~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Remember the first time you were inspired by a performance? The first time that your eyes opened just a little bit wider to try to capture and record everything you were seeing? Maybe it was your first Broadway show, or the first film that really grabbed you. Maybe it was as simple as a third-grade performance. It’s hard to forget that initial sense of wonder and sudden realization that the world might just contain magic . . .
This is the sort of experience the 2Cents Theatre Group is trying to create. Classic performances are hard to define, but easy to spot. Our Goal is to pay homage and respect to the classics, while simultaneously adding our own unique 2 Cents to create a free-standing performance piece that will bemuse, inform, and inspire.
2¢ Theatre Group is in residence at the Hudson Theatre, at 6539 Santa Monica Boulevard. You can catch various talented members of the 2 Cent Crew in our Monthly Cabaret at the Hudson Theatre Café . . . the second Sunday of each Month.
also from 2Cents AT THE HUDSON…
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! May 30 - June 30
EACH WEEK FEATURING LIVE PRE-SHOW MUSIC BY:
Thurs 5/30 - Stage 11 Sun 6/2 - Anderson William Thurs 6/6 - 30 North SuN 6/9 - Kelli Debbs Thurs 6/13 - TBD Sun 6/16 - Lee Wahlert Thurs 6/20 - TBD Sun 6/23 - TBD Thurs 6/27 - Fire Chief Charlie Sun 6/30 - Chris Duquee
Cody Lyman Kristen Boulé & 2Cents Theatre Board of Directors with Michael Abramson at the Hudson Theatres
present
Book, Music & Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
Dedrick Bonner Kate Bowman Amber Bracken Ariel Jean Brooker Brian Keith Gamble Lauren Joy Goss Jonathon Grant Cole Hammack Michael Noah Levine Juan Lozano Alli Miller Tyler Olshansky James Oronoz Reagan Osborne Deondray Randolph Jessika Rowe
costume design lighting design sound design Abbie Hocker Donny Jackson Allison Hill
set development stage manager technical supervision Anderson William Nick Acciani Juan Lozano
Original Concept/Adtl Lyrics Musical Arrangements Dramaturg Billy Aronson Steve Skinner Lynn Thomson
casting publicity Jen Schwartz Ken Werther
Music Supervisionl/Adtl Arrangements Choreography Tim Weil Alli Miller
music director Morgan Fitch
director Kristen Boulé
RENT was originally produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon and New York Theatre Worksho
Dedrick Kate Amber Ariel Jean Bonner Bowman Bracken Brooker
Brian Keith Lauren Joy Jonathon Cole Gamble Goss Grant Hammack
Michael Noah Juan Alli Tyler Levine Lozano Miller Olshansky
Jimmy Reagan Deondray Jessika Oronoz Osborne Randolph Rowe
RENT is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 W 54th St New York NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-39-4684 www.MTIShows.com
CAST in order of appearance
Roger Davis ...... Juan Lozano Mark Cohen ...... Reagan Osborne Tom Collins ...... Dedrick Bonner Benjamin Coffin III ...... Brian Keith Gamble Joanne Jefferson ...... Kate Bowman Angel Dumot Schunard ...... Jonathon Grant* Mimi Marquez ...... Lauren Joy Goss Maureen Johnson ...... Alli Miller Mark's mother & others ...... Ariel Jean Brooker a homeless man, Gordon & others ...... Deondray Randolph Mr. Jefferson, Steve, the man, Seasons soloist & others ...... Cole Hammack Mrs. Jefferson, a street vendor, a Boheme girl & others ...... Jessika Rowe Paul, squeegeeman, a waiter, a pastor & others ...... Michael Noah Levine woman with bags, Seasons soloist, Mimi's mother & others ...... Tyler Olshansky Alexi Darling, Roger's mother & others ...... Amber Bracken
SWING James Oronoz
VOCAL COACH -- Dedrick Bonner
THE BAND Conducter, Bass - Morgan Fitch; Keyboards - Ben Ginsberg; Guitar - Yunus Iyriboz; Drums - Colin Woodford; Keyboards/Guitar - Brice Albert
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, The Union of Professional Actors & Stage Managers in the United States. ~~~~ The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is strictly prohibited.
MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT I Tune Ups/Voice Mail #1 ...... Mark, Roger, Mark's mother, Collins, Benny Rent ...... Mark, Roger & Company You Okay Honey? ...... Collins, Angel One Song Glory ...... Roger Light My Candle ...... Roger, Mimi Voice Mail #2 ...... Mr. & Mrs. Jefferson Today 4 U ...... Angel You'll See ...... Benny, Mark, Roger, Collins, Angel Tango: Maureen ...... Mark, Joanne Life Support ...... Paul, Gordon & Company Out Tonight ...... Mimi Another Day ...... Roger, Mimi & Company Will I? ...... Steve & Company On the Street ...... Company Santa Fe ...... Collins & Company I'll Cover You ...... Collins, Angel We're Okay ...... Joanne Christmas Bells ...... Company Over the Moon ...... Maureen La Vie Boheme/I Should Tell You ...... Company
ACT II Seasons of Love ...... Company Happy New Year/Voice Mail #3 ...... Mark, Roger, Mimi, Collins, Angel, Maureen, Joanne Mark's mother, Alexi Darling, Benny, the man Take Me or Leave Me ...... Maureen, Joanne Without You ...... Roger, Mimi Voice Mail #4 ...... Alexi Darling Contact ...... Company I'll Cover You: Reprise ...... Collins & Company Halloween ...... Mark Goodbye, Love ...... Mark, Roger, Mimi, Collins, Maureen, Joanne, Benny What You Own ...... Mark, Roger Voice Mail #5 ...... Roger's mother, Mimi's mother, Mr. Jefferson, Mark's mother Your Eyes/Finale ...... Company
Film by Anderson William
THERE WILL BE ONE 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION
A Note About the Plot of Rent
Benny is Mark and Roger's former roommate. With the help of his new wealthy father-in-law, Benny has bought the building in which Mark and Roger live, and the lot next door that is inhabited by a group of homeless people. Benny wants to build a high-tech cyber-arts studio on the property. Toward this end, he plans to clear the homeless from the lot and evict all the tenants from the building, including Mark and Roger.
Mark's former lover, Maureen, schedules a performance protest of Benny's scheme for midnight on Christmas Eve. Benny offers a deal to Mark and Roger: If they convince Maureen to stop her protest, they can stay in the building rent free.
At the end of Act I, Maureen stages her performance. A riot erupts in the lot, which Mark videotapes. Then Benny padlocks the building, locking out all the tenants.
Act II begins on New Year's Eve as Mark, Rober and friends attempt to break back into the building. The rest of the act follows the events of the year.
WHO'S WHO IN THE CAST
DEDRICK BONNER (Collins) is thrilled to be AMBER BRACKEN (Alexi Darling & others) is making his 2cents debut. Most recent credits so thrilled that you have made it to RENT! She’s include; Ain't Misbehavin (Ken) Little Shop of had such a great time being part of this production Horrors(Audrey II), The Secret Garden (Dr. and wants to thank everyone involved. Most Craven), Porgy and Bess(Porgy), Children of recently, Amber was seen playing Marcy in DOG Eden (God),Batboy (Rev.Hightower), Urinetown SEES GOD at the Zephyr Theatre. Please (Caldwell B. Cladwell), The Marriage of Figaro continue to support the arts! No day but today. (Antonio), The Color Purple (Harpo), Don Giovanni (Masetto), Gianni Schicchi (Simone), ARIEL JEAN BROOKER (Mark's mother & Stay on the Line (Jerome), The 25th Annual others) Ariel Jean Brooker is making her Los Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive’s Dad). “To Angeles debut in this production of Rent. A recent the amazing directors/cast and crew, thank-you graduate from AMDA College an Conservatory of for such an amazing experience. the Performing Arts, she loves to sing and perform on stage. I want to thank my family and KATE BOWMAN (Joanne) is originally from friends for supporting me through all my studies Baltimore, MD. She received a BFA from The and I am do excited to start my journey into the Boston Conservatory in Theater. Independent film professional world. work includes "The Life and Times of Andrew Quinn", "Natasha Mail Order Bride", BRIAN KEITH GAMBLE (Benny) American "Acknowledge", and "Darwin's Privy". Some past born actor Brian Keith Gamble currently resides theater roles include Flora in "27 Wagons Full of in Hollywood. Originally from, South Carolina, Cotton", Rosalie in "Dreams in Variation", Cathy Gamble started his acting career in the southeast in "The Last Five Years", Melissa in "Love film and market prior to heading west. From coast Letters" , and Catherine in "Proof", where she to coast, Gamble has built a reputation for received an MET Award for Best Actress in a creating intense, unpredictable, edgy characters in Play. Kate is honored to serve as the VP of film, television and theater. Creative Affairs on the Board of 2Cents. After "performing" RENT in multiple living rooms and LAUREN JOY GOSS (Mimi) is an indie soul dorm rooms throughout high school and college, singer with a passion for theater. She has appeared Kate is thrilled to be doing it for real with the on Grey's Anatomy, Lopez Tonight and loveliest, most talented, beautiful cast and crew. commercials for IBM and Walmart to name a few. She would like to thank her amazing parents and Though a Philly girl at heart, she now resides in brother for seriously unconditional support, her Los Angeles pursuing her passion for all things wonderful manager, Rich, and the other KB. You creative. In the mood for some sweet tunes? know who you are. Check her out at YouTube.com/laurenjoygoss.
