By Santi Gabino Jr.
Prepare to be swept away by the electrifying energy and soul-stirring melodies as the Athens Theatre in DeLand hosts the timeless Broadway classic Rent from Friday, April 12, through Sunday, May 5.
This production is an unstoppable tour de force, igniting the stage with unbridled raw emotion, unforgettable music and masterful storytelling, inviting audiences on a journey through the depths of love, the agony of loss, and the unbreakable bonds of human connection.
Set against the backdrop of Manhattan’s East Village, Rent follows the lives of a diverse group of artists and friends as they navigate the challenges of life and the cruel, unforgiving shadow of HIV/AIDS in the late 1980s and ’90s.
From the pulsating beats of its iconic score to its poignant exploration of friendship, activism and acceptance, the musical continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its universal themes of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of friends who become family.
For almost 30 years, Rent has touched the hearts and souls of audiences across the globe, reminding us of the undeniable impact that compassion can have in the face of adversity. Since its Broadway debut, it has received critical acclaim and numerous prestigious awards, including four Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score.
Rent‘s groundbreaking exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, HIV/AIDS activism and social justice, which contributed to winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1996, has cemented its place in theatrical history, inspiring generations of artists, activists and dreamers to raise their voices and champion causes dear to their hearts.
As the Athens Theatre prepares to welcome audiences into the vibrant world of Rent, theatergoers can expect to be moved by its powerful performances, unforgettable characters and timeless message of love, acceptance and redemption. From the now-iconic anthem “Seasons of Love” to its heart-wrenching finale, the musical continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, inviting them to celebrate the beauty of life’s fleeting moments and the enduring relationships that carry us through our lives.
Zachary Thomas (Broadway World Award recipient in 2019 for his performance as Mark in Rent at the Titusville Playhouse) embodies narrator Mark Cohen.
Eduardo Rivera (last seen in Ain’t Misbehavin’ on the Athens stage) portrays Tom Collins. Angel is played by D’Montrae Harris (choreographer/costar in Orlando Shakes’ presentation of Love’s Labour’s Lost, Harlem Ensemble in Ragtime and Michael Hobbs in Elf).
Noah Clark (Pseudolus in A Funny Thing … Forum, Shrek in Shrek TYA, Gomez in The Addams Family, Pippin in Pippin and Chad in All Shook Up) steps into the role of Benjamin Coffin III.
Jocelyn Evans (Olive Ostrovsky in Spelling Bee and Justice in Rock of Ages) is Joanne Jefferson.
Maureen Johnson is portrayed by Grace Boynton (Devil in The Cocaine Play, Ashley-Ann Peters in Gorgeous, Judy Bernly in 9 to 5, and Daphne in Holiday Inn).
Isabel Bernal (Lucille/Elf Ellen in Junie B. in Jingle Bells!, Sarah Sanderson in Winnie’s Rock Cauldron Cabaret, and Vanessa in In the Heights) embodies Mimi Marquez.
Christopher de Jongh (Hysterium in A Funny Thing …, Charlie in Kinky Boots, Peter in Bare: A Pop Opera, and Jerry in The Full Monty) portrays Roger Davis.
The show also features a live band led by Chris Endsley, along with a magnificent set by Michael Brewer, and fantastic costumes by resident Athens Theatre costume designer Tamara Marke-Lares. Athens Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director Frank Ramirez spearheads and directs this knockout production!
“Through its raw emotion and unflinching portrayal of the human experience, Rent invites us to confront our own truths, embrace our vulnerabilities, and celebrate the innate power of the human spirit. As we gather together to share in this transformative journey, we are reminded how storytelling can unite, inspire and ignite change in our world,” said Athens Executive Director Alexa Baldwin.
This production is rated PG-14.
Join us from April 12 to May 5 for an event celebrating life and love. Don’t miss our opening night, where we’ll bring the spirit of New York City to DeLand, along with our traditional champagne toast. Take note of our special performances: an audio-described performance Sunday, April 21, and an ASL English-interpreted performance Friday, April 26.
The Athens Theatre is at 124 N. Florida Ave. in Downtown DeLand.
Let the melodies of Rent weave through your soul. Together, let’s embrace the joy, the tears and the profound moments that make life worth living. In the heart of this musical, we find the essence of what it means to truly measure our life in love. For tickets and more information, visit www.AthensDeLand.com, or call 386-736-1500.
