Stevenson University Theater Department Stages The Musical 'Rent'

The Department of Film, Video & Theatre at has taken on the challenge of putting on the musical “Rent,” with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson. The show will run April 7 -9 and 13-16 at 7:30 p.m., and April 10 at 2 p.m.

Based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera “La Boheme,” “Rent” is a dramatic musical interpretation of the affect of AIDS on modern society. Themes of love and acceptance play an integral role throughout the story of a group of artists and musicians struggling to pursue careers in the heart of New York City. Though the show features contemporary, mature themes, the music and staging has allowed its social message to endure.

Chris Roberts, director of the production and Professor of Film, Video & Theatre at Stevenson, is striving to make the musical as relevant as possible to a college-age audience.

“The play is about love to me, but there is a very strong undertone of the issue of AIDS, which is still a major problem in the world, even though most people don’t think about it much anymore,” says Roberts. She hopes that by sticking closely to the original story, the production will reawaken the audience’s concern for the devastating affect that AIDS still has on the lives of millions of people throughout the world.

“We have a great cast and crew and I am hoping the show will be popular with our campus community,” she adds.

“Rent” is being presented through a special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). Performances will be held in the Inscape Theatre on Stevenson University’s Greenspring campus, 1525 Greenspring Valley Road, Stevenson, MD 21153.

Tickets are $10 for general admission, $6 for senior citizens, and $5 for students with a Stevenson ID. Call the Stevenson Box Office at (443) 334-2618 to reserve tickets.