Citing overwhelming demand, additional performances for the Brisbane and Melbourne seasons of RENT have been announced. Beginning with a pre-sale phase from today and general public sales set for Thursday,7 December 2023, these new shows mark a significant addition to the musical’s schedule. The Brisbane season is set to run from 27 January to 11 February 2024 at the Playhouse, QPAC, while the Melbourne stint will take place from 17 February to 7 March 2024 at the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne. Following these seasons, RENT will embark on a broader national tour, visiting cities such as Newcastle, Perth, and Canberra, with tickets already available for purchase.
RENT transports audiences to the lively streets of New York City’s East Village, depicting a world where dreams, friendships, and the power of love battle against adversity. The musical is known for its iconic songs like “Seasons of Love,” “Take Me or Leave Me,” and “La Vie Bohème”. More than just a musical, RENT celebrates life, love, and the resilience of the human spirit.
The legacy of Jonathan Larson’s RENT dates back to its Off-Broadway debut in 1996, where it rapidly gained global acclaim. The musical earned Larson multiple Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama – a rare feat for a music theatre work. Despite Larson’s untimely passing on the day of its public premiere, the enduring popularity of RENT stands as a tribute to his genius and the timeless message of “no day but today”.
The production team behind this new iteration of RENT comprises Director Shaun Rennie, Musical Director Andrew Worboys, and Choreographer Luca Dinardo. They have united a diverse cast of triple-threat performers to take on this iconic musical for 2024 Australian audiences. The cast includes Noah Mullins as Mark, a struggling documentary filmmaker, and Jerrod Smith as Roger, an HIV-positive musician grappling with heroin addiction. Martha Berhane stars as Mimi, with Calista Nelmes portraying Maureen, a spirited performance artist, and Thndo plays the role of Joanne, a strong-willed Harvard-educated lawyer. The ensemble also features Nick Afoa as Collins, Carl De Villa as Angel, and Tana Laga’aia as Benny, alongside the show’s smaller but vibrant ensemble cast.
For those interested in experiencing this landmark musical next year, detailed information on booking and pricing for the Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, and Canberra seasons are available via the show’s official website.
