BEVERLY — Bill Hanney’s award-winning North Shore Music Theatre will present the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical “Rent” for the first time as part of its 70th anniversary season. The production opens Tuesday, Sept. 16, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 28. “Rent” is sponsored by Nicholas Newhall, Realtor®.
“Throughout the years, ‘Rent’ has consistently been one of the most requested titles from audiences. The groundbreaking musical continues to resonate deeply with theater fans, and I am excited to finally bring it to North Shore Music Theatre,” said Hanney, owner and producer.
“Under the sensational direction and choreography of Marcos Santana, who helmed our hit productions of ‘Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story’ and ‘Beautiful,’ audiences are in for an unforgettable evening filled with the iconic score and the powerful message of living without regret. We have assembled an extraordinary cast and creative team passionately committed to honoring Jonathan Larson’s legacy and bringing new life to this iconic work,” Hanney said.
Falling in love, finding your voice and living for today — ‘Rent’ is the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for drama and four 1996 Tony Awards, including best musical. Set in New York City’s East Village from 1989 to 1990, Larson’s groundbreaking rock musical follows a year in the lives of struggling artists battling poverty, love, addiction, disease and loss. Featuring iconic songs such as “Seasons of Love,” “La Vie Bohème” and “Take Me or Leave Me,” “Rent” is a powerful tribute to friendship, resilience and living without regret.
The cast will be led by Aaron Alcaraz (Mark Cohen), Robert Garcia (Angel Dumott Schunard), Aaron Arnell Harrington (Tom Collins), Cate Hayman (Maureen Johnson), Kat Rodriguez (Joanne Jefferson), Didi Romero (Mimi Marquez), Austin Turner (Roger Davis) and Kristopher Stanley Ward (Benjamin Coffin III).
The 20-member cast also includes Rickens Anatua, Kimberly Camacho, Alana Cauthen (featured soloist in “Seasons of Love”), Matt Donzella, Marie Eife, Natalya Fisher, Timothy Matthew Flores, Paola V. Hernández, Christopher McCrewell, Brogan Nelson, Zachary Scott Prall and Jacob Tischler.
The creative team features Santana as director and choreographer, Aaron Jodoin as music supervisor, Robert L. Rucinski as music director, Jeffrey D. Kmiec as scenic designer, Rebecca Glick as costume designer and coordinator, José Santiago as lighting designer, Alex Berg as sound designer, Rachel Padula-Shuflet as wig and hair designer, Beth Truax as video designer, Brian M. Robillard as production stage manager, Dakotah Wiley Horan as assistant stage manager, and Maria Papadopoulos as assistant stage manager.
“Rent” is produced for North Shore Music Theatre by Hanney, Kevin P. Hill (producing artistic director) and Matthew Chappell (associate producer and casting director). It is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Tickets start at $75. Performances are Sept. 16-28, Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and matinees Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Group discounts are available for 10 or more tickets. Kids ages 4-18 save 50% at all performances. A limited number of $25 student rush tickets are available.
For tickets and information, call 978-232-7200, visit www.nsmt.org, or stop by the box office at 54 Dunham Rd., Beverly.
The 2025 mainstage season will continue with “The Cher Show” (Oct. 21-Nov. 2) and conclude with the annual production of “A Christmas Carol” (Dec. 4-21).
