Flat Rock Playhouse (FRP) is captivating audiences with a new production of Rent, the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical with book, music and lyrics written by Jonathan Larson and loosely based on Giacomo Puccini’s 1896 opera La bohème. Lisa K. Bryant directs this spectacular production, a first professional staging of Rent for FRP that runs through Saturday, August 15, and includes matinee and evening performances.
“Rent is a timeless story of artists striving to create meaningful lives while navigating love, friendship, loss and the pursuit of their dreams,” says Bryant. “Set in New York City’s East Village at the dawn of the 1990s, a group of young artists search for purpose, connection and a place to belong.”
Flat Rock Playhouse production of Rent. Actors Iliana Garcia (Mimi) and Brendan Dallaire (Roger)
In 2011, the FRP produced Rent with its apprentices for a three-day run. “It was a really beautiful experience,” says Bryant, “and I’ve long wanted to revisit the piece again when we could dedicate even more time, resources and talent to the storytelling.”
Larson, who did not live to see the musical’s success, envisioned it as a rock opera for the MTV generation. “We have amazing rock singers coming in to take us on this heartfelt, rocking journey,” says Bryant.
Tickets to performances are $60, and may be reserved by phone or through the website, where upcoming productions are also highlighted. “After Rent we get some levity and hilarity with Niel Simon’s comedic juggernaut The Odd Couple (August 28-September 19), starring Scott Treadway and Scott Cote,” Bryant says. “It’s basically going to be a comedy-battle between two master comic-actors!” Rounding out the season are Sister Act (October 2–25), Rumpelstiltskin (November 12–15) and a 10th anniversary production of A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas Show (November 27–December 20).
“I think that what sometimes gets lost in conversations about Rent is that, at its heart, it’s a love story,” Bryant says. “The truth is that most audience members are not artists. Most folks have never squatted in a loft or struggled with addiction. And many have never known someone with HIV. But almost everyone has experienced fear of losing someone, wondered if we’re wasting our lives, felt financial pressure, chosen between security and passion, tried to build community and wanted to be a part of something that mattered. These themes are evergreen.”
The Flat Rock Playhouse Leiman Mainstage is located at 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock. The box office is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 90 minutes prior to shows. Tickets can be purchased online at FlatRockPlayhouse.org or by calling 828.693.0731.
