Chris Infantino to Lead Cast of RENT, SCHOOL EDITION at the Media Theatre, 7/15 - 8/7

Christoper Infantino, of Media, is now 16 years old and has been studying the three components of music theatre at The Media Theatre for the past decade. "Acting, singing, and dancing are very important to me," Infantino said. "They are my passion and I am so thankful to The Media Theatre for educating me since I was 7. The opportunities I have had there will allow me to move forward after high school with strength in all three aspects of music theatre."

His latest role on The Media Theatre stage is that of Roger, the rock musician struggling to come up with one final great song before he dies, in Jonathan Larson's contemporary classic "Rent". This summer's slightly edited 'School Edition' of the heart-tugging musical features Infantino leading a cast of young actors ages 13 and up.

"I was shocked to be cast in this role," Infantino said. "Jesse Cline, the Artistic Director of Media Theatre, saw something in me that I did not see. He has complete faith in me to do this role and to bring depth to it. I could not feel more honored."

Infantino has played other challenging roles, but none that have had the passion and adult perspective that the role of Roger requires. "This is a leap for me," he said. "I'm learning a lot about myself as well as what it takes to be a focused, disciplined actor. Roger is seeking to make a mark in the world before he passes away from AIDS and that is a powerful motivation. Singing the songs Larson created is also eye-opening for all of us in the cast."

Previously, Chris Infantino was seen on Media's stage in "Les Miserables, School Edition", "Beauty and the Beast, Jr.", and several of its Broadway Series productions. His first show was "Prince of The Pond" a decade ago, as a frog. "My mom still remembers the one line I had in that show, and loves to remind me," he said. "I took a leap in that show and now a greater leap as an actor in one of Broadway's most popular shows of all time. It's been quite a decade with The Media Theatre. I'm forever grateful."

To see Christopher Infantino as Roger in "Rent, School Edition", which plays July 15-August 7 (Fridays through Sundays), call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Others in the cast are Andrew Dean Laino, Jason Armstrong, Danielle Brown, Maggie Molen, Lindsay Ronaldson, Maura Schmidt, Katie Stecklair, and Rosa Taylor. Tom Fosnocht is the music director, with JP Dunphy as the special guest actor who portrays Benny.

 

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