Hope Mill’s highly-anticipated revival of Rent,which was cut short after only five shows due to COVID-19 restrictions, is due to return this summer in August.
As was the case last time the show was performed live, the production is going to be operating with strict guidelines and government-mandated safety measures. With music, lyrics, and story by Jonathan Larson, it was critically acclaimed when it opened in October.
Rent was originally performed on Broadway and is loosely based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Bohème. It focuses on friendship and ambition among a group of young artists living under the shadow of HIV and AIDS.
Official casting is yet to be revealed, but the crew remains largely the same, with direction by Luke Sheppard, choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves, musical supervision by Katy Richardson, and direction by Chris Poon.
William Whelton, executive director of Hope Mill, told WhatsOnStage that “it is with such excitement that we announce we will be bringing back Rent to Hope Mill Theatre later this year for another run. We hope to bring back as many of the original cast as possible and once again share this truly electric, heart-warming and unique version with our audiences.”
Rent is produced by Hope Mill in arrangement with Musical Theatre International. The production will run in Manchester between 6 August and 19 September. Tickets are due to go on general release on Friday 19 March. If you are a previous ticket holder, you can re-book from the earlier date of 17 March.
Words by Eli London.
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Image: Hope Mill Theatre