Southern Utah University’s Department of Theatre Arts brings Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning musical “RENT” to Cedar City April 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on April 16 at 2 p.m. in the Randall L. Jones Theatre.
“RENT” illustrates when the AIDS epidemic took hold of New York City’s Bohemian Alphabet City and portrays the lives of a group of young adults there battling addictions and AIDS.
“This show is full of reminders to choose love, but my favorite line is tucked in without fireworks or sweeping melody,” said Director Melinda Pfundstein Vaughn. “After Angel’s passing, Collins responds to his arguing friends with, ‘Angel helped us believe in love. I can’t believe you disagree.’ To live love and that none of us is alone are two messages that make “RENT” as important for audiences today as it was when it was written.”
Along with the performances of “RENT,” there will be three events to discuss the themes presented in the musical. The first will be held on April 14, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre (Auditorium 108), titled “Then and Now: Artistic Bohemianism” with guest panelist Dr. Kyle Bishop, professor of English, and Rachel Bishop, director of arts administration graduate studies. The next panel will follow the Saturday matinee on April 16, starting at 4:30 p.m. in the Randall L. Jones Theatre, entitled “Be a Part of the Conversation: LGBTQ Rights and Representation”. This will be run by the Pride and Equality Club and its president, Lindsey Murri. “Become an Ally for the LGBTQ community” will be held on April 18, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium Theatre, with the Allies on Campus, Jason Ramieriez, Dean of Students, and Jonathan Puente, Director for Access and Inclusion.
Tickets for “RENT” are $15 for adults, $12 for alumni, and $7 for high school students and younger. Southern Utah University faculty, staff, and students enter free with a valid ID card. Faculty and staff with IDs are allowed one guest. Tickets are available at the SUU Ticket Office by calling (435) 586-7872 Mondays–Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in person at the Centrum Ticket Office, or at suu.edu/pva. “RENT” contains adult content, strong language, and sexual themes.
