The Royal Underground Theatre Company Brings RENT to Hollywood

RENT will begin performances Friday March 18, 2011 with Friday and Saturday shows at 8PM, Sunday Matinees at 3PM, and a special 2PM Matinee on Saturday April 23, 2011. Tickets available for all shows through Saturday, April 23, 2011

The Hudson Backstage Theatre - 6539 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90038. For Tickets and Info: http://www.jericaproductions.com or www.plays411.net for phone reservations call (323) 960-7822

PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Based on Puccini's 'La Boheme', Jonathan Larson's Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize- winning revolutionary rock opera ‘Rent' tells the story of one year in the life of eight friends living the Bohemian life struggling to express themselves through their art and "measuring their lives in love." Against the gritty backdrop of New York's East Village, these friends strive for success and acceptance while enduring the obstacles of poverty, illness and the AIDS epidemic.

Directed by Jerianne Banson, featuring Jason Aaronson, Benjamin Alicea, Enrico Banson, Deosick Burney, Valerie Charles, Dominique Cox, Cy Creamer, Nathan Crocker, Ali Eagle, Jason Esposito, Andy Eubanks, Amelia Harris, Timothy Hearl, Anthony Michael Knott, Holly Nugent, Matt Pick, Charlie Rayshad, Deon Sams, Tiffany Van Cott, Ana Villafane and Josie Yount.

The creative team brings back many from the San Francisco regional production; Adrienne Fraser on Set Design, Cherilyn Chang on Costumes, Johanna Tolentino on Choreography and Shoshana Zisk as the Musical Director. Joining the team are Lighting Designer Max Krongaus, Co Choreographer Steven M. Thomas and Production Manager Jeffrey Ramos.

"RENT" IS NOW AFFORDABLE IN HOLLYWOOD
"With a show like RENT, which celebrates love and community, it was clear to my brother [Enrico] and I that the power of Jonathan Larson's message resonates in vibrant, creative and artistic communities like San Francisco," director Jerianne Banson said after closing a sold-out run at the Southside Theatre in San Francisco's historic Fort Mason during the first quarter of 2010. "It felt right to bring RENT to Hollywood; a town with a wide array of creative individuals who will not only celebrate Larson's work but embrace it. We want to continue sharing this show with those he wrote it for and make it accessible."

After Hollywood Bowl's star-studded, one-weekend-only production in the Summer of 2010, many couldn't afford the Bowl's ticket price. "It became a spectacle with such amazing stars involved which was magical. Now we want to bring RENT to the struggling artist out there-the actor, the musician, the singer-much like the show's characters- we wanted to bring it to them in an intimate setting. A show about friends performed by their friends."

Indeed, the production now boasts local Hollywood talent and has begun rehearsing. The casting process was a grueling three-week intensive over the holidays and the audition turn-out was immense, bringing out the best and brightest from Hollywood. "You'd think it was auditions for American Idol or something," boasts Jerianne.

Still, even though it's technically a remount of the San Francisco regional premiere, the show will be reworked for the Hudson Backstage Theatre and will implore on some new, interesting choices. "There's a fine line with RENT since many elements in the show have become so iconic," Jerianne admits, "but I'm blessed with such a talented group of actors and a creative team sent from the heaven's above who bring a lot to the table.

Jerica Productions and the Royal Underground
In 1998, the brother and sister team of Enrico and Jerianne Banson formed JERICA an independent Production Company based in San Francisco, California. The production company primarily focuses on film and cinema while branching out to other forms of media and entertainment such as web publication and performing arts. The production group consists of artists of all kinds who enjoy working in an industry-based environment, practicing industry-style ethics, while maintaining an atmosphere that is accessible and enjoyable. JERICA strives as a film and media group providing young independent artists of all kinds, a doorway to present their works and be heard.

THE ROYAL UNDERGROUND is the performing arts branch of its parent company JERICA, dedicated to producing high quality performance works of all kinds: Theatre, Dance, Poetry, Music, and Performance Arts. Firmly believing that audiences are attracted to new questions, not old answers, the Royal Underground produces exciting, muscular, and intelligent plays, musicals and new works that are innovative, at times provocative, and always entertaining; productions that not only challenge the artists involve but the audience as well. For more information about JERICA and the ROYAL UNDERGROUND please visit www.jericaproductions.com

Photo Caption: Members of RENT Los Angeles during their lunch break on their first rehearsal.  From left to right, Deon Sams, Anthony Michael Knott, Benjamin Alicea, Amelia Harris, Deosick Burney, Matt Pick, Nathan Crocker, Ana Villafane and Jason Aaronson.  Taken by fellow cast member Enrico Banson.  RENT opens March 18th at the Hudson Theatre in Hollywood. 

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