It has been 30 years since the musical “Rent” made its Broadway debut.
This fall, to celebrate the event, the original cast are reuniting for a fund-raising event with a one-night concert.
The tickets for the show sold out very quickly; so, The League of Live Stream Theater will be streaming the event. Tickets are required for the event and are available at BroadwayCares.org. But have no fear, tickets are at a very reasonable price…it is a pay what you want event!
Thirty years ago Jonathan Larson brought a brand new musical to the Nederlander Theatre and Broadway. It featured modern music and went on to win Tony and Pulitzer Prize Awards, run for 12 years with over 5,000 performances, and release a cast album that went on to be certified double platinum for selling 2,000,000 copies.
The show debuted just one night after the death of Larson at the age of 35.
At the time Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jesse L. Martin, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Idina Menzel, Fredi Walker, and Taye Diggs were virtual unknowns to Broadway theater fans.
The festivities begin at 8pm on October 26 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on 46th Street.
Michael Greif will direct the gala event that features original band members Tim Weil, Kenny Brescia, Stephanie Mack, Jeff Potter, Daniel A. Weiss; along with original cast members and special guests. More performers will be announced as the performance date approaches.
Broadway Cares Executive Director Danny Whitman spoke on the hit musical via statement saying, “few works have captured the urgency, humanity, and resilience of a generation like ‘Rent’. Jonathan Larson provided a voice to communities and reminded us all of the power of compassion, care, and showing up for one another. We are proud to carry that legacy forward every day, providing lifesaving meals, medication, health care, and hope to people living with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses across the country. And through this extraordinary anniversary concert, that spirit of collaboration will translate into even more care and critical support for those who need it most today.”
The show’s sponsor ViiV Healthcare Head of enterprise communications Bithiah Lafontant added, “’Rent’s’ legacy is inseparable from the fight against HIV. In the 30 years since the show premiered, advances in HIV treatment—including long‑acting injectables—have transformed what’s possible, but the epidemic is far from over. ViiV Healthcare is proud to serve as presenting sponsor of this 30th anniversary Rent gala performance as a way to honor a powerful cultural legacy, while also calling attention to how far we still need to go.”
The one-time event will benefit Broadway Cares – a charity dedicated to helping artists with health issues including HIV/AIDS.