Argus Eyes Drama Society of Saint Peter's University's RENT Opens 4/16 in Jersey City

Argus Eyes Drama Society of Saint Peter's University will open their production of "RENT" in April.

"RENT," the hit rock opera written by Jonathan Larson, is a tale of loss, the devastating effects of AIDS, and the bohemian culture of the Lower East Village. But even though this show has its dark moments, the overall message is to "measure your life in love."

This production is directed and choreographed by Alex Perez, a prominent stage actor and director in the greater New York City metropolitan area. Perez has become known for his exciting interpretations plays and musicals, usually distancing himself from the trite and focusing on drawing out more of the shows' darker themes.

"I just want something different," Perez said. "So many productions of this show just copy the original Broadway show and while I want to pay homage to the original show, I want to give the old fans something new to take away and give the new fans a completely unique and exciting experience.

Gregory Cilmi of Well Urned Productions and the scenic designer for this production plans to focus on the rock aspects of the show.

"We are going to have lots of moving and flashing lights and a fog a machine and even a truss," said Cilmi. "The audience will think they are at an actual rock concert."

Music direction will be handled by Charles Santoro, a professional Broadway musician who has worked on shows like "Silence! The Musical," "Lion King," and "Wicked." He will also be bringing Broadway musicians to fill the pit.

The cast is super excited about the production as well and they have already started forging strong friendships and great memories.

"This is my first musical production with Argus Eyes and it is going so well," said Mark Kenny, a freshmen at Saint Peter's University who be playing Mark Cohen. "The director is really breathing new life and energy into this production."

"I think this has the potential to be the best production of 'RENT' that Hudson County has ever seen," said Garvey Potter, a junior at Saint Peter's University and President of Argus Eyes. "Tickets were selling even before we had our first official rehearsal."

More details about "RENT" and the Argus Eyes Drama Society can be found on their Facebook and Twitter pages. Tickets are available at showtix4u.com for $10.

For more information please contact Garvey Potter, President of Argus Eyes, at (201) - 253 - 9517 or gpotter@mail.saintpeters.edu. You can also contact Helene McGavin, Master Technician, at (201) 655 - 4680 or hmcgavin@mail.saintpeters.edu.