Wednesday, June 2, 2004

“Rent” returns: Another “Season of Love” at the Fox

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
lbianchi@ThecitizenNews.com

Save up your pennies. “Rent” is due at The Fabulous Fox Theatre. The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical inspired by Puccini’s “La Boheme” is back in Atlanta this week running through June 6. Since its opening night, February 13, 1996, the updated tale of bohemian life has been a smash hit. With nearly 30 songs, this non-stop music explosion rocks the house to the rafters.

Set in New York City’s East Village, “Rent” follows a group of young men and women struggling against the odds as their world is invaded by AIDS and a host of other modern dilemmas that band them together. Tender moments such as “Light My Candle” and “Seasons of Love” are contrasted with rousing numbers such as “La Vie Boheme”, a musical manifesto for the X, Y and Z generations. The action is dotted by a series of “Phone Mail” vignettes that are both telling and hilarious.

Jonathan Larson, the author of “Rent” died hours before the show’s final dress rehearsal on January 25, 1996 of an aortic aneurysm. Sadly, he was never to witness the growing success of his creation, giving the Broadway production an even more bitter-sweet flavor.

The Atlanta production features musical direction by Tim Weil, choreography by Marlies Yearby, set design by Paul Clay, costume design by Angela Wendt and lighting design by Blake Burba.

Weekday shows are at 8 p.m. while Saturday’s performances are 2 and 8 p.m. Sunday also includes a matinee at 2 with a final show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Fox Theatre box office or through Ticketmaster. For group sales phone the Fox Theatre Group Sales Office at 404-881-2000. Seats range in price from $28.50 to $52.50. For more information visit www.rentthetour.com

WHAT: “Rent”, the musical

WHERE: The Fabulous Fox Theatre, Atlanta

WHEN: June 1 through 6

HOW MUCH: $28.50 - $52.50

FOR MORE INFO: visit www.rentthetour.com