Now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio is the pop culture phenomenon that is ‘Rent.’ This original rock musical by Jonathan Larson runs until Sunday February 17 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733- 7258. ‘Rent’ is the story about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it is a re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème and follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven struggling young artists in Lower Manhattan’s East Village living under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Disclaimer: may contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

‘Rent’ is set in the East Village of New York City and begins on Christmas Eve as two roommates, Mark (Gavin Rohrer), a filmmaker and Roger (Robby French), a rock musician, are trying to produce a video “Tune Up A.” Their friend Tom Collins (Isidro Medina III), a gay anarchist professor at New York University, is on his way to surprise them at their apartment when he is mugged. Angel (Louie Canales) a cross-dressing street drummer presently out of drag finds and tends to him “You Okay Honey?” and they are instantly attracted to each other and find out that they are both HIV positive. The story continues throughout the year as the friends observe holidays including Valentine’s Day and Halloween. Their personal struggles and losses come full circle on Christmas the next year as the remaining friends gather in a final moment and resolve to enjoy whatever time they have left with each other because there is “no day but today” “Finale B.”

One of the reasons ‘Rent’ remains popular is because the characters are so relatable and the universal themes of love and hardships hit close to home and appeal to people of all ages. The message of joy and hope in the face of fear reminds people to measure their lives with love, which is the only thing that matters. Show highlights include “Light My Candle” when Mimi and Roger meet, “Today 4 U” when Angel first comes out in drag, “La Vie Bohème” at the café as the group celebrates their bohemian lifestyle and of course, “Seasons of Love” sung by the entire cast at the beginning of Act II. The urban themed set, the talented cast and ensemble and Courtnie Mercer’s choreography all work brilliantly together to bring this tragically beautiful story to life onstage. Overall, ‘Rent’-heads as well as newcomers will be sure to enjoy this must-see production. It is a timeless classic but the disclaimer above should be taken into consideration.

Upcoming special dates:
Education Nights -Thursday February 7
ASL Night (interpreters present) – Saturday February 9