MHCC Theatre Department Stages RENT, Now thru 3/3

The Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) Theatre department presents several performances of RENT in February and March.

RENT is the popular Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winning Broadway musical about a group of young people facing crises together in the East Village of New York City in 1989. It is based on Pucini's opera La Boheme and has a contemporary rock and pop score. Featuring popular songs, such as "No Day but Today" and "Seasons of Love," RENT is an energetic show with a cast of 26, numerous backstage technicians, and a rocking band of five.

RENT played on Broadway for 12 years from 1996 - 2008 (making it the ninth longest run in the history of Broadway) and was released as a movie in 2005. Despite the challenges the characters of RENT face, they come together to create a community of compassion, support and love.

RENT contains mature subjects, such as AIDS, drugs and sexual themes and is recommended for ages 13 and up.

Jesse Merz, MHCC's new Theatre artistic director, directs the play; Daryl Harrison Carson directs lighting and design; Kevin Lambert, MHCC's new choral director, serves as musical director and conductor; Rebecca Frost Mayer serves as choreographer; Marychris Mass is the costume designer; and Eric Rakestraw is responsible for sound.

Performances are scheduled for tonight, Feb. 22 - 23 and March 1 - 2, 7:30 p.m.; and Feb. 24 and March 3, 2 p.m. Ticket are $12 for students seniors; and $15 for adults and may be purchased at the box office, Mondays, 2:30 - 6 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; Thursdays, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.; Fridays, 2:30 - 4 p.m. and immediately before each performance. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.mhcc.edu/theatre/boxoffice. All seats are general admission.

Individuals requiring accommodations due to a disability should contact the MHCC Disability Services Office at 503-491-6923 or 503-491-7670 (TDD). Please call at least two weeks prior to the event to ensure availability.

CAST:

Benny... Alex Giorgi
Roger... Cole Hampton
Maureen... Elizabeth Sanchez
Tom Collins... Jeremy Wray
Joanne... Mariah Leewright
Mark... Matthew Rowning
Angel... Peter Dakota Molof
Mimi... Violet Phan

Ensemble: Amanda Seale, Beth VanBuecken, Bill Curtis, Caitlynn Didlick, Drew Pierce, Justin Wright, Marissa Booker, Michael Danforth, Mila Boyd, Netty McKenzie, Rachel Kenney, RoAnna Mitchell, Sarah Stone, Shane Young, Sierra Rickards, Sydney Hope, Venny White and Zack Lewis.

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