RENT to Open at At the Long Beach Playhouse This Month

At the Long Beach Playhouse October 14 – November 13, 2023.

By: Oct. 02, 2023
RENT to Open at At the Long Beach Playhouse This Month

In 1996, a new rock musical by a little-known writer, Jonathan Larson, gave its first performance. Loosely based on La Boheme, Rent trades the splendor Puccini's world with the grittiness and noise of modern New York’s lower eastside. Puccini’s 19th century artistic bohemians have been updated as contemporary artists including a filmmaker, songwriter, erotic dancer, and a drag queen. In the 20th Century, the disease that threatens their lives isn’t tuberculosis, it’s HIV/AIDS. 

According to the playwright’s friends, Larson’s goal was to write a musical for the MTV generation. In 1996, the characters and the story seemed far outside the mainstream. Now, nearly 30 years later, the characters seem less eccentric, but no less touching as we watch them struggle to achieve their dreams. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this musical is a pop cultural phenomenon that has resonated with audiences since it premiered. 

“Rent is a show I’ve wanted to do for years,” said Sean Gray, Artistic Director for the Playhouse. “It’s a complex mix of upbeat music, unique characters, and difficult topics including the physical and emotional challenges of AIDS. The characters bring joy and pain into one another’s lives and remind of us of how much can change in a year.”



Executive Director, Madison Mooney, said, “It’s been described as an exuberant, tragic, and joyous journey set to music. I can’t think of a better show to end to this year’s Studio season.”

Long Beach Playhouse veterans, Russell Malang and Meredith Miranda are the show’s directors. The 16-member cast is a mix of actors returning and others making their debuts. Returning actors include John Vann, Ja’lil Nelson, Adrian van der Valk, Kelsey Weinstein, Kaya Carr, George Carson, Zachary Balagot, Gisela Flores, Jacob Rachuy Stephenson, and Capone Walker. Making their debuts are Hannah Fritz, Janell Catbagan, Luna Floerke, Cydney Krone, Emma Spenser, and Daniel Velazquez. 

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY: 

  • Pay what you can Preview Thursday, October 12 - community can see this production for whatever they wish to donate, suggested donation $5 
  • Ten Dollar Preview Friday October 13 - Tickets are $10.00 SOLD OUT
  • Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on October 14 - Tickets are $35.00 - SPONSORED BY THE PORT OF LONG BEACH SOLD OUT

TICKET PRICES

Friday: Adults are $25.00, Seniors $20.00, and Students $20.00

Saturday and Sunday: Adults are $30.00, Seniors $25.00, and Students $20.00.

Tickets are available at Click Here, or by calling 562-494-1014, option 1. 

Long Beach Playhouse is located at 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA, 90804, right across from the Long Beach Recreation golf course. The Playhouse is community-supported theatre with programs and events that cut across age, gender, ethnic, and cultural boundaries.

Performances are 8 p.m. Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The box office is open Wednesday-Saturday from 3:00-8:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00-2:00 pm on scheduled matinees.

PLEASE NOTE: The Studio Theater is on the 2nd Floor. There is no elevator and the theater is only accessible by stairs.


BroadwayWorld Awards Voting

RELATED STORIES - Los Angeles

1
SANTAS CIRCUS to Spread Cheer at The Montalbán This Month Photo
SANTAS CIRCUS to Spread Cheer at The Montalbán This Month

The enchanting family-friendly extravaganza, featuring a blend of theatre, dance and high-flying acrobatics, for families and audiences of all ages, will run from Friday, December 8 to Saturday, December 23, 2023. Get all the details here!

2
WILL BF: THE LAST GUN Comes to Los Angeles Photo
WILL BF: THE LAST GUN Comes to Los Angeles

Sketch comedian Will BF brings their award-winning debut comedy hour to Los Angeles, parodying Western films and documentaries in a joyful and wonderfully weird way. Don't miss this rapid ride through 70's Hollywood and the wild west.

3
The Elite Theatre Company to Hold The Conservatory Training Program in 2024 Photo
The Elite Theatre Company to Hold The Conservatory Training Program in 2024

The Elite Theatre Company will present THE CONSERVATORY, a free six-month training program for young people ages 16-25. Participants will learn various theater roles and gain real-life experience in theatrical productions.

4
FROM A YARDIE TO A YANKEE to Perform February 10 and 11 at Theatre West Photo
FROM A YARDIE TO A YANKEE to Perform February 10 and 11 at Theatre West

The award-winning show 'From a Yardie to a Yankee' performs February 10 and 11 at Theatre West. Written, directed, and performed by Sardia Robinson, this one-woman show takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster ride from the streets of Kingston, Jamaica to the consequences of Chicago's drug wars.

More Hot Stories For You

Videos


A Christmas Carol in Los Angeles A Christmas Carol
The Pico (12/08-12/23)
Rent the Perfect Sports Car Show in Los Angeles Rent the Perfect Sports Car Show
Breathing Storytellers (4/28-5/03)
The Road to Masada-Anti Semitism and Me in Los Angeles The Road to Masada-Anti Semitism and Me
Zephyr Theatre (12/17-12/17)
Richie Furay in Los Angeles Richie Furay
Smothers Theatre (4/20-4/20)
Mrs. Doubtfire in Los Angeles Mrs. Doubtfire
Pantages Theatre (6/11-6/30)
LA Phil's Chamber Music and Wine: Hindemith and Nielsen in Los Angeles LA Phil's Chamber Music and Wine: Hindemith and Nielsen
Walt Disney Concert Hall (3/26-3/26)
A Family Business in Los Angeles A Family Business
Hudson MainStage Theatre (11/15-12/31)
LA Phil's Chamber Music and Wine: Brahms and Beach in Los Angeles LA Phil's Chamber Music and Wine: Brahms and Beach
Walt Disney Concert Hall (3/05-3/05)
54th Annual Santa Monica Playhouse New Year’s Eve Musical Revue – “BEST New Year’s events in LA!” in Los Angeles 54th Annual Santa Monica Playhouse New Year’s Eve Musical Revue – “BEST New Year’s events in LA!”
Santa Monica Playhouse Main Stage (12/31-12/31)
The Extravaganza! in Los Angeles The Extravaganza!
Theatre68 (3/12-12/14)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You