Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance continues its 2024-25 “Connection” series with the production of Jonathan Larson’s “Rent.”

Evening showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21-22, 24 and Feb. 26-March 1. Matinee showtimes are 2:30 p.m. Feb. 23 and March 2.

Directed by Dr. Kurt Heinlein, all performances will be held in the Craig Hall Balcony Theatre.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for students/seniors. Special advance rates are available for students with an MSU ID.

A special group rate is available for 10 or more. Call 417-836-7678 for details.

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Production continues “Connection” theme

First produced on Broadway in the 1990s, “Rent” retells the classic story of “La Bohème” in New York’s East Village during the 1980s.

Its topics mesh neatly with the “Connection” theme for this season’s theatre and dance productions, Heinlein said.

“The musical addresses wide-scale social issues such as homelessness, homophobia, racism, drug abuse and the AIDS crisis, among others,” he noted. “In the more intimate sense, the plot focuses upon a group of young artists — “Bohemians” — struggling desperately to maintain their relationships and ideals while confronted with life-altering events and the changing face of the East Village.”

Venue creates immersive experience for audiences

Heinlein said MSU’s production of “Rent” seeks to replicate the intimacy of the play’s workshopping days before it appeared on Broadway. To accomplish this, the cast will perform in the 110-seat Balcony Theatre.

“This allows for a production that will feel intimate, raw, nuanced, and where the audience feels immersed inside the incredible score and the lives of the characters,” he said.

Heinlein said the original production of “Rent” was so popular, it brought a new generation of performers and audiences to the theatre.

That legacy “is a plus,” he added. “Students and community audiences are excited to see what our talented team brings [to the story].”

Facility challenges become opportunities

In addition to the challenge of putting on a play, the “Rent” ensemble has faced the unique obstacle of lack of space. The university is currently demolishing the department’s rehearsal facilities to build the new Reynolds Performing Arts Complex.

Despite this hurdle, the “Rent” cast and crew remain enthusiastic and untroubled, Heinlein said.

“Rather than being a challenge, it’s viewed as an opportunity to employ and teach resourcefulness — and creativity — to our students,” he added.

“Also, the sheer excitement for the new facility assuages any space-related or production challenges that we may experience in the meantime.”

“Rent” meets multiple teaching goals

The “Rent” production ticks off many boxes for the theatre and dance department, Heinlein said.

“The first order is always to serve our student’s developing needs,” Heinlein explained. “‘Rent’ provides rich material for our students to be challenged and develop professional skills while also tackling topics they’re passionate about.”

“It’s also a priority for the Department of Theatre and Dance to produce work that holds contemporary relevance and connects to our Public Affairs mission as a university,” he continued. “The themes and relationships present in ‘Rent’ have renewed value and vitality in today’s very complicated socio-political environment.”

Nationally recognized program draws talent

Heinlein said MSU benefits from the quality of student talent that its theatre and dance program attracts.

“We’re so fortunate at MSU to have a nationally recognized department,” he said. “Our students are among the most talented in the nation, hailing from all over the U.S. and beyond. I think audiences can expect to see some exceptional and inspiring work onstage.”