Monday, December 26, 2011

RENT COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS GRAND PRIZE WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

Congratulations to Tammy W. from Wilton, Connecticut, the winner of our RENT Countdown to Christmas grand prize giveaway! Tammy will receive a 4-pack of tickets to RENT at New World Stages; a personalized and signed copy of the cast holiday photo; a Givenik.com Piggy Bank signed by the cast of RENT; and a Givenik pig keychain!

If you would like to purchase any of the RENT merchandise items given away during our Countdown to Christmas, please visit www.rentmerch.com.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR SPECIAL HOLIDAY SALE: $40 TICKETS TO RENT AND AVENUE Q!  THIS SALE ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2011.  

Click here to take advantage of this great offer!

For more information about the Off-Broadway production of RENT, visit www.siteforrent.com.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

GIVE IN TO LOVE

Merry Christmas!! The RENT Countdown to Christmas giveaways were our way of saying thanks to YOU, our most loyal fans of RENT. Please remember this holiday season to give in to love and give back to your community. Below are some charities that you can support through RENT:

BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS

Click here to watch a holiday message from some friends of Broadway Cares and please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

You can also support Broadway Cares through the purchase of tickets to RENT on Givenik.com. 5% of your ticket purchase will go back to Broadway Cares when you buy tickets through this link.

About Broadway Cares:
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grants making organization. By drawing upon the talents and generosity of the American theatre community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes and other critical illnesses across the United States. Since 1988, BC/EFA has raised more than $195 million dollars for critically needed services for people with AIDS and other serious illnesses. BC/EFA is the major supporter of seven programs at The Actors’ Fund - including the HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, The Dancers’ Resource and two supportive housing residences. BC/EFA also awards grants to more than 400 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide. www.broadwaycares.org

FRIENDS IN DEED

Support Friends In Deed through the purchase of tickets to RENT on Givenik.com. 5% of your ticket purchase will go back to Friends In Deed when you buy tickets through this link.

About the Friends In Deed:
Founded by Mike Nichols and Cynthia O’Neal in 1991, Friends In Deed -- The Crisis Center for Life-Threatening Illness -- has helped transform thousands of lives through a wide array of programs and services. It provides emotional and spiritual support for anyone diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening physical illnesses, caregivers of those who are ill, and anyone dealing with grief. Friends In Deed is the inspiration for the "Life Support" scene in the award-winning musical RENT. While writing the show, Jonathan Larson volunteered at Friends In Deed and attended meetings in support of his friends living with HIV/AIDS. ALL SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE. www.friendsindeed.org

JONATHAN LARSON® GRANTS

Support the Jonathan Larson Grants and the American Theatre Wing through the purchase of tickets to RENT on Givenik.com. 5% of your ticket purchase will go back to the American Theatre Wing when you buy tickets through this link.

About The Jonathan Larson Grants:
Jonathan Larson's dream was to infuse musical theatre with a contemporary, joyful, urban vitality. Although he did not live to see it happen, his dream was achieved through the phenomenal success of his musical RENT. The Jonathan Larson Grants were created with the understanding that without the grants that supplemented Jonathan's meager income, Jonathan might never have written Rent. The grants program was established 14 years ago as a place for individual creative theatre artists to turn to for financial support and encouragement. Initially given by the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation, these grants have recognized and supported more than eighty composers, lyricists, and librettists at the start of their careers. The Jonathan Larson Grants honor the talented creator of RENT and ensure that his spirit continues to inspire the future of American musical theatre. www.americantheatrewing.org/larsongrants

GIVENIK

Givenik.com is the only place on the web where you can get Broadway and Off-Broadway tickets and 5% is donated to your favorite charity.

Over 450 non-profits are part of Givenik.com, with more growing each day, including Broadway Impact, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Broadway Barks, Human Rights Campaign, God's Love We Deliver, Dress For Success Worldwide, Seeds of Peace, Maddie's Corner, North Shore Animal League, and many more!

Learn more at www.givenik.com.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

FINAL RENT COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

"Christmas bells are ringing... somewhere else. Not here."

For today's final giveaway, the grand prize package consists of:
  • four (4) tickets to the Off-Broadway production of RENT at New World Stages;
  • a personalized and signed copy of the cast holiday photo (see above); 
  • a Givenik Piggy Bank (Pignik) signed by the cast of RENT;
  • and a Givenik pig keychain!
We have hidden a special holiday icon (hint: see above) on www.siteforrent.com. Look closely... it could be anywhere on the website! Find the icon and click it to enter the final giveaway!

