspiring. Not to mention, there is a great storyline that is truly touching. We here at Knightnews.com definitely recommend that you see the show while you have the chance.
For more information on the show, we have included the official press release below.
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Orlando, Fla. – Jeffrey Seller Kevin McCollum Allan S. Gordon have announced that Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp and Gwen Stewart will reprise the roles they originated on Broadway in “Rent: The Broadway Tour” when it visits Orlando’s Carr Performing Arts Centre December 1 – 6, 2009. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 16 at 10:00am. Tickets start at $34.00 and can be purchased at the FAIRWINDS Broadway Across America – Orlando Box Office, Amway Arena Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations. Online purchases can be made at www.OrlandoBroadway.com. To charge-by-phone call 1-800-982-2787. Group orders for 20 or more may be placed by calling (407) 423-9999 x17 or (800) 950-4647.
Joining Pascal, Rapp and Stewart, are Nicolette Hart (Maureen Johnson), Justin Johnston (Angel Schunard), Lexi Lawson (Mimi Marquez), Michael McElroy (Tom Collins), Jacques C. Smith (Benjamin Coffin III), and Haneefah Wood (Joanne Jefferson). The ensemble is rounded out by Toby Blackwell, Adam Halpin, Trisha Jeffrey, Joshua Kobak, Telly Leung, Tracy McDowell, Jed Resnick, Andy Señor, Shelley Thomas, Yuka Takara and John Watson.
Pascal, Rapp and Stewart originated the roles of Roger Davis, Mark Cohen and “Seasons of Love” soloist, respectively, at the New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway. Justin Johnston, Michael McElroy and Gwen Stewart were all members of the final company of “RENT”, which played its last performance on Broadway on Sept. 7, 2008.
“Rent: The Broadway Tour” is directed by Michael Greif, who received 1996 Tony and Drama Desk nominations as well as the Obie Award for “RENT”. Marlies Yearby, who received a Tony Award nomination for her work on the musical, choreographs the show and Tim Weil, the show’s original music supervisor and conductor, serves as music supervisor.
Pascal received Obie and Theatre World awards and Tony and Drama Desk nominations for best actor for “RENT”. On Broadway, he also originated the role of Radames in the hit musical “Aida” and starred as the Emcee in the long-running revival of “Cabaret.” His film credits include Rent, School of Rock, SLC Punk!, Temptation, and Goyband.
An actor since the age of six, Rapp has appeared on Broadway in “Precious Sons” (Outer Critics Circle Award), “Six Degrees of Separation,” and the revival of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” His films include Adventures in Babysitting, School Ties, Dazed and Confused, Six Degrees of Separation, David Searching, Man of the Century, Road Trip, A Beautiful Mind, Open House, Winter Passing, Danny Roane: First Time Director, and Scaring the Fish. His book, “Without You: a Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical Rent”, about his experiences on and offstage, was published in 2006 by Simon & Schuster and became a national bestseller.
Stewart created several roles in “RENT”, including introducing the solo vocals for the show’s central theme, “Seasons of Love.” Her other theatre credits include the recent Tony-nominated revival of “Big River,” “Starmites,” “Suds,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “The Wiz,” “Avenue X” and “Abyssinia.” Stewart’s film and television work includes “Notes From the Underbelly,” “Related,” “Law & Order,” “Charmed,” “All My Children,” “Moesha,” “24,” “Strong Medicine,” “The Guardian,” Down To Earth, and Personals.
Nicolette Hart’s Broadway credits include “RENT”, “Legally Blonde,” and “The Wedding Singer.” Her TV and film credits include “Law and Order,” “Lipstick Jungle,” “Veronika Decides To Die,” “Love and Other Impossible Pursuits” and “Cherry Crush.”
Justin Johnston played Angel Schunard in the final Broadway company of “RENT” and can be seen with the closing cast in “Rent Filmed Live on Broadway.”
Michael McElroy played Tom Collins in the final Broadway company of “RENT”. His Broadway credits include “Wild Party,” “Big River” (Tony and Drama Desk nominations), “The Who’s Tommy,” “Miss Saigon,” “Patti LuPone on Broadway,” and “High Rollers.” McElroy’s TV credits include “Love Monkey,” “All My Children,” and “Spin City.”
Jacques C. Smith made his Broadway debut as Benny in “RENT”. His TV credits include “CSI: Miami,” “ER,” HBO’s “OZ,” PBS’s Emmy-winning “American Masters” series “Ralph Ellison: An American Journey,” “The Division,” and “Law and Order.”
Haneefah Wood’s Broadway credits include “RENT”, “Avenue Q”, and “Brooklyn.” She originated roles in the workshops of “Shrek” and “Good Vibrations.” Her film and television credits include “Freedomland,” “Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” “Strong Medicine,” and “Days of Our Lives.”
“RENT”, written by Jonathan Larson and directed by Michael Greif, opened at Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre, on April 29, 1996, following a history-making, sold-out, extended-limited engagement at off-Broadway’s New York Theatre Workshop. The musical went on to win every major best musical award, including the Tony Award, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for drama. “RENT” played its final performance at the Nederlander Theatre on Sept. 7, 2008 after playing 5,124 performances and 16 previews. “RENT” is the eighth-longest-running show in Broadway history and grossed more than $280 million during its Broadway run.
Tours of “RENT” have crisscrossed the country almost continuously since late 1996 and the U.S. national tours have grossed more than $330 million. The musical has been translated into every major language and been performed on six continents, including in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Tickets start at $34.00 and can be purchased at the FAIRWINDS Broadway Across America – Orlando Box Office, Amway Arena Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations. Online purchases can be made at www.OrlandoBroadway.com. To charge-by-phone call 1-800-982-2787. Group orders for 20 or more may be placed by calling (407) 423-9999 x17 or (800) 950-4647.
For more information about “RENT”, please visit www.siteforrent.com.
