RENT Comes to UCPAC in Rahway from 9/7 to 9/16

RENT, the highly acclaimed, award-winning rock musical will be performed on the Hamilton Stage of UCPAC in Rahway for a six-show run. With music, lyrics and books by Jonathan Larson, it is based on Giacomo Puccini's opera La Bohème.

RENT tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life in New York City's East Village in the days of Bohemian Alphabet City, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Because of some of the show's themes, it is recommended for mature audiences.

Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to chat with Brian Remo, UCPAC's Executive Director and the Director of the Center's production of RENT. We asked Remo why he believes the performance will appeal to metro area audiences. He told us that the message of the value of art in a community is timeless. Remo also talked about the fact that it is a ground-breaking show. "RENT is a modern classic. It paved the way for a genre of modern musical theatre productions that include shows like In the Heights and American Idiot."

Remo is thrilled with the show's cast and creative. "Our production team is a dream team." Brian has worked before many times with Music Director, Bruce De La Cruz and said that the music "couldn't be done better." He is also excited about how the many elements of the show have come together. "Tim James has done an outstanding job with the sound and lighting design. Phil Solomon is one of the finest dancers in New Jersey and he brings his abundant talents to the art of choreography." Speaking of the performers, Remo stated, "The cast is a talented force of nature. Any one of the ensemble members could be leads and the show's leads are true personifications of the characters that they portray."

Taye McQueen, the ICON 2017 winner will star in the show as Mimi. Her talented fellow cast members are Jesse Principale, Cat Tierney, Kyrus Keenan Westcott, Chase Melendez, Michael Miguel, Erin O'Connor, Joe Piserchio, Maria Alessi, Kevin Barbaro, Robert Bannon, Nicole Boscarino, Justin Brown, Ian Duhart, Christopher J. Guell, Maleesa Lamatina and Mike Mags.

The Creative Team includes Associate Producer, Jessica Foerst; Music Director, Bruce De La Cruz; Choreographer, Phil Solomon; Dance Captain, Maleesa Lamatina; Costumes, Sue Hawley; Stage Manager, Justin Remo; Scenic Design, Brian Remo; Lighting and Sound Design, Tim James; and Props, Travis Head.

The members of the orchestra are Bruce De La Cruz, Michael Carleo, Allan Bezama, Jeff Little and Colin Bell.

RENT will be performed on Friday 9/7 at 8:00 pm; Saturday 9/8 at 8:00 pm; Sunday 9/9 at 2:00 pm; Friday 9/14 at 8:00 pm; Saturday 9/15 at 8:00 pm; and Sunday 9/16 at 2:00 pm. The show runs for approximately 2 ½ hours with one 15-minute intermission. Hamilton Stage and the venues of UCPAC are located in downtown Rahway, convenient to mass transit and dining options with plenty of free parking available. For more information about RENT, tickets to the show and the other upcoming performances at the UCPAC venues, please visit http://www.ucpac.org/.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of UCPAC