The Wayne Theatre is proud to present Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award-winning musical RENT, opening April 25 on the historic Wayne Theatre stage in downtown Waynesboro. Under the thoughtful direction of Wayne Theatre Artistic Director Lesley Larsen, this production promises to authentically capture the powerful spirit and emotional depth of this groundbreaking musical.
Loosely inspired by Puccini’s timeless opera La Bohème, RENT chronicles one year in the lives of a diverse group of young artists and musicians striving to create, love, and survive in New York City's Lower East Side during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Through a blend of poignant storytelling and groundbreaking rock musical numbers, audiences will intimately experience the hopes, dreams, struggles, and friendships that define the journey of these unforgettable characters.
Tracy Straight, Executive Director of the Wayne Theatre, noted the significance of bringing this profound story to the local stage: “Presenting RENT at the Wayne Theatre is more than simply putting on a performance—it’s a celebration of life, community, and resilience. We’re proud to offer our community a truly transformative theatrical experience, one that not only inspires but deeply connects people through powerful storytelling and music.”
Director Lesley Larsen brings both dedication and a passionate vision to this production with a goal of sharing this important story with authenticity, sensitivity, and beauty. RENT is as relevant today as ever, speaking to the universal experiences of love, loss, and the extraordinary power of human connection.
As one of the most influential musicals of its generation, RENT remains a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of hardship, reflecting themes of compassion, acceptance, and hope. The Wayne Theatre anticipates welcoming not only the Waynesboro community but audiences from surrounding regions, drawing guests who seek a meaningful and memorable theatrical experience.
Performance Schedule and Tickets:
Live performances of RENT are happening at the Wayne Theatre weekends April 25 through May 4. Full details, tickets, and the complete performance schedule are available at waynetheatre.org. Tickets can also be purchased by phone through the Wayne Theatre Box Office at 540.943.9999.
About the Wayne Theatre
The Wayne Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Waynesboro, Virginia, is a premier performing arts center dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the Shenandoah Valley. Offering a diverse array of performances, including theatre, live music, educational programming, and community events, the Wayne Theatre serves as a vibrant hub for creativity, community engagement, and arts education. Under the leadership of Executive Director Tracy Straight, the Wayne Theatre continually strives to inspire, entertain, and connect audiences through exceptional experiences in the performing arts. To learn more, please visit www.waynetheatre.org
Media Contact:
Standout Arts, LLC
Marketing Firm for the Wayne Theatre
media@standoutarts.com
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