PHOTO STORY: Dulaney High School Presents 'Rent'

Area high school students will likely never face an AIDS epidemic. Hopefully they’ll never have to experience poverty. But loneliness, acceptance, drug addiction and finding love — themes explored in Jonathan Larson’s timeless musical Rent — are issues teens face every day.

That is why Liz Garrott and students from Dulaney have taken on the challenge of presenting Larson’s masterpiece on the high school stage.

“The message of this show is that we’re all necessary,” Garrott, the show’s artistic director said. “It’s necessary that we accept the challenge of loving one another.”

Rent focuses on a group of impoverished artists in New York City during the late 80s, early 90s AIDS epidemic. Together, the characters make the most of their lives, finding love and friendship during dark times.

It is an ambitious task asking 16 and 17 year olds to full grasp the heavy themes portrayed in Rent, but Garrott believes she has found the best students to do the job — and not a minute too soon.

“It’s about active love and active inclusion,” she said. “This is a rapidly diversifying community. … It had to be this. It had to be now.” 

The show runs from Thursday to Saturday, March 24, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 

The show is suitable for high school students, although discretion is advised for younger audiences.