Rent!

Tonight I am going to see the Erie Playhouse's production of Rent.

April 2009 I saw the traveling Broadway version, which featured original cast members (and stars in the movie version) Adam Pascall (Roger Davis) and Anthony Rapp (Mark Cohen).

I am sure the Playhouse will put on a wonderful production.

If you are not familiar with the musical, it follows a group of young artists who live in New York's East Village during the 1990s. Rent is a passionate story of friendship and love that challenges many tough subjects like AIDS, poverty, homophobia and drug addiction. Rent is a modern take on the opera La bohème, which was written by Giacomo Puccini in 1896. The show is the eighth-longest running on Broadway.

In addition to the dynamic cast on stage, the production will feature an original artwork from Erie artist Evan Everhart, who specializes in metal fabrication. The original sculpture is the centerpiece of the set design for the show and was made possible through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Following the closing performance of Rent, the sculpture will be installed in one of Erie's parks for the entire community to enjoy.

Beginning August 19 and ending August 28 there will be an ebay auction of one of the larger unique pieces created for the show by Evan. The large metal and glass MUSIC sign (click here to view) will be auctioned through ebay's Good Works program specifically designed for non-profits.

In addition to all that, I know three of the performers in the show. I think that adds to not only the entertainment value to me, but also the excitment building up to the show.

Local theater is wonderful.

Get out and support the arts!