The RENT 20th Anniversary Tour will be playing The Granada Theatre for one performance, 7:30 p.m. June 11.
In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway, and forever changed the landscape of American theatrer.
Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning RENT continues to speak to audiences across generations and all over the world as it returns to the stage in a 20th anniversary touring production.
A re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT follows a year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out.
With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this celebration of friendship and creativity reminds audiences to measure our lives with the only thing that matters — love.
The show received its world premiere off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop on Feb. 13, 1996, to rave reviews and transferred to Broadway on April 29, 1996.
RENT is winner of the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It is one of only five musicals to win both awards.
Based on the original direction by Michael Greif (Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations, RENT), Evan Ensign will restage the 20th anniversary tour. Marlies Yearby (Tony Award nomination, RENT) will serve as choreographer.
The RENT 20th Anniversary Tour is produced by Work Light Productions.
Tickets to Rent are are available at The Granada Theatre box office, 1214 State St., by visiting BroadwaySantaBarbara.com and GranadaSB.org or by calling 805-899-2222. Groups of 10 or more can call 1-866-314-7687. Ticket prices start at $65.
Note: BroadwaySantaBarbara.com, GranadaSB.org and The Granada Theatre box office are the only official sources for tickets to all shows in the 2018-19 Broadway In Santa Barbara Series.
— Colin Bennett for The American Theatre Guild.