Theater News

Rent 20th Anniversary Tour Announced

The production will be based on the original direction by Michael Greif.

A scene from Rent on Broadway.
A scene from Rent on Broadway.
(Photo courtesy of the production)

A touring production of Jonathan Larson's Tony- and Pulitzer-winning musical Rent is set to return to the road in a 20th-anniversary production in the 2016-17 season. Tour cities and casting will be announced at a later date.

A re-imagining of Puccini's La Bohème, Rent follows a year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, the musical is a celebration of friendship and creativity. Evan Ensign will restage this 20th anniversary tour based on the original direction by Michael Greif, and Marlies Yearby will serve as choreographer. Work Light Productions produces the tour.

The show received its world premiere off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop on February 13, 1996, and transferred to Broadway on April 29, 1996. Rent is winner of the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

"For the past 20 years, Rent has touched the lives of audiences around the world from Broadway to regional productions to high school auditoriums," said producer Stephen Gabriel in a statement. "We're thrilled to introduce a new generation to this timeless story of love, friendship and community."