Ocean State Theatre Company and AIDS Care Ocean State Collaborate for RENT

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), the not-for-profit which brought new life to the historic Theatre By The Sea for the past five years, and AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS), which has been providing essential services to persons living with HIV/AIDS in Rhode Island since 1990 are teaming up for a fundraising week to coincide with OSTC's current production of Jonathan Larson's groundbreaking musical, RENT.

Sponsored by Charland, Marciano & Company, CPAs, LLP and partially underwritten by National Grid, Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical ran on Broadway for over twelve years to become the ninth longest running show in Broadway history. Loosely based on Puccini's opera La Bohème, RENT tells the story of a year in the life of a diverse group of friends and artists struggling to live in New York. It is a story of hopes and dreams, friendship and loss amid the chaos of HIV/AIDS in their community. RENT addresses adult themes and controversial issues. Parental guidance is suggested.

Audiences who attend any performances during the final weekend of RENT will have several opportunities to offer financial support to Aids Care Ocean State, Rhode Island's largest AIDS organization. Special guest, Kitty Litter, is scheduled to make an appearance.

"It is hard to believe in this day and age that HIV and AIDS are still so prevalent in our society," said OSTC's Producing Artistic Director, Amiee Turner. "We hope our partnership with AIDS Care Ocean State will help to raise community awareness."

RENT will continue through March 10. Performances are scheduled for Wednesday (except March 6) through Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, with matinees on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Following select Friday and Saturday evening performances, the theatre's lobby will be transformed into an intimate cabaret space, at which patrons will be entertained by cast members and OSTC staff members, while enjoying beverages and late night appetizers, which will be available for purchase from the theatre's lobby bar. Attendance at the performance preceding the cabaret is not required. The lobby doors will open for the cabaret at 10:00 pm. Tickets are $10 per person, which directly supports OSTC's Live Music Initiative. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling (401) 921-6800.

The theatre is located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI. Tickets range in price from $39-$54. Discount rates for groups of 20 or more are available by calling (401) 921-1777 x112. $25 "Rush" tickets are available on a limited basis one hour prior to curtain on the day of the performance. Tickets are on sale at the box office Tuesday through Friday from 12 noon - 6:00 pm, Saturdays from 12 noon - 4:00 pm, and from 12 noon until curtain on performance days. Tickets are also available online 24 hours a day at www.OceanStateTheatre.org and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 921-6800.

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