PHOTOS: Rent Live At The Olde Walkerville Theatre

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“No day but today,” the cast shouted as the lights went low on the stage, wrapping up their 5th show since opening on October 9th.

Director Chris Rabideau and Production Manager Moya McAlister expressed their excitement and love of Rent, a rock musical written by Jonathan Larson.

Loosely based on the opera “La bohème,” Rent shows the story of struggling artists trying to survive HIV/AIDS in the East Village of New York City.

“To those who are still fighting the AIDS battle, or who has died during the fight,” announces Rabideau, “this show is for them. This show is for you.”

Chris Rabideau and Moya McAlister

The musical ran for 12 years before closing on Broadway, and won 3 Tony Awards upon its release. In 2005, it was adapted into a movie starring some original cast members, and some larger names like Rosario Dawson, Taye Diggs and Idina Menzel.

Rachel Westfall Gaddy, Avonlea Smith, Jake Flynn

Rachel Westfall Gaddy and Jake Flynn

Kuuku Quagraine

Shayla Hudson and Joseph Coccimiglio

Alexa Wade

Rabideau has celebrated Arts Collective Theatre’s second Student Intensive program by present the 20th anniversary of Rent. “Everyone involved in this event are students — from music to actors to production,” recalls McAlister.

Avonlea Smith and Tony Coates

Avonlea Smith

Joseph Coccimiglio and Shayla Hudson

Arts Collective Theatre even brought in Adam Pascal, original cast member of Rent on Broadway (and film adaption), to give feedback and share stories on the shows vision.

Jake Flynn, Tony Coates, Joseph Coccimiglio

Jake Flynn

Joseph Coccimiglio

Avonlea Smith and Rachel Westfall Gaddy

Running from now until October 25th, you can see Rent at the Old Walkerville Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at will call or online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rent-tickets-17899272205