IT'S THE BEST DEAL EVER: $40* TICKETS TO RENT AND AVENUE Q! OFFER ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2011.

Now is the time to get great gifts and stocking stuffers for all your family and friends at an affordable price, or treat yourself to another visit to your favorite shows!

THREE EASY WAYS TO PAY:

1. ONLINE: For tickets to RENT, click here or visit BroadwayOffers.com and enter code RNHDFAN1. For tickets to AVENUE Q, click here or visit BroadwayOffers.com and enter code AQFANHD1.

2. BY PHONE: Call 212-947-8844 and mention code RNHDFAN1 for tickets to RENT or code AQFANHD1 for tickets to AVENUE Q.

3. IN PERSON: Bring a print-out of this e-mail to the New World Stages Box Office, 340 W. 50th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, in New York City. Click here for box office hours.

*Terms & conditions: Offer valid for select performances from January 2, 2012 to March 18, 2012. Offer not valid for Saturday evening performances, January 14-15, 2012, and February 18-19, 2012. Other blackout dates may apply. Regular prices $69.50 - $89.50. All prices include a $1.50 facility fee. Schedule and cast subject to change. Offer subject to availability. Normal service charges apply to online and phone orders. No exchanges or refunds. All sales are final. Cannot be combined with other offers. Not valid for prior purchases. Limit of 10 tickets per order. Offer expires December 31, 2011 but may be revoked at any time.

No purchase necessary to enter or win the Countdown to Christmas giveaway.

For more information about the Off-Broadway production of RENT, visit www.siteforrent.com.

Friday, December 23, 2011

RENT COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY #10

Happy Friday! Only two days until Christmas!! It's our next-to-last RENT Countdown to Christmas giveaway! One lucky fan will receive a RENT Diva T-shirt autographed by our Maureen, Annaleigh Ashford!

To enter today's giveaway, you must correctly answer this trivia question: When Annaleigh Ashford performed at "Broadway in Bryant Park" in August, what did she say was her charity of choice? (Hint: Visit Givenik.com's YouTube Channel for the answer!)

E-mail sweepstakes@siteforrent.com with the subject line: "This Diva Needs Her Stage." In the body of the e-mail, write your answer to the trivia question and please include your first & last name and city of residence.

Entries must be received by 11:59 PM EST, Friday, December 23, 2011. Limit one entry per person.

IT'S THE BEST DEAL EVER: $40* TICKETS TO RENT AND AVENUE Q! OFFER ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2011.

Now is the time to get great gifts and stocking stuffers for all your family and friends at an affordable price, or treat yourself to another visit to your favorite shows!

THREE EASY WAYS TO PAY:

1. ONLINE: For tickets to RENT, click here or visit BroadwayOffers.com and enter code RNHDFAN1. For tickets to AVENUE Q, click here or visit BroadwayOffers.com and enter code AQFANHD1.

2. BY PHONE: Call 212-947-8844 and mention code RNHDFAN1 for tickets to RENT or code AQFANHD1 for tickets to AVENUE Q.

3. IN PERSON: Bring a print-out of this e-mail to the New World Stages Box Office, 340 W. 50th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, in New York City. Click here for box office hours.

*Terms & conditions: Offer valid for select performances from January 2, 2012 to March 18, 2012. Offer not valid for Saturday evening performances, January 14-15, 2012, and February 18-19, 2012. Other blackout dates may apply. Regular prices $69.50 - $89.50. All prices include a $1.50 facility fee. Schedule and cast subject to change. Offer subject to availability. Normal service charges apply to online and phone orders. No exchanges or refunds. All sales are final. Cannot be combined with other offers. Not valid for prior purchases. Limit of 10 tickets per order. Offer expires December 31, 2011 but may be revoked at any time.

No purchase necessary to enter or win the Countdown to Christmas giveaway.

For more information about the Off-Broadway production of RENT, visit www.siteforrent.com.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

RENT COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY #9

It's our ninth RENT Countdown to Christmas giveaway! Today's prize is an autographed RENT poster! To enter the giveaway, visit RENT's Twitter profile.

IT'S THE BEST DEAL EVER: $40* TICKETS TO RENT AND AVENUE Q! OFFER ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2011.

Now is the time to get great gifts and stocking stuffers for all your family and friends at an affordable price, or treat yourself to another visit to your favorite shows!

THREE EASY WAYS TO PAY:

1. ONLINE: For tickets to RENT, click here or visit BroadwayOffers.com and enter code RNHDFAN1. For tickets to AVENUE Q, click here or visit BroadwayOffers.com and enter code AQFANHD1.

