The Kimmel Center’s Broadway Philadelphia season continues with the now classic musical Rent with Book, Music, and Lyrics by the late Jonathan Larsen. Rent 20th Anniversary Tour is the new production at the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia which runs only until March 10, and it is a wonderful, joyous experience that should not be missed. Thankfully, Rent 20th Anniversary Tour will return due to popular demand for a second visit October 18-20, 2019. Tickets are now on sale, and you are advised to buy them as quickly as possible since this run is sold out.

 

Opening night on March 5th was an exhilarating affair for both the artists and the audience. So many talented actors in the cast elicited roars of approval from the house. Many who are in the young cast are still students in area universities, leaving their studies temporarily to be part of Rent 20th Anniversary Tour. When Javon King entered the stage as Angel Schunard, enormous applause and cheers erupted in the house. Mr. King undoubtedly brought many fans from Rider University, where he is studying for his degree in theater. Rider University alumna Lyndie Moe is the especially alluring lesbian siren Maureen Johnson.

 

Among the principal roles are many other excellent actor/singers, such as Joshua Bess as Roger, Logan Marks as Mark, and Devinre Adams as Tom Collins, who writes in his bio that he is happy to be in the Rent 20th Anniversary Tour for the second year. Deri’andra Tucker is an extremely agile and attractive Mimi. Lencia Kabede is Joanne. All are joined by a live orchestra onstage, conducted from the keyboard by Matthew Demaria, which sounded phenomenal. In addition, Rent 20th Anniversary Tour enjoys a large cast of understudies, swings, and Sean Ryan as Dance Captain.

 

The Creative Cast included many original artists from the Broadway production, with many also having experience with the touring production, so it is no wonder everything worked so well. To name a few, Evan Ensign directed, Marlies Yearby choreographed, and additional arrangements and musical supervision was by Tim Weil.

 

There isn’t a single weak link in this Rent 20th Anniversary Tour. Plan now and purchase your tickets for its return in October.

 

Rent 20th Anniversary Tour is at the Merriam Theater, part of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Center City Philadelphia. For information and tickets, visit www.kimmelcenter.org