OFFICIAL RENT BLOGGER INTERVIEWS PRODUCER JEFFREY SELLER

Official Blogger, Paul, recently sat down with Jeffrey Seller to talk about the new Off-Broadway production of RENT, now playing at New World Stages. Watch Paul's interview with Jeffrey to find out more about why RENT is back in New York City and which song from RENT is Jeffrey's favorite!



Look out for more interviews soon! For tickets and information about RENT, please visit www.siteforrent.com.

A WORD FROM YOUR OFFICIAL RENT BLOGGER

In short, I'm an acting, singing, guitar playing, theater guy, who has green eyes, straight teeth, and bites his finger-nails. I discovered RENT in January of 2005. I was given tickets to a touring cast for Christmas by my dad's then-girlfriend's mom. (Get all of that?) I went into the theater not knowing anything about the show or the music. I was going to be a blank canvas for RENT to make an impression on.

I sat quietly in my seat as the play unfolded before me. After the last note rang out, and the house lights came up I stood with the rest of the audience for the standing ovation, but, I had made my decision... I didn't like it.

You're probably thinking, "WHAT!? -- How can this CLOWN be MY official RENT Blogger?"

Well, I'll tell you. It just so happens that during intermission I was still undecided about the show, so, using some leftover Christmas cash, I bought the cast recording.

I listened to that 2-CD set (that I'm sure you probably own) occasionally, but I never really heard it, or listened to its message. I never really gave RENT my full attention until my great grandmother died 2 months later.

"Great Nana" was a wonderfully kind and loving woman. (One of those "living saint" types.) We were very close, and her sudden death took a huge toll on me. She was the first person to die that I was very close to, and it was her death that opened my eyes and ears to RENT's message.

The songs took on a whole new life and meaning. "Measure your life in love." "No Day But Today." "Forget Regret." Every word resounded within me now, and Jonathan Larson's music elevated my spirits and helped me through one of the hardest times of my life. I've been a RENThead ever since.

I'm not a RENThead because of the number of times I've seen the show. (My count is at four: two touring casts, and twice in NYC.)

I'm not a RENThead because I own the movie, or any other amount of merchandise. (A keychain, a button, and a T-shirt.)

I'm not even a RENThead because I know all the lyrics to the songs.

I'm a RENThead, because like you, RENT has touched me in a very special way. I believe in RENT's fundamental message, and it makes me a better person. That's why, if you're reading this, you're a RENThead too.

Welcome to our brand new site for this exciting new production of RENT in New York City. I'm so happy to be your Official Blogger, and I can't wait to share my love of RENT with you. (And vice versa)

No Day But Today,
Paul

RENT REDUX

Click here to read Dance Magazine's feature on RENT's choreographer, Larry Keigwin!

For tickets and more information about the show, visit www.siteforrent.com.

BIGGEST RENTHEAD CONTEST WINNER VISITS NYC!

Paul A, winner of the "Biggest RENThead Contest" and our official blogger, came to New York City earlier this week to see the first preview performance of RENT at New World Stages and also interview members of the cast and creative team! Be sure to subscribe to this blog for Paul's entries!

Special shout-out to the Roger Smith Hotel for providing hotel accommodation for Paul during his stay.

The Roger Smith is a hub for social media in NYC. People. Art. Food. Wine. For Special Twitter rates on Rooms, click here.

Read the Roger Smith Blog: www.rogersmithlife.com

www.rogersmith.com

WE BEGIN.

Preview performances of RENT at New World Stages begin tonight, July 14! Visit www.siteforrent.com for tickets and more information!

RENT LOTTERY DETAILS

RENT will sell 16 seats via a lottery for each performance at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street). The tickets will be $25, cash only. All tickets include a $1.50 facility fee.

Names will be collected in front of the Box Office (outside on 50th Street) from the beginning of the lottery until drawing time. Limit one (1) entry per person, each person may win up to two (2) tickets. Must be present at the time of the drawing to win. Must present valid photo ID to purchase tickets.

The lottery will take place at the below times:

Monday: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM (names drawn at 6:30 PM)
Tuesday: Dark
Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM (names drawn at 6:30 PM)
Thursday: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM (names drawn at 6:30 PM)
Friday: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM (names drawn at 6:30 PM)
Saturday: Noon – 12:30 PM (names drawn at 12:30 PM)
Saturday: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM (names drawn at 6:30 PM)
Sunday: Noon – 12:30 PM (names drawn at 12:30 PM)
Sunday: 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM (names drawn at 6:00 PM)

Lottery procedure subject to change.