Local thespians return to the stages of Livingston and Bozeman with a trip to 1980s New York this month. The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts presents the 30th anniversary production of Jonathan Larson’s RENT through March 8th, before moving to The Ellen Theatre for performances from March 13th through March 22nd.
RENT made its world premiere thirty years ago last month, on February 13th, 1996, at the New York Theatre Workshop where it transformed American musical theatre. Created by the late Jonathan Larson, the show was nominated for ten Tony Awards, winning four – including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Featured Actor and Best Original Score – and became one of the only musicals in history to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It has since been translated into twenty-five languages and performed around the world.
With its groundbreaking rock score and unapologetically diverse cast of characters, RENT focuses on the stories of marginalized communities at a time when such narratives were rarely seen on commercial stages. It fused musical styles not traditionally heard on Broadway, and helped reintroduce contemporary music into mainstream theatre culture.
Thirty years later, Larson’s message continues to resonate. RENT explores love, loss, friendship, creativity and resilience in the face of uncertainty. Its enduring anthem, “No day but today” reminds audiences that life is fragile and fleeting, urging us to live fully, love deeply, and let go of regret before life passes us by.
“Bringing RENT to both Livingston and Bozeman during its 30th anniversary feels so meaningful,” said Erika Adams, Executive Director of Shane Center. “This production celebrates not only an iconic work of art, but the power of community, and above all love. At its heart, RENT is about connection, about showing up for one another. Artistic Director, Russell Lewis has put together an incredible group of actors and I’m so excited to share this story with our community.”
RENT runs weekends through March 22nd. Performances take place in the Shane’s Dulcie Theatre and Bozeman’s Ellen Theatre. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, with Sunday matinees to follow at 3pm. An additional 7:30pm performance will be held March 19th at the Ellen. Tickets are on sale now. Make reservations through www.theshanecenter.org and www.theellentheatre.com, or call the box office at (406) 222-1420 or (406) 585-5885.
RENT is generously sponsored by Carol Lalani in memory of Sal Lalani, Yellowstone Valley Lodge & Grill, Livingston’s ACE Hardware, Michael and Sharon Beehler, Dan Rust and Sarah Skofield, State Farm, Livingston’s First Interstate Bank, and Colin & Seabring Davis. •
