The cast of Rent at The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham
Michael Neri’s new production of the innovative American musical Rent will play five performances The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham at the end of this month.
The Old Rep run, which begins on Tuesday 26 July, follows a sneak preview of the production at Pride Birmingham on 28 May.
Directed and choreographed by Neri, who also produces, the new version of the hit show which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary features a cast of local professional actors
Inspired by Puccini’s opera La Bohème, Jonathan Larson’s critically acclaimed work won four Tony awards, six Drama Desk awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1996.
Commenting on his production, Neri said: “I adore the show and have wanted to produce and direct Rent since I was 16. The music itself is so beautiful. The story looks at relationships between lovers and friends and takes the audience on their journey. Every lyric in this show has a meaning; nothing is thrown away. I am privileged to have such an exceptional cast and creative team to bring Rent to life.”
The Birmingham cast includes Joe Ashman (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang); Ashleigh Aston (Pinocchio); James Edge (Jack and the Beanstalk); Timothy Gough (The Wedding Singer); Simon Hodson (Jesus Christ Superstar); Rhys Owen (Our House); Sophie Poulton (Aladdin); Jessica Singer (Date 1-10); Tom Tilley (The Producers) and Allys Wood (Much Ado About Nothing).
The creative team includes musical director Russell Painter, associate director Chloe Morton, associate choreographer Zailee Alexandra Parmenter and costume designer Cheryl Skidmore. Lighting design is by Charlie Morgan Jones and sound design is by Wild Edric Media.
Rent has book, music and lyrics by Larson, musical arrangements by Steve Skinner, original concept and additional lyrics by Billy Aronson, music supervision and additional arrangements by Tim Weil, and the dramaturg is Lynn Thomson.
Angela Thomas
SHARE THIS POST:
Comments are closed.