JONATHON GRANT (Angel) Tours: Fosse, TYLER OLSHANSKY (a Seasons soloist & Oklahoma (1st National). Theatre: Carousel with others) Favorite credits: “Cinderella” (Cinderella), Shirley Jones, Aida, Grease, South Pacific, “Camelot” (Guenevere), “Fame” (Serena) “A Fiddler on the Roof, A New Brain, Tommy, Funny Thing..” (Philia), “A Man for All Seasons” Singing in the Rain, Broadway Bares 15-20. (Margaret), “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” TV/Film: Star Trek Into Darkness, All My (Hermia), “Much Ado About Nothing,” Children, General Hospital, Gossip Girl, Face Off, “Macbeth,” “Deity Clutch,” “Open Secrets” by Smash, Don't Trust the B---. Columbia Dale Wasserman (world premiere), and Cinderella University: BA in English. (with Sally Struthers) Love to Mom, Dad, Cam. La Vie Boheme! COLE HAMMACK (Steve, a Seasons soloist, Mr Jefferson & others) is originally from North JAMES ORONOZ (Swing) is so excited to be Carolina and moved out to Los Angeles from the joining this wonderful production of Rent. Past University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill last credits include: Dreamgirls (Little Albert) In The June. Previously he has been in RENT, The Music Heights (Benny) Miss Saigon (John), Songs For a Man, Cats, Chicago and is fresh out of the college New World (Man 1). Thank you Mike Abramson a capella scene. He would like to thank everyone for the good word. Thank you to the awesome is the cast and crew for this amazing experience cast and creative team for bringing me in and and for making him feel like The Man. trusting me to learn this mother of a show in a short time. Thank you for all your support. And MICHAEL NOAH LEVINE (Paul, a last but CERTAINLY not least, much love and squeegeeman, a waiter & others) is thrilled to be thanks to mi madre y padre for their unconditional in RENT. At 13 he was fortunate to see the love and support. original Broadway cast L.A. Born and raised, he graduated from Professional Performing Arts REAGAN OSBORNE (Mark) is thrilled to join School (PPAS) in NYC. Credits include the Nat'l this amazing cast and crew in bringing this Tour of "The Sound of Music” (Kurt), originated production of RENT to the stage. Other credits Marius in “Les Miserables: School Edition,” in include Proof, Ragtime, Speed-the-Plow, The NYC and played Matt in “bare” here at the Graduate, Guys & Dolls, A Piece of My Heart and Hudson. Other favorites: “West Side Story” The Sound of Music (*Pierrot Award nomination (Tony), “Into the Woods” (Jack), and “Guys and for “Best Actor in a Musical”). Much love and Dolls” (Sky). Thanks to family and friends, many thanks to his incredible family and friends. Roxan, and YADA for all the support. Twitter/IG: MichaelNLevine & YouTube: RelativelyFamous. DEONDRAY RANDOLPH (Gordon, a homeless man & others) is a Washington D.C area JUAN LOZANO (Roger) is a graduate of native. He has appeared on stage as Jason in A.M.D.A. in New York. While still in school Juan RABBIT HOLE, Matt in DOG SEES GOD, and had the opportunity to be casted in, underground Durwood Peach in LANDSCAPE OF THE playwright, Mac Wellman's "The Lesser Maggo." BODY. This is his first professional musical and This lead him to being immediately cast in, he is so honored to share this experience with dangerously dark, "Nirvanov." Some of his such talented beings. favorite roles include Jesus (Godspell), Dogberry JESSIKA ROWE (Mrs. Jefferson, a boheme girl (Much Ado About Nothing), and Vim (The & others) is on sabbatical from rocking your face honeypot Redux). Juan would like to thank his off in the blues-rock revival band The Freedom family for their endless support. Ledges and tearing up dance floors in the drag rap group Gangsta Queen to return to the theatrical ALLI MILLER (Maureen) is more than excited stage. After 7 years of delightful debauchery in to finally be playing a role that suits her in RENT! LA, it’s too late to go back to Missouri now. (last time she was “blonde german Mimi....” just sayin) A graduate from Ball State University with JONATHAN LARSON (Book, Music, Lyrics) a BA in Musical Theatre Alli traveled to the City received the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for of Angels three years ago. She is a founder and RENT. He also won the 1996 Tony Award for producer of her own Caburlesque company, check Best Musical and the 1994 Richard Rodgers it out! www.cherrypoppins productions.com. For Award for RENT and twice received