Signature Theatre is thrilled to announce the cast and creative team for RENT, book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, which will reopen Signature’s MAX Theatre for live performances from November 2, 2021 – January 2, 2022. Tickets on sale NOW at sigtheatre.org
Directed by Signature’s newly appointed Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner (Signature’s A Chorus Line, Simply Sondheim), RENT stars Jake Loewenthal (Playhouse on the Park’s Cabaret, Trinity Rep’s A Christmas Carol) as Mark Cohen, Vincent Kempski (Signature’s Assassins, A Chorus Line) as Roger Davis, Arianna Rosario (Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, Broadway’s On Your Feet!) as Mimi Marquez, David Merino (National Tour RENT, North Carolina Theatre’s Kinky Boots) as Angel Dumott Schunard, Josh A. Dawson (Broadway’s Beautiful, Dallas Theater Center’s Joseph….) as Tom Collins, Katie Mariko Murray (Signature’s Simply Sondheim, Grand Hotel) as Maureen Johnson, Ines Nassara (Signature’s Spunk, Ford’s Theatre’s The Wiz) as Joanne Jefferson and Da’Von T. Moody (Signature’s Gun & Powder, Ford’s Theatre’s A Christmas Carol) as Benjamin Coffin III.
The ensemble is rounded out by Kaiyla Gross (The World Theatre’s Amazing Grace), Imani Branch (Theatre Alliance’s The Blackest Battle), Adelina Mitchell (Monumental Theatre Co’s Head Over Heels), Solomon Parker III (Signature’s After Midnight), Usman Ali Ishaq (Synetic Theater’s The Island of Dr. Moreau), Jimmy Mavrikes (Signature’s Girlfriend), and Devin Bowles (Chaffin’s Barn’s Sister Act). Swings are Ricardo Blagrove, Alex De Bard, Emmanuel Kikoni, and Sarah Anne Sillers.
“RENT is a musical about love, loss and community,” said Signature’s Artistic Director and RENT’s Director Matthew Gardiner. “After this past year where we’ve all felt isolated and disconnected, reopening Signature’s doors with this story about beautiful warriors and agents for change who found each other amidst unimaginable loss feels incredibly resonant. The musical premiered on Broadway 25 years ago, but I find so much in the piece mirroring our present moment and can’t wait to bring our audiences an entirely new production of this groundbreaking musical. I look forward to welcoming the community back into our space with a piece that reminds us of the power and importance of community, of living each day to its fullest and making sure we are always leading with love.”
“In this special season when we celebrate RENT’s 25th anniversary and the reopening of theaters across the country, we are thrilled and honored that DC audiences will have the opportunity to experience not one but two productions of RENT,” said Julie Larson, sister of the late Jonathan Larson. “One is the classic production that has inspired audiences for a quarter century [at The National Theatre, March 25 – 27, 2022], and the other [at Signature] is an exciting new production seen through a 2021 lens. What an incredible way to celebrate Jonathan’s groundbreaking show and continue to honor his legacy. We only hope RENT will continue to inspire love for another 25 years to come.”
“We are so excited to welcome audiences back into Signature’s building with RENT to open Signature’s 2021/22 Season” said Signature’s Managing Director Maggie Boland. “While we were thrilled with the success of the 2020/21 digital season, which saw 57% new audiences and which The New York Times called ‘one of the most artistically successful endeavors of the past year,’ there is nothing quite like the atmosphere of great joy when artists and audiences come together for live performances.”
RENT
Book, Music & Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
Music Directed by Mark G. Meadows
Choreographed by Rickey Tripp
Directed by Matthew Gardiner
RENT is sponsored by Amazon and Michelle S. Lee and STG International, Inc. with additional support from J. Max Barger & Gary L. Phillips. Lighting sponsored by an anonymous donor.
Twitter & Instagram: @SigTheatre Hashtag: #SigRENT
RENT
At the end of the millennium, a group of bohemians in the East Village of New York City struggle with gentrification, love, loss and legacies amidst the HIV/AIDS crisis. Through songs such as “Seasons of Love,” “One Song Glory,” “I’ll Cover You,” “Out Tonight” and more, they embrace hope, find strength and survive.
Winner of the Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize, Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking phenomenon defined a generation as it redefined the American musical and has never been more essential in today’s world.
November 2, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Closed captions for RENT will be available for every show via the GalaPro app.
Pride Night, November 19th
Post-show discussions November 17th and 30th.
Tickets and information at SigTheatre.org or 703 820 9771
SHORT LISTING
RENT, the iconic rock musical, plays at the Tony-winning Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA for 9 weeks only, November 2, 2021 – January 2, 2022. For more information visit SigTheatre.org.
ABOUT SIGNATURE
Signature is widely recognized as the premiere venue in Washington to see musical theater, especially new musicals. Recently called “a dream for patrons” and “the gold standard for producing musicals” by The Washington Post, Signature is renowned for its interpretations of Stephen Sondheim’s work, inventive adaptations of overlooked or forgotten musicals, and investment in fresh new projects. The Theatre is an industry leader in developing and producing new work and is home to the largest musical theater development program in the United States.
Signature features the finest talent from the D.C. metropolitan area and New York on its stages and has been a creative home to such luminaries as Chita Rivera, Sheryl Crow, Barry Levinson, George Hearn, Emily Skinner, Kathleen Marshall, Ann Reinking, Marc Kudisch, Judy Kuhn, Deborah Monk, Boyd Gaines, Heidi Blickenstaff, James Lapine, Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, John Kander and Fred Ebb, Cameron Mackintosh, Terrence McNally, and the company’s signature composer, Stephen Sondheim. Under the leadership of Maggie Boland, Managing Director, and Matthew Gardiner, Artistic Director, Signature draws more than 100,000 patrons annually to its Arlington home and has been cited for its achievements by a wide range of local and national media.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Signature Theatre • 4200 Campbell Avenue • Arlington, VA 22206
Tickets at SigTheatre.org Box Office 703 820 9771 or [email protected]
Groups of 10 or more: 571 527 1843 or [email protected]
Signature Administration 571 527 1860 or [email protected]
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