'Rent Remixed' Closing West End Run Early, Feb.2

WhatsOnStage reports the London remixed production of Rent has posted an early closing notice, scheduled to close February 2, 2008 (though the musical had been booking through April 5, 2008).

Rent Remixed, currently playing West End's Duke of York's Theatre, makes room for the new year transfer of the Young Vic's South African hit The Magic Flute (Impempe Yomlingo).

Rent Remixed opened at the Duke of York's on October 16, 2007 after beginning previews October 2, 2007.

"Kylie Minogue creative director William Baker has given Jonathan Larson's 1996 Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical a 21st-century makeover. Inspired by Puccini's La bohème, Rent transposes the plot to early 1990s New York where a community of East End squatters battle to fulfil their aspirations against the reality of rent demands and AIDS," explains the article, "Baker's version has been pruned down to a running time of just over two hours, with some Americanisms excised and references to HIV therapies updated. The production is designed by Mark Bailey, with musical supervision by fellow Kylie collaborator Steve Anderson."

The cast also features: Siobhan Donaghy (as Mimi), Luke Evans (Roger), Oliver Thornton (Mark), Leon Lopez (Collins), Jay Webb (Angel), Francesca Jackson (Joanne) and Craig Stein (Benny), and Denise Van Outen (Maureen).  Jessie Wallace will replace Van Outen on December 24, 2007.

Rent premiered in the West End on May 12, 1998 at the Shaftesbury Theatre and ran for 18 months through October 30, 1999, followed by a UK tour and two limited West End return-engagements.

Photo: Oliver Thornton as Mark

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