Opening night of RENT features pre-show gala on 10/1

Boiler Room Theatre, in the historic Factory at Franklin, opens its production of Jonathan Larson's Rent on Friday night, October 1, preceded by a gala celebration at South Gate Studios from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

"We are featuring four beer samplings from Bosco's and food pairings from Table for Two Catering and Monell's," said Laura Thomas Sonn, the Rent cast member who is chairing pre-show events for the theater company this season. "I'm really looking forward to it because I think it's a wonderful way to kick-off such an iconic show."

A silent auction and an opportunity for audience members to talk with cast members prior to the 8 p.m. curtain are also part of Friday night's event. A specially discounted ticket is available for the pre-show gala and the Rent performance for $20 a person, or $35 for two tickets.

"It's a great deal when you consider that you get to take part in the pre-show event and see the show," Sonn said.

Directed by Corbin Green, Boiler Room Theatre's Rent features a cast that includes Ciaran McCarthy, Benjamin Van Diepen, James Rudolph, Karrah Tines, Christina Candilora, Laura Matula, Michael Holder, Mike Baum, Heather Trabucco, Valerie Navarre, Laura Thomas Sonn, Jeffrey Williams, Ryan Leyhue, David Williams and Alan Smith.

Tickets are available by calling the Boiler Room Theatre at (615) 794-7744 or at the company's website at www.boilerroomtheatre.com