For the first time ever, East Tennessee will play host to the invigorating Broadway hit Rent as the famed musical takes Knoxville by storm.
Rent runs Friday, Feb. 22, through Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Civic Auditorium with three evening performances and two matinees.
According to Shelley Johansson of Shelton Communications, the play appeals to younger age groups like no other musical ever has.
“It’s a rock musical, and it’s album went platinum,” she said. “It’s a very uplifting story with heavy themes.”
Johansson, who has worked in the theatre, added that though Rent is appealing to today’s youth, it nonetheless “attracts a broad range of people, even those who are not traditional theatre viewers.”
Jean-nette Kellum, a junior at ETSU, is planning to attend the play.
Kellum first heard the music of Rent during a music appreciation class.
“The music is awesome, and since I have never seen the actual performance before, I’m really excited that it’s coming to Knoxville,” she said.
Rent’s songs incorporate dance, pop, salsa, R&B and rock and roll sounds.
Inspired by Puccini’s La Boheme, Rent follows the hopes and realities of a community of artists struggling in today’s world.
Since its world premier in 1996, Rent has received favorable reviews and continues to be a sold-out hit. It is the fifth musical ever to win both the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award.
The musical was written by the late Jonathon Larson, who died unexpectedly on Jan. 25, 1996, just hours after Rent’s final dress rehearsal off-Broadway.
It is directed by Michael Greif and features musical direction by Tim Weil, choreography by Marlies Yearby, set design by Paul Clay, costume design by Angela Wendt and lighting design by Blake Burba.
Rent is part of the “Best of Broadway”series, sponsored by The Knoxville-News Sentinel, WBIR-TV 10 and B-97.5. The series will continue with Cabaret and end with Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.
Tickets are available by contacting Tickets Unlimited at (865) 656-4444. Tickets range from $28.50 to $48.50, plus service charges.
For more information about Rent, log on to www.rentthetour.com.

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