'Rent' Returns-Pulitzer'd Musical Plays Broward Briefly

FORT LAUDERDALE --- See the critically acclaimed Tony® Award and Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway musical that inspired a major motion picture. RENT, written by Jonathan Larson and directed by Michael Greif, is coming to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale for six performances only September 14 – 17, 2006 with show times Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm, Sunday evening at 7:30pm and matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.

Beginning Sunday, July 9, Tickets ranging from $21.00 - $60.00 and can be purchased in person at the Broward Center AutoNation Box Office and by phone and internet at 954-462-0222 or www.browardcenter.org,  and Ticketmaster phones at 954-523-3309 in Broward, 305-358-5885 in Dade, and 561-966-3309 in Palm Beach or at www.ticketmaster.com Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster outlets. Orders for groups of 20 or more may be placed by calling the Broward Center at 954-462-0222 or Broadway Across America at 1-800-6GROUPS (647-6877).

Critics have called Rent "the best thing that has happened to the Broadway musical in a long time," and have said that Rent "justifies every bit of attention that has been lavished on this phenomenal musical." "It shimmers with hope for the future of the American musical." The New York Times.

Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about being young and learning to survive, falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Rent has made a lasting mark on Broadway with songs that rock and a story that really resonates. Whether it's your 1st time or your 100th time, the time is now for Rent!

The show received its world premiere off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop on February 13, 1996 to ecstatic reviews. It rapidly became a sold-out hit. The show transferred to Broadway on April 29, 1996 where it continues to play at The Nederlander Theatre. Rent is now the 7^{th longest running show in Broadway history.} 

The success of Rent is always tempered by the death of its creator, Jonathan Larson. Larson died unexpectedly of an aortic aneurysm on the morning of January 25, 1996, just hours after Rent's final dress rehearsal off-Broadway, and ten days before his 36th birthday.

Rent features musical direction by Tim Weil, choreography by Marlies Yearby, set design by Paul Clay, costume design by Angela Wendt and lighting design by Blake Burba.

Additional show information can be found at www.siteforrent.com 

The Fort Lauderdale engagement of RENT is presented in arrangement with Florida Theatrical Association, a non-profit civic organization with a volunteer board of trustees established to ensure the continued presentation of quality national touring Broadway productions in the state of Florida and is a "Special" offering of Stanford Broadway Across America – Fort Lauderdale.

Broadway Across America (BAA) is the country's most prolific presenting network of 50 North American cities offering first-rate touring Broadway productions and theatrical entertainment. Cities in the BAA network ensure their patrons that they are seeing touring productions of the highest quality in many of the country's top theatrical venues often direct from Broadway or on pre-Broadway tours. Over 300,000 season ticket holders enjoy BAA benefits to over 500 productions each season that include no-fee intercity ticket exchanges privileges, split city season tickets and priority purchase opportunities for additional entertainment events across the country.  Among others, Broadway Across America cities include Chicago, Boston, Houston, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Costa Mesa, Atlanta, Portland, Fort Lauderdale, Baltimore and Tempe.  Recent presentations include WICKED, Disney's THE LION KING, SWEET CHARITY, MOVIN OUT, HAIRSPRAY, Blue Man Group, RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR and DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE!  For information or to purchase tickets for touring Broadway shows throughout the network go to www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

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