2. BY PHONE: Call 212-947-8844 and mention code RNHDFAN1 for tickets to RENT or code AQFANHD1 for tickets to AVENUE Q.

3. IN PERSON: Bring a print-out of this e-mail to the New World Stages Box Office, 340 W. 50th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, in New York City. Click here for box office hours.

*Terms & conditions: Offer valid for select performances from January 2, 2012 to March 18, 2012. Offer not valid for Saturday evening performances, January 14-15, 2012, and February 18-19, 2012. Other blackout dates may apply. Regular prices $69.50 - $89.50. All prices include a $1.50 facility fee. Schedule and cast subject to change. Offer subject to availability. Normal service charges apply to online and phone orders. No exchanges or refunds. All sales are final. Cannot be combined with other offers. Not valid for prior purchases. Limit of 10 tickets per order. Offer expires December 31, 2011 but may be revoked at any time.

No purchase necessary to enter or win the Countdown to Christmas giveaway.

For more information about the Off-Broadway production of RENT, visit www.siteforrent.com.

RENT COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY #8

Who wants to win a RENT hoodie?! It's today's prize for our RENT Countdown to Christmas giveaway!

HOW TO ENTER TODAY'S RENT COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY:
1. If you're not already, become a fan of RENT on Facebook by clicking the "Like" button.
2. Share the link to this page (RENT COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY #8) on your own Facebook profile.
3. Take a screenshot of your Facebook profile that shows you shared this link.
4. Send an e-mail to sweepstakes@siteforrent.com with the subject line: "I Want a RENT Hoodie" and attach your screenshot. In the body of the e-mail, please include your first and last name and city of residence.

Entries are due by 11:59 PM EST, Wednesday, December 21, 2011. One winner will be selected at random and contacted via e-mail on Thursday, December 22, 2011.

IT'S THE BEST DEAL EVER: $40* TICKETS TO RENT AND AVENUE Q! OFFER ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2011.

Now is the time to get great gifts and stocking stuffers for all your family and friends at an affordable price, or treat yourself to another visit to your favorite shows!

THREE EASY WAYS TO PAY:

1. ONLINE: For tickets to RENT, click here or visit BroadwayOffers.com and enter code RNHDFAN1. For tickets to AVENUE Q, click here or visit BroadwayOffers.com and enter code AQFANHD1.

2. BY PHONE: Call 212-947-8844 and mention code RNHDFAN1 for tickets to RENT or code AQFANHD1 for tickets to AVENUE Q.

3. IN PERSON: Bring a print-out of this e-mail to the New World Stages Box Office, 340 W. 50th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, in New York City. Click here for box office hours.

*Terms & conditions: Offer valid for select performances from January 2, 2012 to March 18, 2012. Offer not valid for Saturday evening performances, January 14-15, 2012, and February 18-19, 2012. Other blackout dates may apply. Regular prices $69.50 - $89.50. All prices include a $1.50 facility fee. Schedule and cast subject to change. Offer subject to availability. Normal service charges apply to online and phone orders. No exchanges or refunds. All sales are final. Cannot be combined with other offers. Not valid for prior purchases. Limit of 10 tickets per order. Offer expires December 31, 2011 but may be revoked at any time.

No purchase necessary to enter or win the Countdown to Christmas giveaway.

For more information about the Off-Broadway production of RENT, visit www.siteforrent.com.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

RENT COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY #7

RENT fans, it's our seventh Countdown to Christmas giveaway! Today's prize is an autographed RENT Playbill! To enter this giveaway, e-mail sweepstakes@siteforrent.com with the subject line: "Christmas Bells Are Ringing!" In the body of the e-mail, please include your first & last name and city of residence. Must enter by 11:59 PM EST, Tuesday, December 20, 2011.  Limit one entry per person.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR SPECIAL HOLIDAY SALE: $40 TICKETS TO RENT AND AVENUE Q!  THIS SALE ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2011.  

Click here to take advantage of this great offer!


No purchase necessary to enter or win the Countdown to Christmas giveaway.

For more information about the Off-Broadway production of RENT, visit www.siteforrent.com.

Monday, December 19, 2011

RENT COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY #6

Happy Monday, RENT fans! It's our sixth RENT Countdown to Christmas giveaway!  Today, we are giving away a RENT baseball cap.  To enter to win, visit twitter.com/rentoffbroadway and follow the instructions on the profile no later than 11:59 PM EST, December 19, 2011.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR SPECIAL HOLIDAY SALE: $40 TICKETS TO RENT AND AVENUE Q!  THIS SALE ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2011.  

