Adam Pascal To Direct 'Rent' Production On Long Island

DIX HILLS, NY — Adam Pascal was an original member of Jonathan Larson's "Rent" cast in the musical's 1996 Broadway run, the 2005 movie version and the 2009 Broadway tour. He now finds himself in the director's seat, guiding Jakehim Hart through the familiar role of Roger Davis, according to From Stage to Screen, a performing arts academy in Huntington.

Four showings of "Rent" are scheduled for Five Towns College in Dix Hills:

• 8 p.m. Friday, July 28
• 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, July 29
• 2 p.m. Sunday, July 30

Tickets can be purchased here.

The Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning musical follows Bohemians in the East Village of New York City struggling with life, love and AIDS, and the impacts they have on America, according to IMDB.

Pascal is spending the summer at his sister's Huntington home, Newsday reported.

Pascal, a Woodbury native, reached out to Gene Forman, owner of From Stage to Screen, where Pascal's niece took classes, according to Newsday. Conversations led to four shows planned.

"It couldn’t have worked out better," Pascal told Newsday. "I live essentially around the corner. It was the perfect opportunity to get my first full-scale production."

Forman told Playbill he suggested Pascal direct "Rent" at From Stage to Screen.

"He said yes and I nearly fainted," Forman told Playbill. "I have never had to have such a poker face in my life. He was excited about it. We put this whole thing together in six to seven weeks. And it’s been a wonderful experience."