Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award for Best Musical, the Broadway phenomenon RENT finishes out the Riverland theatre season. The play performs two weekends starting April 20. Considered a modern day classic, RENT is a ground-breaking musical that resonates across generations and reminds us there’s “No Day But Today.” With a book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, RENT is recommended for audiences 14 and older due to language and mature content.

Riverland Director Lindsey Duoos Williams directs RENT. Scot A. Schwark is the musical director. Bridget Halvorson is choreographer. The set and lighting designer is James Douglass. The costumes are by Kaye Perry.

“I’ve been a huge fan of RENT since it opened on Broadway, and it’s a dream come true for me to finally be directing it.  I love that the younger generations that were just babies when the show premiered in 1996 are now old enough to discover it for the first time and become fans,” says Williams.  “Even though some of the references in the show are now dated, the message of embracing love and living every day as if it were your last still resonates strongly.  RENT is one of the most influential musicals to open on Broadway in the last several decades, and I’m thrilled that Austin finally gets its own production.”

The cast of RENT includes David Albino (Austin) as Angel, Laura Marie Davis (Albert Lea) as Mrs. Jefferson and others, Lindsay Dodd (Waseca) as Mark’s Mom and others, Brian L. Gorman (Austin) as Roger, Dominic Hillberg (Austin) as Steve and others, Amelia Holcomb (Albert Lea) as Alexi Darling and others, Katie Hunerdosse (Austin) as Maureen, Samantha Johnson (Austin) as Mimi, Calandra Kenison (Rochester) as Joanne, Martha McDermott (Austin) as Soloist and others, Tyler Slack (Austin) as Benny, Matt Stoneking (Albert Lea) as Collins, Pat Trotman (Blooming Prairie) as Gordon and others, Joshua Whalen (Austin) As Mr. Jefferson and others, Jordan Wylde (Elkton) as Mark.

“We put together an all-star cast that includes current Riverland students, alumni, Austin High School students, and community members,” Williams said. “RENT’s rock score is a notoriously difficult show to sing, but these actors make it look easy.  The auditions for this production were very competitive, and as a result we ended up with some of the finest singing talent in Austin.”

RENT will be performed April 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, April 22 and 29 at 2 p.m.

Individual tickets to RENT are $15 and currently on sale at the Riverland Box Office, located in room E107 in the East Building of the Austin campus.  Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one hour before performances.  Riverland students receive two free tickets to each performance with a valid student ID.  The box office can be contacted at 507-433-0595 or by emailing boxoffice@riverland.edu.

RENT is recommended for audiences 14 and older and contains strong language and mature content.  Riverland Theatre strives to provide quality productions that are entertaining and challenging to both the audience and the artists.  Because we reach such a diverse audience, some audience members may find some subject matter, language, or situations objectionable.  If you have concerns about a specific production, we encourage you to become familiar with the material before attending the performance.

Riverland’s Theatre Department is a high-energy performance-oriented program. Plays produced vary from classical tragedy to modern comedy and from full-scale large cast musicals in intimate small cast plays. Students are encouraged to get involved in all areas of theatre production including, but not limited to, acting, stage managing, set building and painting. Strong academic offerings provide challenges in and out of the classroom.