The Gilman more information on Alli or to contact her check & Gonzales-Falla Theatre Foundation's out www.alliisawesome.com....yup that’s the Comendation Award. In 1989 he was granted the name of her site. :) “Thank you to all my friends Stephen Sondheim Award from American Music and family and this amazing cast and crew...this Theatre Festival, where he contributed to the experience has more than changed my life.” musical "Sitting on the Edge of the Future". In 1988 he won the Richard Rodgers Development BRICE ALBERT (2nd Guitar/2nd Keys) Born Grant for his rock musical "Superbia", which was and raised in Monterey, California, Brice Albert is staged at Playwrights Horizon. He composed the a multifaceted and accomplished musician. After score for the musical "J.P. Morgan Saves the receiving awards and touring Japan with the Nation", which was presented by En Garde Arts Monterey Jazz Festival, Brice acquired his BFA in 1995. Mr. Larson performed his rock and MFA in Jazz Guitar Performance at CSUN monologue "tick, tick... BOOM!" at Second Stage and Cal Arts, respectively. Brice currently works Theatre, The Village Gate and New York Theatre professionally in the Los Angeles area. Workshop. In addition to scoring and song writing for "Sesame Street", he created music for a BEN GINSBERG (Keyboard) Originally from number fo children's book-cassettes, including Ventura, Ben earned his B.F.A. from CalArts in Steven Spielberg's "An American Tail" and "Land 2010. Recent credits include Hair (AfterWork Before Time". Other film scores include work for Theatre Project, NYC),Next To Normal Rolling Stones magazine publisher Jann Wenner. (Musically Human Theatre, NYC), Godspell (St. He conceived, directed and wrote four original Bonaventure Theatre), West Side Story and songs for "Away We Go!", a musical video for Ragtime (MTLA at the Hudson), Jesus Christ children. RENT, his rock opera based on "La Superstar and Bat Boy (CalArts), and The Wiz Boheme", had its world premiere on February 13, (The REDStamp, Pasadena). 1996 at New York Theatre Workshop. Mr. Larson died unexpedtedly of an aortic aneurysm on YUNUS IYRIBOZ (Guitar) Los Angeles based January 25, 1996, ten days before his 36th guitarist and songwriter Yunus Iyriboz hails from birthday. the East Bay in Northern California. Born of Turkish heritage, Yunus fuses his cross-cultural KRISTEN BOULÉ (Director/Producer) is the upbringing into his unique, crafted musicality. He Founding President and Artistic Director of the has an eclectic guitar style encompassing blues, newly formed 2Cents Theatre Group at the rock, folk, jazz, RnB and traditional Balkan and Hudson Theatres in Hollywood. RENT marks Turkish music. Yunus is a recent graduate of the Boulé's third show at the Hudson, following last Herb Alpert School of Music program at The fall's unconventional "The Last Five Years" and California Institute of the Arts. her own "Dreams in Variation" in 2011. A filmmaker from Baltimore, Boulé is dedicated to COLIN WOODFORD (Drums) is an award- developing 2Cents as a unique community of winning composer, percussionist, instrument artists who find constant opportunity to create and builder, and improviser from Los Angeles. He is a explore. She is insanely grateful to the other KB, regular performer/composer at new music series’, Cody and the Board, for their incredible faith and and guest artist at museums and art galleries. In dedication, and to all the talented artists that addition, he has collaborated with dancers, inspire her constantly. She wouldn't have made it animators, and visual artists. Colin holds a BFA here if not for the undying support of her parents, in music from the California Institute of the Arts. and her sanity would be a lot less in tact if not for Juan, her own personal Angel. Directing RENT ALLISON HILL (Sound Designer/ Engineer) has rocked Boulé's world and she hopes you will has been a professional sound engineer for over 5 leave tonight changed as she was the first time she years at such places as the American Repertory experienced it more than a decade Theatre in Boston, Pepperdine University, and the ago... enjoy the shows! Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. Her (www.kboulepictures.com) previous sound design credits include Sunday in the Park With George, Seascape, and Seussicle. MORGAN FITCH (Musical Director, Bass She wishes to thank Shaunessy Quinn for solving Guitar) is a freelance multi-instrumentalist, all the problems, and wishes to express her composer, arranger, producer, and musical excitement to be working on her first show with director who has been living in Los Angeles since 2Cents Theatre Group. 