Photo Flash: GMHC Attends Staten Island Production of RENT

The board/staff of the GMHC were in force in the audience of RENT this Friday night . " Since 1981, the GMHC has been relentlessly fighting the AIDS crisis," said Harbor Lights Theater Company (Harbor Lights) Executive Artistic Director Tamara Jenkins and added,"The words expressed to me after the show by them were heartfelt and I feel deeply honored to have been a part of this moving journey in producing RENT."

"As the co-chair of the Board of Gay Men's Health Crisis, and a big fan of my neighbors at Harbor Lights Theater Company, I am thrilled at this opportunity to combine their efforts to bring their messages to broader audiences. GMHC is still working to strengthen the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS and to end the epidemic. At the same time, RENT is a show that must continue to be produced because it helps us remember how far we have come, and it is a tool to teach younger generations about this specific time in the fight. That is why it seemed such a natural fit to bring GMHC staff out to enjoy tonight's performance. It is great to be associated with people like GMHC staff and a theatre company like Harbor Lights." - GMHC Board Co-Chair Michael C. Harwood

The Harbor Lights Theater Company (Harbor Lights), a professional Equity Theater Company based in Staten Island, led by Founders and Artistic Directors Tamara Jenkins and Jay Montgomery, staging Rent - 20th Anniversary Celebration! now through- October 4th at the Snug Harbor Music Hall, Staten Island, NY ( a short bus and car ride from the Staten Island Ferry).

This landmark 1996 Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning musical is helmed by award winning director Alex Perez. Mr. Perez has a long history with show, having toured with it nationally, and having directed seven previous productions.

Based on Puccini's La Boheme, Rent transfers Puccini's young artists to New York City's East Village and bohemian Alphabet City at the end of the millennium. Rent is a celebration of friendship, survival, and the struggle to find meaning in life. Written by the late Jonathan Larsen, Rent's rollicking score boasts "One Song Glory," "Take Me or Leave Me," "I'll Cover You," and the now iconic pop anthem "Seasons of Love."

The cast features Travis Artz (Roger,) Nick DeVito (Mark,) Denzel Edmondson (Benny,) Madeline B. Fansler (Joanne,) Monte J. Howell (Tom Collins,) Michael J. Mainwaring (Angel,) Emily Jeanne Phillips (Mimi,) and Zuri Washington (Maureen.)

Filling out the cast are Philip Bolton, Hannah K MacDonald, Nate McClure, Gavyn Pickens, Ben Rosenbach, Michael Sheehy (Gordon,) and Josephine Spada.

Charles Santoro is the Musical Director, Kia Rogers will handle Lighting Design, Nathaniel Butler Sound Design, Carl Tallent Set Design, and Kurt Alger will handle costume design. Natalie Wisniewski is Props Mistress, Production Stage Manager is Brendan O'Brien, Assistant Stage Manager is Chris Luner, and Technical Direction is Michael Mastromarino.

Tickets are $35, $40, $45, Visit www.hltc.org or call Ovationtix at 866-811-4111 to purchase your tickets.

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