A season of love is about to rock the Sydney Opera House, with an exciting cast announced for the Harbour City’s brand new production of the musical that changed the course of Broadway as we know it – Jonathan Larson’s RENT.
A celebration of love, life, art and the resilience of the human spirit, RENT takes audiences to the vibrant streets of New York City’s East Village in the early ’90s, where young people navigate poignant social issues and dreams are born, friendships are tested, and the power of love prevails against all odds.
Fresh from his celebrated production of Guys & Dolls on Sydney Harbour, director Shaun Rennie has assembled some of Australia’s finest performers for this critically lauded production from Opera Australia and LPD Productions, which will make its debut in the Opera House’s Joan Sutherland Theatre from September 27.
Henry Rollo (The Rocky Horror Show) plays Mark, a struggling documentary filmmaker and best friend of Roger, an HIV-positive musician recovering from heroin addiction, who will be played by Harry Targett (Dear Evan Hansen). Kristin Paulse (Tina - The Tina Turner Musical) is Mimi, a reckless and passionate exotic dancer who lives only for today. The Voice finalist Calista Nelmes (Jesus Christ Superstar) reprises her award-winning performance of the spirited Maureen, current girlfriend of Joanne, a tough, headstrong Harvard-educated lawyer played by Imani Williams (Hadestown).
Philosophy teacher Collins, father figure and friend, is played by Googoorewon Knox (Hamilton) with Jesse Dutlow (& Juliet) in the role of Angel, a drag artist with a passion for life in the face of inevitable adversity. Benny, played by Tana Laga’aia (Jesus Christ Superstar), is the former friend and current landlord of Mark, Roger and Mimi.
Completing the cast are Carmel Rodrigues (Hairspray) with Anna Francesca Armenia, Kobe Brown, Sam Harmon, Lawrence Hawkins, Chad Rosete, Eliza Soriano, Stacey Thomsett, Bree Tipoki and Theodore Williams.
“I’m thrilled with the amazing cast for this new season of RENT,” said Rennie. “The depth of talent we have in this country never ceases to amaze me, and I thank all those who came in to audition for us. RENT thrives when populated with passionate, young artists, and I’m so proud of the company we’ve assembled – they all bring raw energy, talent, and heart. I can’t wait to get started.”
If you’ve been known to take up a hairbrush as a makeshift microphone and scream along to RENT bangers like ‘Take Me or Leave Me’ and ‘La Vie Bohème’, then you’ll be delighted to learn that there will be a special singalong performance on Thursday, October 23. Fans are encouraged to dress up in their “Bohemian best” for this one-night-only event, where the ’90s theatre kid energy will absolutely be beating louder than a bucket drum on a street corner.
Plus, if you want to nerd out on a whole other level, you can gear up for the season by booking in to see Opera Australia’s lavish production of Puccini’s La Bohéme at the Opera House (the classic opera that inspired RENT), playing between August 23 and September 20.
Tickets for RENT at the Sydney Opera House are on sale now. (Hot tip: book before July 1 to receive a 20 per cent discount.) Prices start at $49+bf, A Reserve is $139, and the best seats in the house are selling for $189. Group discounts are also available. Find info and book in at opera.org.au.
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