2007. He has performed on stage with world renowned artists such as Micky Dolenz of the ABBIE HOCKER (Costumer) obtained a BA in Monkees, Faith Evans, Mario, Bobby Brown, Design/Technical Theatre from Oklahoma State Omarion, Brandy, Eric Benet, Chico Debarge, University, (Go Pokes!) where she worked on Michael Henderson, Ed Thigpen, Tyrese, Jimmy numerous productions as a costumer, scene Heath, and Papa Michigan, among others. designer and painter, stage manager, lighting Morgan was originally born and raised in designer and many other technical roles. Most Vancouver, Canada, and moved to LA to study at recently she has worked for Universal Studios the California Insitute of the Arts. Hollywood in the costume department. She is extremely excited to be involved in RENT and the The Good Boy (2011) and All Your Hard Work 2 Cents Company, and loved making Angel's (2012). www.KenWerther.com dress from a table cloth! NICHOLAS ACCIANI (Stage Manager) A DONNY JACKSON (Lighting Designer) Design native of NJ with a B.A. in Theatre and Film from work includes the premiere of the play Antwone Ramapo College of NJ, Nicholas is thrilled to be Fisher, based on the 2002 film, the West Coast working with this incredible cast and crew. Some premiere of the musical In The Heights and the technical credits include Stage Manager: Avenue benefit variety show Phenomenal, written and Q (DOMA Theatre), Gypsy (West Coast directed by singer, Macy Gray. He Holds an MFA Ensemble), God’s Favorite (Actor’s Co-Op) in lighting design from UCLA. CATS for Cats, A Celebrity Benefit (2011- www.DonnyJackson.com Orpheum Theatre); Props Master: Full Monty, Falsettos (Third Street Theatre); Assistant Stage ANDERSON WILLIAM (Set Development/ Manager: Big River (Actor’s Co-Op). Construction) jack of all trades, master of none. www.nicholasacciani.com Aside from telling stories through acting, writing, directing, producing, cinematography, KAYLA DUDENHOEFFER (Production photography, and songwriting, Anderson Assistant) recently graduated from Cal State thoroughly enjoys the storytelling aspect of set University of Northridge with a BA in Television design and carpentry. He is also a fine drinking Production where she worked as a director, buddy. He worked as an art director in the NY director of photography, 2nd assistant director and independent film scene for years and worked production designer on both fictional and along with the art department on the HBO series documentary projects. Currently working as a The Sopranos. Anderson has also built sets for freelance production assistant/assistant stage TV shows such as Fight Science and Sport manager she has worked on several short films Science on the Discovery Channel. Technical and theater productions. She is honored to be director at one of the biggest Haunted House involved with the extremely talented cast and attractions in the country, The Forest Of Fear in crew of Rent and 2Cents Company. NY. For the past seven years he has been the Head Rigger of both the Wadsworth and CODY LYMAN (Producer) As an actor, Cody Brentwood Theatres here in Los Angeles. This is has worked professionally in 37 States, mostly in the second show he has worked on with 2cents, the midst of an 8-year tour with the hit one-man- the first being The Last Five Years, and is excited show “Defending the Caveman”. Los Angeles about the quality productions coming to life with Stage Credits include Honus Wagner in “Honus this company. and Me” (Mainstage Theatre Co.), Luka in the North American Premier of “My Wife’s JENNIFER SCHWARTZ (Casting) Recent Husband” (Little Fish Theatre) and Julius Caesar productions include: The Vagina Monologues in “Julius Caesar” (Long Beach Shakespeare). As (producer/director); 3 Days, 3 Girls & An Angry a producer, he’s been amazed by the scope of this Asian Man (assistant director/producer/co- production. authored with Cathleen Meredith); Finding the Burnett Heart (producer/asst. director); Dreams in MIKE ABRAMSON (Producer) is thrilled to be Variation (producer); Acts on the Edge-One Acts working with 2Cents Theatre Company on their Festival (stage manager); A Flea In Her Ear (stage production of Rent, a musical which means so manager/assistant director). Jennifer is