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r2p logo120The groundbreaking , Tony Award-winning Broadway classic "Rent" comes to vivid life in the Running to Places (R2P) production of the School Edition, July 6-17 at the Kitchen Theatre Company, 417 W. State St, Ithaca.

"The motto of the Kitchen Theatre Company is 'bold, intimate, engaging,' says R2P artistic director Joey Steinhagen. "It's the perfect venue for 'Rent,' which is certainly all of those things." The production is part of the Kitchen Theatre Company's Kitchen Sink Series, which is supported in part by CFCU.

While this show has been adapted for performance by non-adult actors (mostly by the removal of the song "Contact,") it contains mature situations, strong language, drug and alcohol use, and themes of sex and sexuality, and may not be suitable for the youngest audience members.

The story is a tapestry of the struggles and dreams of a group of friends in New York's East Village. It's Christmas Eve and roommates Mark (Max Avramis), an emotionally isolated filmmaker, and aspiring musician Roger (Michael Sloan) are served an ultimatum by their former friend turned landlord, Benny (Elijah Speight): pay last year's rent or get out. Defiant, they're joined by their friends, including drag queen Angel (Jack Honig) and anarchist professor Collins (Howard Kraskow), who despite their positive HIV statuses, choose to love and live while they can. Also in the landlord fight are crusading lawyer Joanne (Niaa Dowell) and performance artist Maureen (Ilana Wallenstein) with their fiery romance, and drug-addicted exotic dancer Mimi (Elisheva Glaser) who's trying for a relationship with Roger, despite fears of intimacy in the time of AIDS. Their stories sweep through a year of creation, death, laughter and hope that fuse into a tribute to the power of love.

"'Rent' is very much set in its time period, shedding a light on the AIDS epidemic and the experiences of people in the 90's," says Steinhagen, "and yet, the feelings in the show are timeless and universal."

Mirroring the story of "Rent" itself and holding true to the company's "running to places" name, the show has been designed as though the cast had been looking around for a place to hold the production and happened to find the door to the Kitchen Theatre unlocked.

"It's as though we invaded and took over, and now we are squatting in this space," laughs Steinhagen. "The set incorporates simple platforms and dropcloths, as if that was how the Kitchen left it when they ended their season." That sensibility is reinforced by scenic designer Deborah Drew, costume designer Liz Woods, lighting designer Kathleen Taylor, and sound designer Dan Paolangeli.

With virtually no dialogue, the show's powerful music tells the story. It won a Tony Award for its score, while "Seasons of Love" became a pop hit of its own. "'Rent' relies on its singers, and this cast will wow the audience with their skill and emotional intensity," says music director Jeremy Pletter. "It's a true ensemble production."

NYC choreographer Tucker Davis brings an urgency and pathos to the dancing, particularly with ensemble numbers like "La Vie Boheme," masterfully using the Kitchen's limited space to full effect. Fatima Sowe serves as assistant choreographer.

Performance Dates: Wed, July 6 at 7:00pm Thurs, July 7 at 7:00 pm Fri, July 8 at 7:00 pm Sat, July 9 at 7:00 pm Sun, July 10 at 2:00 pm Wed, July 13 at 7:00 pm Thurs, July 14 at 7:00 pm Fri, July 15 at 7:00 pm Sat, July 16 at 7:00 pm Sun, July 17 at 2:00 pm

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