Smash hit Rent The Musical comes to The Hudson Backstage Theatre

The Royal Underground Theatre is proud to present their acclaimed production of RENT, coming to The Hudson Backstage Theatre in Hollywood beginning March 18, 2010.

Based on Puccini's La Boheme, Jonathan Larson's Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning revolutionary rock opera RENT tells the story of one year in the life of eight friends living the Bohemian life -- struggling to express themselves through their art and measuring their lives in love. Against the gritty backdrop of New York's East Village, these friends strive for success and acceptance while enduring the obstacles of poverty, illness, and the AIDS epidemic.

Jerica Productions/The Royal Underground Theatre Company is proud to bring to the Hudson Backstage their San Francisco Regional Premiere production of this multiple award-winning show that Theatermania called "A powerhouse production!"

Directed by Jerianne Banson, featuring Jason Aaronson, Benjamin Alicea, Enrico Banson, Deosick Burney, Valerie Charles, Dominique Cox, Cy Creamer, Nathan Crocker, Ali Eagle, Jason Esposito, Andy Eubanks, Amelia Harris, Timothy Hearl, Anthony Michael Knott, Holly Nugent, Matt Pick, Charlie Rayshad, Deon Sams, Tiffany Van Cott, Ana Villafane and Josie Yount.

The creative team brings back many from the San Francisco regional production; Adrienne Fraser on Set Design, Cherilyn Chang on Costumes, Johanna Tolentino on Choreography and Shoshana Zisk as the Musical Director. Joining the team are Lighting Designer Max Krongaus, Co-Choreographer Steven M. Thomas and Production Manager Jeffrey Ramos.

Based on Puccini's 'La Boheme', Jonathan Larson's Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning revolutionary rock opera 'RENT' tells the story of one year in the life of eight friends living the Bohemian life struggling to express themselves through their art and "measuring their lives in love." Against the gritty backdrop of New York's East Village, these friends strive for success and acceptance while enduring the obstacles of poverty, illness and the AIDS epidemic.

"With a show like RENT, which celebrates love and community, it was clear to my brother [Enrico] and I that the power of Jonathan Larson's message resonates in vibrant, creative and artistic communities like San Francisco," director Jerianne Banson said after closing a sold-out run at the Southside Theatre in San Francisco's historic Fort Mason during the first quarter of 2010. "It felt right to bring RENT to Hollywood; a town with a wide array of creative individuals who will not only celebrate Larson's work but embrace it. We want to continue sharing this show with those he wrote it for and make it accessible."

After Hollywood Bowl's star-studded, one-weekend-only production in the Summer of 2010, many couldn't afford the Bowl's ticket price. "It became a spectacle with such amazing stars involved which was magical. Now we want to bring RENT to the struggling artist out there-the actor, the musician, the singer-much like the show's characters-we wanted to bring it to them in an intimate setting. A show about friends performed by their friends."

Indeed, the production now boasts local Hollywood talent and has begun rehearsing. The casting process was a grueling three-week intensive over the holidays and the audition turnout was immense, bringing out the best and brightest from Hollywood. "You'd think it was auditions for American Idol or something," boasts Jerianne.

Still, even though it's technically a remount of the San Francisco regional premiere, the show will be reworked for the Hudson Backstage Theatre and will implore on some new, interesting choices. "There's a fine line with RENT since many elements in the show have become so iconic," Jerianne admits, "but I'm blessed with such a talented group of actors and a creative team sent from the heaven's above who bring a lot to the table.