Wellington to celebrate 15 years of theatrical masterpiece
Wednesday 6 April 2011, 9:01AM
By Matt Bentley
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It’s been called “the first truly modern musical” and “the greatest rock opera ever written”. Now, 15 years after it burst onto the Broadway stage, Jonathan Larson’s RENT is finally coming to Wellington.
RENT is a musical unlike any other. It tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side in the thriving days of the bohemian Alphabet City. Under the shadow of HIV/AIDS they must learn to come to terms with loss, life and the enduring powers of love.
2011 marks 15 years since both the opening night of RENT and the tragic and untimely death of its writer. A labour of love for Larson, he slaved for years to see it performed on stage. The night before his dream became a reality, he passed away from an undiagnosed heart condition.
The cast performed the show that day as a tribute to his memory. It was unlike anything the audience had experienced before. The finale was met with absolute silence, which was only broken by the voice of a young man who simply said “Thank you, Jonathan Larson”. The room erupted into applause, and RENT has been a phenomenal success ever since.
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of RENT, Speakeasy Theatre Ltd, led by Stuart James, has mounted the Wellington premiere production at Lower Hutt Little Theatre from 19 - 28 May. For Stuart, the choice to direct RENT was an easy one.
"The music is poetically beautiful and exquisitely written,” he says. “Created and performed for and by young artists who can directly identify with its style and story, RENT is a true testament to an exciting 'new wave' of musical theatre."
Stuart also speaks very highly of his cast, promising an amazingly talented group of performers committed to making this the best production of RENT New Zealand has ever seen. To check out the cast, learn more about the show or book tickets, visit www.rentwellington2011.co.nz.
Warning: Please be aware that this show includes sexual themes, drug references and coarse language. Recommended for mature audiences.