Theatre helps us to see a different perspective from our own. We’re shown humanity, society, psychology, motivations, conflict and resolution. As an audience, we get to witness the stories of persons other than ourselves. As artists, we put ourselves into emotional and intellectual situations that may never arise in our personal lives. Theatre promotes us to give power to truth, to take risks and to advocate for new and diverse voices. Theatre allows for representation, inclusion, and examines the human condition. Theatre holds a mirror up to society and reflects both the poignancy and absurdity of our experiences and beliefs. Above all, theatre allows us to develop empathy and fully embrace what it means to be human.
Jonathan Larson, the writer and composer of RENT, died on January 25, 1996, the night before the musical premiered Off-Broadway. Based loosely on the opera La Boheme, Larson spent six years working on the musical that would encapsulate a specific era of young artists in the East Village of NYC. Dealing with issues of the day, such as the AIDS epidemic, homelessness, and drug addiction, RENT was a love letter to Larson’s generation, full of hope and love, with a message to live in the moment and cherish those around you. It is a privilege and joy to work on Larson’s material now, focusing on his message of hope in a time unfortunately full of division, lack of acceptance, and strife.
I cherish this cast, crew, and artistic team. It has been a labor of love to mount this production, to say the least, and every single person has approached it with love, perseverance, and sense of responsibility in telling this story. We have loved every moment, and you will see that on stage and in all of our faces.
It cannot be adequately stated how much I wish I could thank those of you who have made this production possible, including Addisan Arbogast, Jackson Manning, Ellie Kuhnle, the parents, the students, and the production team. This story has always been close to my heart, representing my generation, and I’m endlessly grateful to be able to share it with a new generation, a generation that gives me great hope for the future.
“In truths that she learned, or in times that he cried,
In bridges he burned, or the way that she died,
It's time now to sing out,
Though the story never ends,
Let's celebrate, remember a year,
In the life of friends…
Measure your life in love.” ~Jonathan Larson
~Jessica Bostock, Director
