Carroll Community College Students Rock the Musical RENT

Take seven artists in New York’s East Village struggling to pay their rent, while dealing with problems of life and death, add a rockin’ soundtrack and you have RENT.  Starting tonight at Carroll Community College, local actors and musicians will perform RENT on stage in the Scott Center.

Director, Bill Gillett, said “I love the music and the message.  I also knew it would be popular with a large portion of the community.”

The cast is primarily made up of students from the college, but also includes 5 high school students, 2 high school teachers, 1 college employee, and 6 other community members. Gillett said his initial thought was to cast 22-25 actors.

“So many talented folks came out I had a hard time paring the cast down.  When I got to 30, I didn’t want to get rid of anyone else.  They are all fantastic,” said Gillett.

Gillett also said this was the most complicated show the college has attempted. The set includes lots of unique technical elements, including the building of a 3 story set. Hazy lighting and graffiti drenched walls complete the urban atmosphere of the stage.

The second level of the set holds a rock band of six who perform all the music for the production. Of the band members, three are area professionals and three are local students/community members.

Christopher Zargarbashi, who plays Tom Collins in the production, said “this is not your typical production of RENT.” He encourages everyone to come out and enjoy the show and experience a performance much different than other versions of the musical.

 The director’s note for this production reads: “With Puccini’s La Boehme as a starting point, RENT tells a captivating story that is sometimes too painful to watch.”

Performances will be held March 9, 10, 11, 12 at 7:30 p.m. and March 12 and 13 at 2:00 p.m.

The cost is $15 for general admission and $10 for students, seniors, and Carroll faculty and staff (ID required).

Advance ticket sales are only available online at www.carrollcc.edu/campus/theater.  If not sold out in advance, tickets will also be available at the door.

This production is recommended for mature audiences and not intended for small children.