St. James Leads North Bay Premiere Of RENT At 6th Street Playhouse 5/28-6/27

6th Street Playhouse proudly presents the North Bay premiere of "RENT"

Music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson

Set in New York's Lower East Side, this rock opera centers on a group of struggling artists and musicians who find the inspiration to create and the will to survive despite insurmountable odds and the threat of AIDS.

Inspired by Giacomo Puccini's opera "La Bohème," this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning production was first mounted as a workshop production in 1994 and went on to an official off-Broadway opening in January 1996. Jonathan Larson (the show's creator who was inspired to bring musical theater to the MTV Generation) tragically died the night before the off-Broadway premiere. "RENT" eventually moved to Broadway later in 1996 where it enjoyed a 12-year run of over 5,000 performances.

This production of "RENT" features actress Stephanie ST. James as Mimi, best known for her role as Squeak in the Broadway National touring production of Oprah Winfrey Presents "The Color Purple," for which she received an NAACP Theatre Award "Best Supporting Actress" nomination. ST. James played the role of Squeak in the national tour in cities including Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

This production of "RENT" also features Michael B. Bulatao as Tom. Bulatao made his Broadway debut in 2004 revival of "Pacific Overtures" and was in the North American tour of "Miss Saigon."

Co-directed by Elizabeth Craven and David Lear
Musical direction by Lucas Sherman

WHEN: May 28 to June 27, 2010
8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays

TICKETS: $15 to $35
8 p.m. Thursday, Fridays & Saturdays
2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays

General $35, Senior (62+) $28, Youth (13-21) $28 and Children (5-12) $15: 8 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays and 2 p.m Sundays / General $25, Senior (62+) $20, Youth (13-21) $20 and Children (5-12) $15: 8 p.m. Thursdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays

LOCATION: 6th Street Playhouse - GK Hardt Theatre
52 West 6th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Located in historic Railroad Square

BOX OFFICE: 707-523-4185

WEB SITE: www.6thstreetplayhouse.com

CAST: Featuring Stephanie ST. James *, Tyler Costin, Robbie Dornaus, Michael Bulatao, Daniel Schultz, Sonya Distel, Arnie House, Shannon Rider, Ralph Avalon, Patrick Varner, Peter Warden, Amanda Elias, Lee Achacoso Haskin, Kelsey Mielle Byrne, Judy Hillendale.

* AEA

Photo Credit: Eric Chazankin

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