Click here to take advantage of this great offer!


No purchase necessary to enter or win the Countdown to Christmas giveaway.

For more information about the Off-Broadway production of RENT, visit www.siteforrent.com.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

RENT HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER 2011

The company of RENT.  Photo by Joan Marcus.
Christmas bells are ringing!  Happy Holidays, RENT fans!  Please note the following changes for the remainder of December 2011 as well as New Year's Day:
  • Sunday, December 18 at 2 PM and 7:30 PM
  • Monday, December 19 at 8 PM
  • Added performance Tuesday, December 20 at 8 PM
  • Added performance Wednesday, December 21 at 2 PM
  • Wednesday, December 21 at 8 PM
  • Thursday, December 22 at 8 PM
  • Friday, December 23 at 8 PM
  • Saturday, December 24 at 2 PM
  • No performance Saturday, December 24 at 8 PM
  • No performances Sunday, December 25 at 2 PM and 7:30 PM
  • Added performance Monday, December 26 at 2 PM
  • Monday, December 26 at 8 PM
  • Added performance Tuesday, December 27 at 8 PM
  • Added performance Wednesday, December 28 at 2 PM
  • Wednesday, December 28 at 8 PM
  • Thursday, December 29 at 8 PM
  • Added performance Friday, December 30 at 2 PM
  • Friday, December 30 at 8 PM
  • No performances Saturday, December 31 at 2 PM and 8 PM
  • No performance Sunday, January 1 at 2 PM
  • Sunday, January 1 at 7:30 PM
Click here to buy tickets online.  For more information about the Off-Broadway production of RENT, visit www.siteforrent.com.

RENT COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY #5

Viva La Vie Bohème! Just one week to go until Christmas! Today is our fifth RENT Countdown to Christmas giveaway, and one lucky fan will receive a RENT La Vie Bohème logo T-shirt! To enter today's giveaway, click here and RSVP that you're "going" to "RENT Countdown to Christmas"! (If you have already done so, you are automatically entered into this drawing!)

Be sure to invite your friends to this Facebook event, as we count down the days to Christmas, continue the daily giveaways, and reveal our grand prize on Christmas Eve!

DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR SPECIAL HOLIDAY SALE: $40 TICKETS TO RENT AND AVENUE Q!  THIS SALE ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2011.  

Click here to take advantage of this great offer!


No purchase necessary to enter or win the Countdown to Christmas giveaway.

For more information about the Off-Broadway production of RENT, visit www.siteforrent.com.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

RENT PERFORMS ON CBS' THE EARLY SHOW

The Off-Broadway cast of RENT performed on CBS' "The Early Show" on Saturday, December 17, 2011. Click on the video players below to watch their appearance!

"Rent"


Interview featuring Matt Shingledecker (Roger) and Adam Chanler-Berat (Mark)


"Seasons of Love" featuring soloists Tamika Sonja Lawrence and Marcus Paul James


For more information about the Off-Broadway production of RENT, visit www.siteforrent.com.

Friday, December 16, 2011

RENT COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY #4

No day but today. It is our fourth RENT Countdown to Christmas giveaway! You could win a signed copy of RENT: The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Broadway Musical, the authorized libretto by Jonathan Larson. To enter this giveaway, e-mail sweepstakes@siteforrent.com with the subject line: "We won't be back before it's Christmas Day!" In the body of the e-mail, please include your first & last name and city of residence. Must enter by 11:59 PM EST, Saturday, December 17, 2011.  Limit one entry per person.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR SPECIAL HOLIDAY SALE: $40 TICKETS TO RENT AND AVENUE Q!  THIS SALE ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2011.  

Click here to take advantage of this great offer!


No purchase necessary to enter or win the Countdown to Christmas giveaway.

For more information about the Off-Broadway production of RENT, visit www.siteforrent.com.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

RENT COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY #3

Happy Friday, RENT fans! It's our third RENT Countdown to Christmas giveaway!

Parched? Today's prize is a RENT canteen! To enter this giveaway, visit RENT's Facebook fan page and follow the instructions on the wall.


DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR SPECIAL HOLIDAY SALE: $40 TICKETS TO RENT AND AVENUE Q!  THIS SALE ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2011.  

Click here to take advantage of this great offer!


No purchase necessary to enter or win the Countdown to Christmas giveaway.

For more information about the Off-Broadway production of RENT, visit www.siteforrent.com.

RENT COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY #2

Today is the second RENT Countdown to Christmas giveaway. Today's prize is a set of 2 RENT mugs! To enter the giveaway, visit RENT's Twitter profile.


DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR SPECIAL HOLIDAY SALE: $40 TICKETS TO RENT AND AVENUE Q!  THIS SALE ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2011.  

Click here to take advantage of this great offer!


No purchase necessary to enter or win the Countdown to Christmas giveaway.

For more information about the Off-Broadway production of RENT, visit www.siteforrent.com.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

JOIN THE RENT COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS!


Christmas bells are ringing! Join the RENT Countdown to Christmas and you could receive holiday prizes from the show! Keep an eye on Facebook today for the first Countdown to Christmas giveaway!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

EXCLUSIVE HOLIDAY PRE-SALE: $40* TICKETS TO RENT AND AVENUE Q

Before the general public hears about it, you – our most loyal fans of RENT – have an EXCLUSIVE PRE-SALE to the best deal ever: $40* tickets to the best musicals in NYC: RENT and AVENUE Q! Now is the time to get great gifts and stocking stuffers for all your family and friends at an affordable price, or treat yourself to another visit to your favorite shows!


THREE EASY WAYS TO PAY:

1. ONLINE: For tickets to RENT, click here or visit BroadwayOffers.com and enter code RNHDFAN1. For tickets to AVENUE Q, click here or visit BroadwayOffers.com and enter code AQFANHD1.

2. BY PHONE: Call 212-947-8844 and mention code RNHDFAN1 for tickets to RENT or code AQFANHD1 for tickets to AVENUE Q.

3. IN PERSON: Bring a print-out of this e-mail to the New World Stages Box Office, 340 W. 50th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, in New York City. Click here for box office hours.

*Terms & conditions: Offer valid for select performances from January 2, 2012 to March 18, 2012. Offer not valid for Saturday evening performances, January 14-15, 2012, and February 18-19, 2012. Other blackout dates may apply. Regular prices $69.50 - $89.50. All prices include a $1.50 facility fee. Schedule and cast subject to change. Offer subject to availability. Normal service charges apply to online and phone orders. No exchanges or refunds. All sales are final. Cannot be combined with other offers. Not valid for prior purchases. Limit of 10 tickets per order. Offer expires December 31, 2011 but may be revoked at any time.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

RENT HOLIDAY SCHEDULE CHANGE: WEEK OF NOVEMBER 21

The company of RENT.  Photo by Joan Marcus.
Happy Thanksgiving, RENT fans!  Please note the following changes for the week of November 21, 2011:
  • Monday, November 21 at 8 PM
  • Added performance Tuesday, November 22 at 8 PM
  • Added performance Wednesday, November 23 at 2 PM
  • Wednesday, November 23 at 8 PM
  • No performance Thursday, November 24 at 8 PM
  • Added performance Friday, November 25 at 2 PM
  • Friday, November 25 at 8 PM
  • Saturday, November 26 at 2 PM and 8 PM
  • No performances Sunday, November 27 at 2 PM and 7:30 PM
Click here to buy tickets online.  For the complete 2011 holiday schedule, visit www.siteforrent.com.

Friday, November 18, 2011

REGIS, THANK YOU FOR THE LOVE

On November 18, 2011, the Off-Broadway cast of RENT paid a special, surprise tribute to Regis Philbin on his final show as co-host of "Live! with Regis and Kelly."



The cast of RENT in rehearsal

The cast of RENT in rehearsal

The cast of RENT in rehearsal

Annaleigh Ashford (Maureen) and Corbin Reid (Joanne) get ready backstage

The cast celebrates Regis Philbin's final show

RENT is playing at New World Stages (340 W. 50th Street) in New York City. Visit www.siteforrent.com for more information.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

FROM OUR OFFICIAL RENT BLOGGER: WHY DO YOU LOVE RENT?

During the summer of 2010, I was lucky enough to be cast as Roger in a production of RENT. Unbeknownst to me, I was about to embark on a journey that would solidify my love for RENT, and its ability to create beautiful friendships and relationships with its amazing message. It turned out to be one of the best summers of my life.

I've always liked RENT, but that magical summer was what did me in. The power of being in the show itself is like nothing I've ever experienced. I developed some amazing friendships with the cast and crew, and even met my current girlfriend – a fellow cast member. I cried like a baby when we closed. Before that I had NEVER cried closing a show, nor have I done since.

Since then, I've been trying to recapture the electricity I experienced during that production. ("How could a night so frozen be so scalding hot?") I recently suggested we throw a fundraiser where we would perform a concert version of the show. Our cast would reunite for a few nights to raise money for our community theater.

