STAGE TUBE: Drew Hodges on Marketing RENT

The new, off-Broadway production of Rent began previews on, July 14, and opens Thursday, August 11 at New World Stages. The highly anticipated resurrection of the cult classic, written by Jonathan Larson, is being directed by Michael Greif, who directed the show's original off-Broadway and Broadway productions. The creative team includes choreographer Larry Keigwin, music supervisor Tim Weil, set designer Mark Wendland, costume designer Angela Wendt, lighting designer Kevin Adams, sound designer Brian Ronan, and projection designer by Peter Nigrini. In the video, Biggest RENThead Contest winner Paul sat down with Drew Hodges, Founder and CEO of SpotCo, RENT's advertising agency.

The cast of Rent is Annaleigh Ashford (Maureen Johnson), Margot Bingham (Alexi Darling, Roger's Mom, and others), Adam Chanler-Berat (Mark Cohen), Nicholas Christopher (Tom Collins), Arianda Fernandez (Mimi Marquez), Marcus Paul James (Mr. Jefferson, Paul, and others), Tamika Sonuja Lawrence (Mrs. Jefferson, woman with bags), Corbin Reid (Joanne Jefferson), Michael Rodriguez (Angel Schunard), Matt Shingledecker (Roger Davis), Ephraim Sykes (Benjamin Coffin III), Ben Thompson (Christmas caroler, Mr. Grey, The Man, and others), Michael Wartella (Steve, Gordon, Waiter, and others), and Morgan Weed (Mark's Mom and others). Also in the company is Sean Michael Murray, Xavier Cano, and Genny Padilla.

Rent will perform Mondays and Wednesday through Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 7:30pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm, at New World Stages, 340 West 50 Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. Preview prices $65- $85; prices after August 12 are $69.50 - $89.50.

RENT will sell 16 seats via a lottery for each performance at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street). The tickets will be $25, cash only. All tickets include a $1.50 facility fee.

Names will be collected in front of the Box Office (outside on 50th Street) from the beginning of the lottery until drawing time. Limit one (1) entry per person, each person may win up to two (2) tickets. Must be present at the time of the drawing to win. Must present valid photo ID to purchase tickets.

For more information and tickets, visit www.siteforrent.com.