“Rent,” the storied Jonathan Larson rock opera set in New York’s East Village and based on Puccini’s “La Boheme,” checks in on Friday (Feb. 28) at Kennedy Theatre at the University of Hawaii.
It’s a compelling exploration of crises and coping–talented young artists facing escalating cost of living, homelessness, displacement, mental health issues, and substance abuse. In short, it’s a journey of self-discovery in the middle of the threat of AIDS in the late 1980s and ‘90s.
“Rent” has been applauded for its ensemble traits, as depicted in the musical’s charismatic anthem, “Seasons of Love.”
Expect timeless themes of love, loss, and friendship. “Rent” has been a Tony Award-winning show on Broadway and recipient of a Pulitzer Prize and also been transferred to the movie screen with its brand of contagious vigor of Bohemian artists struggling to survive the ills of AIDS. The health issues then have parallels to the current challenges of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that started in 2019 continues to change the world, culturally and economically.
The Kennedy cast features, in order of appearance:
- Ikaika Mendez, as Roger Davis.
- Jack Romans, as Mark Cohen.
- Ka‘enaaloha Watson, as Mimi Marquez.
- Casey Kekoa Lauti, as Angel Dumott Schunard.
- Dea So‘oalom, as Benjamin “Benny” Coffin III.
- Keanu Roe, as Tom Collins.
- Ainsley Shearer, as Maureen Johnson.
- Daniella Addeo-Corte, as Joanne Jefferson.
The ensemble: Nadia Gene Amian, Rori Ann Barchers, Edward John, Kainoa Bonsell, Laniakea Chun-Rivas, Pono Cummings, Dylan DeAsis, Vanessa Gould, Sara Imata, Kylie Kwak, Casey Kekoa Lauti, Bryce Linsangan, Jessy Marny Pascua, Breanna “Kaponianani” Purdy, Tyler Shimabukuro, Evie Sweet, Hollee Temple, Anneliese Wirsching
“Rent” was the dream project of the inspired Larson, a playwright, composer and lyricist, and it previewed and opened at the New York Theatre Workshop on Jan. 26, 1996, a day before the show’s formal opening night – timed to the 100th anniversary of Puccini’s opera. Its formal Broadway debut, at the Nederlander Theatre, was on April 29, 1996, so Larson never saw his beloved show, which embraced social and cultural issues, along with substance abuse, and homophobia.
“Rent” has Hawaii ties; one of the show’s award-winning producers is Kevin McCollum, formerly of Honolulu, who continues to be a prolific Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, whose credits include “Avenue Q,” “In the Heights,” “Something Rotten,” “The Drowsy Chaperone.” His current Broadway titles include “Oh, Mary!” and “Six.”
Joshua “Baba” Tavares, an assistant professor of acting, is director of the production. He portrayed Angel in the 20th anniversary national tour of “Rent” (circa 2019-2020), so the show is close to his heart. That touring company had a run at Blaisdell Concert Hall, and included the former Big Islander now teaching at the UH’s Department of Theatre and Dance.
So, Baba’s memories are vivid and lasting. Of “Rent,” he said: “It’s about love, relationships, healing, passion, and figuring out who we are – things that never stop being relevant or important. It’s uplifting, heartbreaking, and hopeful. It’s also a great show for students to learn and grow from”…
And that’s Show Biz…
‘Rent’
A musical by Jonathan Larson, playwright, composer, and lyricist
What: A rock-opera, based on the Puccini opera, “La Boheme,” which explores life and challenges of Bohemian youths, in New York City at the time of the height of the AIDS crisis
When: Opening at 7:30 p.m. Friday (Feb. 28); repeats at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (March 1) and again at 7:30 p.m. March 7 and 8, and at 2 p.m. March 9; pre-show chats at 6:45 p.m. prior to Saturday shows
Tickets: $25, adults; $22, UH faculty and staff, military and seniors; $10, other discount groups; $15, non-UH Manoa students, youths; $8, UHM student with valid ID
Special ‘Throwback Saturday performance, March 1; $15, adults; $10, discount groups; $5, UHM students
Reservations: https://hawaiiathletics.evenue.net/events/KT2