Tony Award-winning Musical to Rock the Stage at SUU
Published: April 11, 2016 | Read Time: 3 minutes
Southern Utah University’s Department of Theatre Arts brings to their stage the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning rock musical RENT. This modern musical takes you through the lives of a group of young adults in New York City battling addictions, AIDS, and surviving the test of making their own way in the world. RENT plays April 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on April 16 at 2 p.m. in the Randall L. Jones Theatre. RENT contains adult content, strong language, and sexual themes.
Celebrating 20 years since the New York debut, RENT portrays an important time in history as the AIDS epidemic takes hold of New York City’s Bohemian Alphabet City. Become a part of this bohemian crowd as they fall in love, build friendships, and overcome society’s expectations. Mark, Collins, Angel, Roger, Mimi, Maureen, and Joanne will bring laughter, frustration, tears, and happiness as they embark on this journey we call life. Please be advised that this production contains adult content, strong language, and sexual themes.
Directed by Melinda Pfundstein Vaughn, this production places you in a world that is avant-garde and strangely familiar. The cast brings real life and love to the production. Vaughn describes the production as, "a story of people who, in the face of great adversity, choose life, love, compassion, and connection over fear and hate. This show is full of reminders to choose love, but my favorite line is tucked in without fireworks or sweeping melody. After Angel's passing, Collins responds to his arguing friends with, ‘Angel helped us believe in love. I can’t believe you disagree.’ To live love and that none of us is alone are two messages that make RENT as important for audiences today as it was when it was written.”
Along with the performances of RENT, there will be three events to discuss the themes presented in the musical. The first will be held on April 14th, starting at 6:30pm in the Black Box Theatre (Auditorium 108), titled "Then and Now: Artistic Bohemianism" with guest panelist Dr. Kyle Bishop, professor of English, and Rachel Parker, director of Arts Administration Graduate Studies. The next panel will follow the Saturday matinee on April 16th, starting at about 4:30 pm in the Randall L. Jones Theatre, entitled "Be a Part of the Conversation: LGBTQ Rights and Representation". This will be run by the Pride and Equality Club (PAEC) and Lindsey Murri, PAEC president. The final event entitled, "Become an Ally for the LGBTQ community" will be held on April 18th, starting at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium Theatre, with the Allies on Campus, Jason Ramieriez, Dean of Students, and Jonathan Puente, Director for Access and Inclusion.
Tickets for RENT are $15 for adults, $12 for Alumni with their card, and $7 for high school students and younger. Southern Utah University faculty, staff, and students are free with a valid ID card. Faculty and staff are allowed one guest. Tickets are available at the SUU Ticket Office (435) 586-7872 on Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in person at the Ticket Office, or at suu.edu/pva.
Tags: College of Performing and Visual Arts
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