Photo Flash: RENT at Adelphi University

Adelphi University presented the first licensed full production of RENT, the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical by alumnus Jonathan Larson B.F.A. '82, after its Broadway closing. This completely new and reconceived version of RENT kicked off the inaugural season in the University's new Performing Arts Center (AU PAC), and ran from September 23 through September 28, 2008.

Larson began his musical career while as an Adelphi student, writing and composing many of the Department of Theatre's satirical cabarets, as well as other significant music pieces and songs for main stage productions.

 Nicholas Petron M.A. '70, chair of the Department of Theatre, professor, and co-writer with Larson on numerous works, assembled a creative team comprised of alumni who all worked with him during his years at Adelphi.

The cast of RENT, a combination of Adelphi alumni and current performing arts majors, included Corrado Alicata '11, Chris Bott '09, Lauren Brickman '09, Christopher Caron '06 (Benny), Breezy Coleman '09, Michael DiFrancisco '09, Joey Elrose '08 (Mark), Benjamin Farha '10 (Angel), Nathaniel Foster '09, Craig Fox '09 (Tom Collins), Jessica Gray '10, Jim Kelly '09 (Roger), Natalie Margiotta '09 (Maureen), Katie Murphy '05 (Mimi), Egle Petraityte '09, Christopher Reynolds '10, Jennifer Susi '05 (Joanne), and Kayla Zaniboni '10.

 Adelphi faculty and staff members Sarah Martin (sets), Sean Sullivan (costumes), and Jared Klein (lighting) designed the production. Alumnus Kevin Stromberg '08 is the sound designer. The production team also included Allison Hersh '09 (production stage manager), Amy Bartlett '08 (assistant director), and Trevor O'Bryen '10 (assistant musical director).

 About Adelphi University: Adelphi University, chartered in 1896, was the first institution of higher education for the liberal arts and sciences on Long Island. Through its schools and programs-The College of Arts and Sciences, the Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, the Honors College, the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education, University College, and the Schools of Business, Nursing, and Social Work-the co-educational university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional and educational programs for adults. Adelphi University currently enrolls more than 8,300 students from 40 states and 50 foreign countries. With its main campus in Garden City and centers in Manhattan, Hauppauge, and Poughkeepsie, the University maintains a commitment to liberal studies in tandem with rigorous professional preparation and active citizenship.

Photo Credit William Baker

 
The cast of RENT at Adelphi

Jim Kelly

Joey Elrose, Natalie Margiotta (in shadow) and Jennifer Susi

Ben Farha and Craig Fox

Ben Farha

Katie Murphy