Photo Credit: Aubrey Pham
Arkansas Tech University Theatre is bringing the energy of New York’s East Village to campus with its upcoming musical production of “RENT.” The show opens Nov. 7 in the Techionery Theater, with additional performances Nov. 8 and Nov. 9.
Ticket prices and show times are to be announced.
The rock musical set in New York’s Lower East Side in the late 80s tells the story of young artists and musicians struggling to survive and chase their dreams under the shadow of the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Cindy Reynolds, former acting coach and director of the production, said she was drawn to “RENT” as many elements of the musical parallel her own life.
“I’m very passionate about this play… it encapsulates all kinds of things from the 1980s, especially the AIDS crisis. That was my first decade there in New York City and it was near and dear to my heart,” Reynolds said.
While ATU’s theatre program is best known for its production of straight plays a performance that solely relies on spoken dialogue its upcoming musical is designed to bring excitement to both performers and audience members, while offering a chance to showcase the department’s versatility.
Zack Baldwin, a sophomore theatre and film communications major from Russellville who plays the lead character Roger, said he likes that the department is branching out with a musical this semester because it can reach a wider audience.
He added there is an extra layer of entertainment now that the cast members can add catchy music and dance numbers to their performance.
“I believe everyone fills their role perfectly and I know that this cast is very talented, so it’s going to be a joy as a fan of the Broadway musical to bring this show to life,” Baldwin said.
Cast of “RENT”
- Mark: Zach Jimerson
- Roger: Zack Baldwin
- Collins: Marcus Giles
- Angel: Benjamin Mathney
- Benny: Ethan Carr
- Mimi: Kenleigh Garner
- Joanne: Rue Recinos
- Maureen: Emma Guill
Chorus and understudies
- Brock Snider
- BJ Walton
- Charlie Randall
- Kaley Jones
