Over the course of its thirteen year run as a Broadway and touring show, the musical RENT by Jonathan Larson has touched the lives of many people across the world. With Rent closing on Broadway last year and the upcoming tour, playing at the Curran Theater in San Francisco October 6 and ending in January, fans across the country are wondering how they can thank the people involved in RENT in a way that does justice to the musical in its final incarnation, and also honour the creators and past cast and crew who have given so much to so many.
Led by uber-fan Aranka Golphy, fans have organized to begin a fundraising campaign for a RENT-related charity on behalf of the current touring cast. The project, "RENT Fans Give Back Project," is inspired by the idea that if everyone who enjoys RENT gives just a little, a lot of money can be raised to actively address some of the real world issues that Jonathan Larson depicts in the show.
After much consideration, Friends In Deed, a non-profit organization devoted to providing support to individuals facing life-threatening illnesses, was chosen to be the recipient of the "RENT Fans Give Back" project.
Friends in Deed, in connection with "RENT Fans Give Back," has created a secure system for those who wish to participate by donating to Friends In Deed in honour of the current National Tour of RENT.
Click here for information on how to donate, learn more and become a part of this project to create a memorable gift for the cast, crew and everyone behind the scenes of RENT: The Broadway Tour.
Rent, written by Jonathan Larson and directed by Michael Greif, opened at Broadway's Nederlander Theatre, on April 29, 1996, following a history making, sold-out, extended limited engagement at off-Broadway's New York Theatre Workshop. The musical went on to win every major best musical award, including the Tony Award, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for drama. Rent played its final performance at the Nederlander Theatre on September 7, 2008 after playing 5,124 performances and 16 previews. Rent is the seventh longest running show in Broadway history and grossed over $280 million during its Broadway run.
Tours of Rent have crisscrossed the country almost continuously since late 1996 and the U.S. national tours have grossed over $330 million. The musical has been translated into every major language and been performed on six continents, including in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
For more information, including the complete schedule for Rent, The Broadway Tour, visit www.siteforrent.com.
