Rent at the Pantages Theatre Feb 26 - March 8

Cast:
Roger - Adam Pascal
Mark - Anthony Rapp
Tom Collins - Michael McElroy
Benny - Jacques C. Smith
Joanne - Haneefah Wood
Angel - Justin Johnston
Mimi - Lexi Lawson
Maureen - Nicolette Hart

I first saw Rent in 1997 during the west coast premiere at the La Jolla Playhouse. I was 18 and had been listening to the cast album since its release in 1996. It was a part of my social liberation. The stories and songs helped me through so much of my life. I am eternally grateful for Jonathon Larson's musical.

Rent is a contemporary musical based on Puccini's opera, La Boheme. The story takes place in the early 90's in alphabet city, a slum of Manhattan. Drug abuse and the impact of AIDS touching everyone in the community. This is the only area in the city that the Bo-ho artists and musicians can afford to survive in.

I feel bad that most people saw the terrible movie that came out a few years ago. The show live has such an energy and spirit that the film could never capture. This current touring cast is phenomenal. Two of the original actors reprise their roles and truly embody the characters they portray. The music is timeless. Modern classics that breathe without being dated. The emotional impact remains intact and shines in the hands of the entire cast. If this tour comes into your city, please see it. You will not be disappointed. My Grade A+