After sharing my ideas with the cast, a former member told me that she thought I was obsessing over RENT. She called me crazy for loving RENT as much as I did, and for trying to relive the magic of the original production we had created together.

At first I felt embarrassed. Maybe I was taking this RENT thing a bit too far. It's JUST a show, right?

In thinking some more, I've realized no, it's not just a show. RENT is a medium. It's a medium through which connections, relationships, and memories can be made. I love it more than just its story or its songs – I love RENT for its overarching message of love, friendship and acceptance, and for its ability to evoke such strong emotions, in both its performers and audience members alike.

For me, it's like a photo album that rekindles old feelings. Some of my fondest memories are associated with RENT, and the life-changing experience I had performing it.

Everyone is passionate about the good memories in their life. I'm curious to hear about the memories you associate with RENT. Why do you think you love this show? Is it greater than the sum of its parts? Sound off in the comments section.

Oh, and in case you wanted to know what I looked like as Roger, here are a few pictures…





Monday, November 14, 2011

THE 2011 RENT HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EXTRAVAGANZA SPECTACULAR!

On Monday, December 5th, the cast of the current Off-Broadway production of RENT will present their “2011 RENT HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EXTRAVAGANZA SPECTACULAR.” A benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the event will take place at New World Stages at 11 PM. The cast invites you to “come enjoy an evening of holly jolly follies and magical musical mayhem, as the cast presents a classic holiday pageant!” Members of the cast will perform seasonal favorites such as “White Christmas” and “The Dreydl Song”, as well as comedy sketches and scenes from classic holiday movies. All proceeds will go directly to BC/EFA.

Advance tickets are $15.00, with tickets available at the door for $20.00. A special VIP ticket package is available for $50.00, which includes reserved seating, drink service at your table and a RENT Playbill signed by the entire company. To reserve tickets in advance, email RSVP@newworldstages.com. Visit www.siteforrent.com for more information.

The current cast of RENT includes Annaleigh Ashford, Margot Bingham, Adam Chanler-Berat, Nicholas Christopher, Arianda Fernandez, Marcus Paul James, Tamika Sonja Lawrence, Corbin Reid, MJ Rodriguez, Matt Shingledecker, Ephraim Sykes, Ben Thompson, Michael Wartella, Morgan Weed, Sean Michael Murray, Xavier Cano, and Genny Lis Padilla.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

ACTUAL REALITY - ACT UP - FIGHT AIDS


The Company of RENT. Photo by Joan Marcus.
DONATE TO BROADWAY CARES

The Off-Broadway company of RENT is currently raising money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. For those fans who are attending RENT at New World Stages through December 4, 2011, autographed Playbills and posters are available with a donation to Broadway Cares.

If you cannot attend in person, please consider an online donation through RENT’s fundraising page on broadwaycares.org. What we do together truly makes a difference!

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN

Carols for a Cure 13 is now available for purchase and features the cast and band of RENT performing “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”

Click here to purchase the 2-CD set of Carols for a Cure today.

Monday, October 24, 2011

RENT HOLIDAY SCHEDULE CHANGE: WEEK OF OCTOBER 31

The company of RENT.  Photo by Joan Marcus.
RENT fans, there will be no performance at New World Stages on Monday, October 31.  Have a Happy Halloween – it's Angel's favorite holiday!

A special 2 PM matinee performance of RENT will take place on Wednesday, November 2, 2011! Click here for tickets!

For the complete 2011 holiday schedule, visit www.siteforrent.com.

Monday, October 3, 2011

TODAY 4 U TICKET OFFER AND GIVEAWAY



$40 TICKETS

4 WEEKS ONLY


Starting today (Tuesday, October 3), see RENT at New World Stages for just $40! To get tickets at this special price, visit the box office at New World Stages the day you want to see the show and mention the “TODAY 4 U ticket offer to RENT”, or show a print-out/mobile screen of this page. This special offer is ONLY available at the box office the day of the show. Cash only. First come, first served. Offer ends Sunday, October 30, 2011.

Help spread the word about this TODAY 4 U ticket offer to RENT, and you could WIN prizes from the show!

Photo by Joan Marcus.
PRIZE GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
One instant winner will receive a RENT Playbill autographed by the current Off-Broadway cast.
• WINNER: Madelyn D.

Two winners (selected by random draw) will receive a pair of tickets to RENT at New World Stages and an autographed RENT Playbill.
• WINNER #1: Aileen R.
• WINNER #2: Sarah L.

One grand prize winner (selected by random draw from all entries) will receive a 4-pack of tickets to RENT at New World Stages and an autographed RENT poster!
• WINNER: Cristina S.