a graduate much to him having defined his generation. Mike of San Francisco State University. is currently the resident Producer and Director of Theatre Operations for DOMA Theatre Company KEN WERTHER (Publicity) Currently: The where he has garnered critical acclaim for several North Plan (Elephant), Through A Glass Darkly musicals including JEKYLL AND HYDE (LA (Collaborative Artists Ensemble), Weekly Critics Pic of the Week), XANADU (LA FleshEatingTiger (Highways), Translations WEEKLY GO), AVENUE Q (LA Times Critics (Coeurage Theatre Company), Peter Pan: The Boy Choice and Ovation Recommended) and Who Hated Mothers and Young Playwrights DREAMGIRLS (LA Times Critics Choice and Festival (The Blank Theatre), Mahmoud Ovation Recommended). Mike thanks Kristen (Whitefire Theatre), Love Songs (Chromolume Boulé and the entire 2Cents Theatre for this Theatre), Byron’s Theme (short film by Bennett opportunity and thanks Michael, Michelle, Erica, Barbakow and Michael Grant Terry). Schoen, Marco, Dolf, Leigh, Liz and Zeke for Personalities: Erich Bergen, Sheena Metal, Brian being so instrumental in his theatrical career. Beacock, AJ Jones, Mack & Poppy. Producer, SPECIAL THANKS
222 David Crawford Levi Lee-Simon Brad Ashten DOMA Theatre Company Michael Lovejoy Chairman Barnes Murry Hepner Brennan McClean Curt Bonnem The Hudson Theatres Zeke Rettman Alise & Michael Boulé Kevin Kurth Rock 'N Reilly's Irish Pub Joel Bryant Meron Langsner Westley Swihart Miguel Del Castillo Michael J Weithorn
indiegogo donors Danielle Bryan Beverly Haynes Frank Gallegos Alise Boulé Paul Buxton Isabel & Jack Sarah Greyson Phillip Fazio Sarah Derousseau Cynthia Lane Alexander Boulé Bill Downey Greg Faller Fran & John Bowman Marcia Rodd Amber Fochi Cory Shiffern Rick Vanthuyne Alexandra Heifetz Shi Ne Nielson Ericka Bigelow Ben Pronsky Dolores Lozano W. Joseph Anderson Lila Saint-Denis Julie Holmes Sharon McWilliams Nancy Saunders Rachel Wohl Patti Ann McGill Alison Siber Paul Perroni Jennifer Schwartz Crystal Smith Connelly LK Cotton NM Herbst K Schwarten Mark J Tessa Darbonne Asaf Buchner D Maturley Jordan Rohde Drue Delio
A note from the director..
When RENT opened on Broadway I was living in Columbia MD with my parents, just 12 years old and obsessed with the stage. I was part of a traveling young actors program, and when we performed "Santa Fe" as part of one of our cabarets, I joined a generation of RENT-heads in worshipping Jonathan Larson and his creation. When I later saw RENT for the first time on Broadway, I could already sing every lyric from "December" to "today", but I had no idea the further impact seeing it live would have on me. As a teenager I recognized the inevitable change that this show brings upon everyone who experiences it, an effect I would aspire to have and to give. And as life went on, this very concept, the desire to touch or impact emotions and opinions, became the heart of everything I do, the intended result of all I create.
A couple years ago I certainly wasn't anticipating a production of RENT, but when 2Cents Theatre formed in 2012, we knew we needed a blockbuster to introduce our new company, and it seemed clear that RENT was just the overly ambitious project to kick things off! But it wasn't until rehearsals began that it hit me… we're doing RENT!!?!!!? For many of us, this is truly a dream fulfilled, even if previously unrealized.
Everyone involved in our production has a story about why they are so connected to this show. And every story is unique and powerful. I am surrounded by a cast and crew of genuine, dedicated, passionate people who stand by me in my determination to change the face of LA theatre in the next six weeks. 'Cause you see, RENT is the kind of art that draws in those sorts of souls. It has no place for bullshit, for superficiallity, for malintentions. And it has been an enlightening experience for me seeing that sort of community come together.
2Cents was formed to build such a community, and I'm so incredibly pleased that we’ve already begun to do so. The intense financial struggles, the nights without sleep, the inevitable stress that a production like this is bound to create at such a young stage, all of it makes sense when you get to see the result. It's beautiful, it's inspiring, and I wish nothing more than for you to leave this theatre tonight feeling exactly as I did many years ago in New York… changed.
So forget regret, and enjoy the show! -Kristen Boulé