9 Works Theatrical Presents: RENT

The newest theater company in Manila, the 9 Works Theatrical is now up with its new Broadway Musical presentation entitled RENT. Having successfully staged the “Songs For A New World” show last year, 9 Works Theatrical is sure to offer another best musical play starting this 5th of February 2010.

RENT is created by the late multi-awarded and multi-talented composer, Jonathan Larson. Broadway show lovers will surely enjoy this musical stage as this rock musical show will definitely have instant connection with today’s generation, especially to those who are aspiring to become recognized artists. The play’s popularity led the RENT to won several awards, like the Tony Award for Best Musical among others.

RENT is a remake of the “La Boheme”, a classic Puccini opera. The story is set in East Village, New York City. It revolves around the lives of poor and sickly aspiring artists striving hard to be given a break and determined to reach their dreams. Despite all odds, these artists managed to overcome all the obstacles that they have encountered in life until they found love and their way to stardom, as well. What is really interesting with this musical is how the characters deal with their personal problems and how they battled and cope with the hindrances towards good and contented life.

Already into it? I guess you are. Now I’m sure you’re excited to witness the timeless and unforgettable musical which will start to show on February 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 with the following schedules at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza:

* Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00PM
* Saturdays at 3:30PM & Sundays at 4:30PM

The cast of RENT includes Gian Magdangal as Roger Davis, a songwriter who is HIV positive; Fredison Lo as Mark Cohen, an independent filmmaker and Roger’s roommate and Nicole Asensio as Mimi Márquez, an exotic dancer with HIV.

The cast also features OJ Mariano as Tom Collins, a gay philosophy professor and anarchist with AIDS; Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Maureen Johnson, a bisexual performance artist; Noel Rayos as Benjamin ‘Benny’ Coffin III, the local landlord and a former room mate of Roger, Mark, Collins, and Maureen; Job Bautista as Angel Dumott Schunard, a gay drag queen percussionist with AIDS; Jenny Villegas as Joanne Jefferson, a lawyer, who is Maureen’s partner; and Cara Barredo, as Mimi Marquez (at certain performances).

Ensemble members include Ring Antonio, Peachy Atilano, Johann Dela Fuente, Harold Cruz, Gary Junsay, Raul Montesa, Anna Santamaria and Mark Tayag.

The RENT production team is composed of Executive Producer Santi Santamaria, Director Robbie Guevara, Production Manager Weng Lopez, Musical Director Ceejay Javier, Vocal Coach Onyl Torres, Vocal Consultant Lionel Guico, Scenographer Mio Infante, Lighting Designer Martin Esteva, Sound Engineer Rards Corpuz, Sound Designer Chuck Ledesma, PR / Publicity Director Toots O. Tolentino, PR Manager Jonjon Martin, Marketing Manager Shelyn Tayanes, and Stage Manager Jojo Amboy. Cast Photography by Jojit Lorenzo and Production Photography by Sundee Guevara.

RENT is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) 421 West 54th Street, New York, New York 10019 Tel.: (212) 541-4684 • www.mtishows.com

RENT Manila 2010! Grab your happy tickets now!!! No day but today!!!

Call 9 Works Theatrical at 557.58.60 or visit www.9workstheatrical.com or call TicketWorld at 891.9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Here’s an example of their performance:

(video credits: Flow Galindez)