HOW TO ENTER THE TODAY 4 U GIVEAWAY:
1. If you're not already, become a fan of RENT on Facebook.
2. Share the TODAY 4 U TICKET OFFER AND GIVEAWAY link on your own Facebook profile.
3. Take a screenshot of your Facebook profile that shows you shared this link.
4. Send an e-mail to sweepstakes@siteforrent.com with the subject line: "TODAY 4 U.” and attach your screenshot. In the body of the e-mail, please include your first and last name and city of residence. Winners will be contacted by e-mail.
5. Want multiple chances to win? If your screenshot for the entry period of each drawing shows that your Facebook friends shared the link you posted, you will get bonus entries for each share! HINT: You may want to wait until Sunday night to enter each of the three drawings!

No purchase necessary to enter or win the TODAY 4 U giveaway. Must be a legal resident of the U.S. or Canada (excluding the province of Quebec) to win. Transportation and lodging in New York City are the sole responsibility of the first place and grand prize winners. Limit one e-mail entry per drawing period. If, for any reason, multiple entries are submitted during the same entry period, only the first e-mail will be counted as an entry for that entry period. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received.

Friday, September 9, 2011

NEW BLOCK OF RENT TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Adam Chanler-Berat as "Mark" and the company of RENT.  Photo by Joan Marcus.
Tickets to RENT at New World Stages are now on sale for performances through May 27, 2012! For more information, click on the "Ticket Information" link at the top of this page, or visit www.siteforrent.com.

Friday, September 2, 2011

OFFICIAL RENT BLOGGER INTERVIEWS ANDY SEÑOR JR.

Hello folks!

First of all, I hope all my fellow RENTheads living along the East Coast are safe and sound following Hurricane Irene. I realize this weekend was pretty scary for a lot of people, so I hope this blog post finds you well.

In decidedly happier news, I had the chance to shoot off some questions at Andy Señor Jr., former Angel and Michael Greif’s assistant for the new production. He had a lot of interesting things to say about the show's new life at New World Stages in New York City...

Andy Señor Jr.
PAUL: You played in RENT on Broadway at the Nederlander, and now you're involved on the technical side of things in this Off-Broadway revival. One, what made you return to the show? And two, which do you like better: on-stage, or backstage?

ANDY: After being in RENT for so many years with five different companies I'm thrilled to be part of the creative team assisting Michael Greif. I have always wanted to direct as part of the future vision I had for myself. When the opportunity came along I really felt so lucky. It’s a very easy transition to begin this journey with a show and team I know so well. It felt like a perfect fit. Onstage or offstage, I think many people who have worked on this show in any capacity can say that it is very special experience. I love being able to watch the actors discover the show for the first time as I once did. It's a beautiful thing!

PAUL: With the announcement of this revival, my (and many other RENTheads') initial reaction was "Already!?" What were your thoughts on the announcement of a revival, and did you feel it was too soon?

ANDY: It's never too soon for RENT. People want to see this show. People love it.

PAUL: We're seeing a common thread throughout this production. We have the return of Michael Greif to the director's seat, Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum and Allan Gordon producing again, Angela Wendt doing costumes, etc. What do you think of the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" mentality?

ANDY: I don’t think anything is being fixed, but rather explored. I think it’s great that we get to return and see the show again from a different perspective. We get to listen with fresh ears and eyes and go on a journey as if for the first time.

PAUL: Though we do see a lot of familiar faces during this revival, as you've mentioned, this is very much a new staging, and a new production. What are some of the new aspects of the show that excite you the most?

MJ Rodriguez as Angel.
Photo by Joan Marcus.
ANDY: Being a former Angel, I LOVE MJ's Angel in this production. I love the costume and the interpretation. I think it's spot on. On a minor detail...I love all the candles flickering throughout the show. It feels like one big memorial. It's also exciting to get to see the show! I've always been onstage!

PAUL: RENT obviously takes place in a much different New York than the one we see today. How do you bring RENT to a new generation and still make it relevant?

ANDY: How? You just do. The show is written with so much truth and love...two things that can never be outdated.

PAUL: I've talked with Drew Hodges and Jeffrey Seller, and they are both fans of I'll Cover You and the Reprise, and they both have a particular fondness for Collins. So, I must ask, what is Andy Señor Jr.'s favorite character/song, and why?

ANDY: I love Roger. I love his willingness to continue to want to create something lasting and impacting despite the circumstances he faces. It takes something to still be willing to pick up a guitar and write a song. There must be an undercurrent of hope and life still inside. I think that’s beautiful. That’s what I love about the show. I feel that all the characters do this.

