The pop culture phenomenon is back with lyrics by Jonathan Larson and directed by Linda Donahue. “Rent” is loosely based on Puccini’s La Boheme and follows a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and thrive in New York’s Lower East Side among the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Music direction is by Debbie Gelber and choreography is by Courtney Brown. The cast includes graduate and undergraduate students in Tech’s Department of Theatre and Dance.
When asked about why she was excited to bring “Rent” to the Maegden Mainstage, Director Linda Donahue, Ph.D., said the story is about Bohemian artists who are struggling with a multitude of hard-hitting issues. She said underneath all the problems is a very powerful message of love and living every day like it’s your last.
“I think those themes are universal and timeless,” she said. “Maybe that’s why our students connect so strongly to this show. The edginess of this rock show, which was very shocking when it first appeared on Broadway, still strikes a chord with the audiences today.”
“Rent” will be performed on the Maedgen Mainstage from Oct. 10 through 13 and 17 through 20. Curtain times for the 2013-2014 Mainstage theatre season are 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets for Rent are $18 for individuals and $5 for students with a valid student ID. A limited number of free student rush tickets are available for Texas Tech students. For more information call the Maedgen Theatre box office at (806) 742-3603.
About Lauren Estlinbaum
