READING PA – “Rent,” the popular Broadway musical that won two national awards, will be presented at the Reading Civic Theatre during six August evening and matinée performances.
The story of “Rent” is set in New York City’s East Village. It explores love, loss, friendship, poverty, urban renewal and the search for meaning, encapsulated by its famous line: “No day but today.”
The musical is loosely based on Puccini’s “La Boheme,” a four-act opera of the late 1890s.
It follows a year in the lives of a diverse group of friends, including filmmakers, musicians, and performers. They deal with eviction, addiction, and the HIV and AIDS crisis during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
“Rent” won a Tony Award for Best Musical, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Its story, reviewers say, has become “a pop cultural phenomenon” that resonates with audiences of all ages.
The theater is located in the Reading Mall shopping center adjacent to the Boscov’s East department store, 4350 Perkiomen Ave. For more information, call 610–404-2568 or send an e-mail to rctinfo@readingcivic.org.
Tickets for “Rent” are available now for online purchase. Performances are scheduled Aug. 21 and 22, and Aug. 28 and 29 (Fridays and Saturdays) at 7:30 p.m.; and Aug. 23 and 30 (Sundays) at 2 p.m.
Prices range from $25 to $35, dependent upon seating. Audience members should be aware the production is rated “R.”
Photos provided by Reading Civic Theater
The Cast and Crew of Rent
The show is directed and produced by Jeannette DeAngelo. Musical direction is by Charles Troxel, and choreography by Angela DeAngelo. Mary Stankiewicz is the stage manager. Linda Bechtel coordinates the costumes.
Drew Eck is the set designer and builder. Technical direction is provided by Brandon Kegerize. Jessica Skelly and Natalie Natal serve as props directors. Lighting design is handled by Jeff Cusano.
Dan Hauk and Cody Hoppes lead the cast. It also includes Moses Banks, James Barksdale, Deacon Hearing, Samantha Pineiro, Siera Runyon, Jessica Skelly, Melissa Adams, Billy Beck, Julius Campbell, Maxi Estrada, James Francisco, Lauren Heyer, Sofia Stankiewicz, Stephen Stankiewicz and Sara Steber.
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