PAUL: And for favorite song?

ANDY: I love Without You. Why? Because it's humanity never fails to move me.

I want to give a big Thank You to Andy for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk with me. And for you reading, be sure to keep checking back here for more great interviews with the cast and creative team!

Paul

Click here to view Andy's photos of the RENT cast in rehearsal. (You must log in to Facebook to see these photos.)

Follow Andy on Twitter: @andysenorjr

Monday, August 29, 2011

RENT IS BACK HOME



Enter to win a pair of tickets to RENT at New World Stages! Visit www.facebook.com/everythingisrent for details.

Now through September 4, 2011, buy tickets to RENT and save! Click here to take advantage of this special offer.

Friday, August 26, 2011

RENT PERFORMANCES CANCELED AUGUST 27 AND 28, 2011

RENT has canceled the Saturday, August 27th and Sunday, August 28th performances at New World Stages due to expected extreme weather, and the related shutdown of New York City transit. Please contact your point of purchase to exchange your tickets for another date.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

THE JOURNEY BEGINS FOR YOUR OFFICIAL RENT BLOGGER

I woke up around 5:00 am E.S.T. after a night of barely any sleep. I grabbed my luggage and suits and threw them into my car. After passing an accident that involved a big rig and a moose, I met up with my friend, Katie and we were on our way. Yes, I was going from one of the most rural towns in America to NYC, the urban/artistic center of the world. Fish out of water? You could say that.

We arrived at the beautiful Roger Smith Hotel prior to our room being ready, but a meeting with Drew Hodges at 3pm meant I needed to be ready now. So imagine, if you will, two hicks from Maine changing out of their travel clothes and trying to quickly put on a decidedly nicer attire in the bathroom of a fancy hotel in NYC. Oh the things I'll do for you, RENT.

We burst out of the front doors of the hotel, looking as nice as one could look by Maine standards, and I took the first steps on my journey as your RENT blogger.

The next day, I stood inside New World Stages with excitement pumping through my veins. I grabbed my camera and began interviewing people outside the theater. (This video would've been posted, had the audio not been messed up.) I met Kristy and Terry from New Brunswick, and three people who had just met through their love of the show. (One guy was from Ireland.) Before I could find someone else to barrage with questions, the doors swung open and the crowd, including me, made their way into the theater.

The stage for the RENT revival is very reminiscent of its predecessor, but gone is the monument of steel that sat proudly on Stage Left. The set is dark and intricate; a mass of scaffolding spreads out and hugs the entirety of the stage. It works. Roger strolls onto stage with his guitar in hand, just like he always did, and the show begins… on Christmas Eve.

RENT is very much the same show. The new musical arrangements will be hard for even the RENTiest of RENTheads to put their finger on… Which is a good thing. The occasional changed or dropped lyric will jar your attention, but that's because we've all listened to the old arrangements thousands of times. A RENT virgin will have no clue that anything was changed. And when you think about the changes critically, you can understand why they were made.

The costumes are new, but recall the same aesthetic feel as the originals. Mark's glasses and sweater have been turned in for a beanie and a plaid shirt; the latter of which recalls Mark's old jacket. Angel's costumes are the most drastically changed. The Santa outfit has been replaced with a costume that makes him look more like a tree ornament, and his Pussy Galore has never looked better. I could go on and on about all the changes, but I don't want to ruin them for anyone.

Jonathan Larson wrote RENT as an ode to his friends living in NYC, some struggling with AIDS. So, the attention grabber of the night was the characterization of Mark… He. Was. Jon. Look up videos of Jon playing his piano on YouTube. Those mannerisms and charismatic qualities were all funneled into our narrator. I applaud the direction, but also the fantastic work done by Adam Chanler-Berat. It was the most wonderful and beautifully poetic thing I took away from this show. It just seemed right.

In my opinion everything about the RENT revival seems right. The cast, the costumes, the set, the sound, the lighting, the direction… EVERYTHING is spot on. Michael Greif said that with so little time between RENT's run at NYTW and its move to Broadway, things that he wanted to update and improve in the show were impossible due to the time constraints. RENT on Broadway was very much the same show it was at NYTW.

But now, it seems with RENT returning to its roots, that this is the best way to see it. Its own sentimentality and newly injected energy sends it over the top. I was sad to think of RENT no longer being what I knew it to be when I saw it those years ago, but that chapter is over. It lives on in our memories, and in our DVD collections.

RENT's new life is something I'm very excited for, and you should be too. RENT opens today. If you are reading this, you NEED to experience it. I promise you won't regret it.

Paul

www.siteforrent.com