Opera House Players​ Present 'RENT'

Press release from Opera House Players:

Nov. 9, 2022

Opera House Players presents RENT! This production is directed by Eric Boucher, with music direction by Graham Christian, and choreography by Karen Anne McMahon. Performances are weekends November 11-27 at the Enfield Annex at 124 North Maple St. in Enfield. Tickets for adults are $25 and are $21 for seniors, students, and children under 12. For tickets, visit operahouseplayers.org/tickets. Please note: RENT deals with mature themes. Some content may not be suitable for young children.

RENT pins will be available for $2 each in the lobby with 50% of the proceeds going to New Directions in Enfield. New Directions is a private, nonprofit, licensed, outpatient facility providing drug and alcohol treatment, intervention, prevention, community education and referral services to youth and adults. Come enjoy an incredible performance of RENT and contribute to a good cause!

From the Director: “I first fell in love with this rock opera over 25 years ago as it became a pop culture sensation revolutionizing musical theater. Its themes of love, commercialism, human dignity, artistic struggles, the importance of community and what defines a family are still relevant today. I was blessed by the support and collaboration of the perfect cast and production team, and we are excited to finally share this experience with you. Come with your own found families to be uplifted, to laugh (and cry), and be inspired by this vibrant show measured in love.”

From a cast member: “Most of us met for the first time at auditions and then were immediately required to be vulnerable and trust each other. But the production team fostered a safe atmosphere for us to grow. The love you see on stage isn’t acting—it’s true, deep, and full of mutual respect. Each of these 16 people brings something so unique and beautiful to this story. I leave every rehearsal so excited for what we are making and feel so ridiculously lucky to be a part of this talented family, telling this story, and celebrating this love.”

Since its premiere in 1996, Jonathan Larson's iconic Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical has become a source of joy and strength for millions. It has become more than a musical – it’s a cultural touchstone. The score spans a range of genres including rock, pop, gospel, tango, and more. This eclecticism allows the cast to show off their stylistic range and creates a captivating listening experience.

Set in the East Village of New York City, RENT is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. RENT has become a pop cultural phenomenon with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences.

Based loosely on Puccini's La Boheme, Jonathan Larson's RENT follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. The physical and emotional complications of the disease pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom and Angel. Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art; her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble. Benny has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income and is on the outs with his former friends. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical.

This is theatre at its best – exuberant, passionate and joyous! This production is a must-see!

This press release was produced by Opera House Players. The views expressed here are the author's own.