Ithaca College Theatre Presents “RENT”

By Lexi Esposito '24, November 4, 2021
Production celebrates embracing life and pursuing it to the fullest while dealing with societal challenges.
students on stage

Students in the Ithaca College Theatre presentations of "RENT." (Photo submitted)

Students in the Ithaca College Theatre presentations of "RENT." (Photo submitted)

Ithaca College Theatre continues its 2021-2022 live, in person season with the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical “RENT,” with book, music, and lyrics by the late Jonathan Larson. Presented in the Hoerner Theatre, performances run select dates between Nov. 10 and Nov. 18, 2021.

Celebrating 25 years, “RENT” encourages the idea of embracing life and pursuing it to the fullest. Set against the urban backdrop of the late 1980s and early 1990s New York City, this award-winning musical follows the lives of a group of bohemians living in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. From the HIV/AIDS crisis to drug addiction, the characters deal with societal challenges of the day, while embracing the joy they’ve found within their friendships and love for one another.

Following the matinee performance on Nov. 13 at 2pm, there will be a post-show discussion moderated by production dramaturg Iasmina Birleanu ’22.

“RENT” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

Ticket Information

“RENT” will be presented in the Hoerner Theatre on Nov. 10, Nov. 12, Nov. 13, Nov. 16, Nov. 17, and Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. EST with a matinee performance on Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. EST. Tickets are available for purchase Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m., in person at the Dillingham Box Office located inside Dillingham Center, or by phone at 607-274-3224.

The Department of Theatre Arts proudly accommodates all patrons. Individuals are asked to contact boxoffice@ithaca.edu to request accommodations as soon as possible.

Cast and Creative Team Information

The cast of “RENT” features:

  • Hunter Kovacs '22 (Roger Davis)
  • Tristian Tierney '22 (Mark Cohen)
  • Anthony Garcia '22 (Tom Collins)
  • Neftali Benitez '22 (Benjamin Coffin III)
  • Alaysia Duncan '23 (Joanne Jefferson)
  • Michael Marrero '22 (Angel Dumott Schunard)
  • Sierra Martinez '22 (Mimi Marquez)
  • Amanda Xander '22 (Maureen Johnson)
  • Audrey Fisher '22 (Featured Ensemble/Mark's Mom/Assistant Choreographer/Homeless Person/Junkie)
  • Drew Jacobson '22 (Featured Ensemble/Gordon/Squeegieman/Homeless Person/Mr. Grey)
  • Erica Reyes '23 (Featured Ensemble/Mimi's Mom/Pam/Vendor #2 (Coat Vendor)/Homeless Person)
  • Rhys Kauffman '22 (Featured Ensemble/Male Soloist "Seasons of Love"/Steve/Homeless Person/Junkie/Mark Cover/Roger Cover)
  • AnnaJo Lubasi '23 (Featured Ensemble/Mrs. Jefferson/Homeless Person/Joanne Cover/Maureen Cover)
  • Jackson Marshall '25 (Featured Ensemble/Mr. Jefferson/Vender #1/Collins' Assistant/Homeless Person/Tom Collins Cover)
  • Sami Schonberger '22 (Featured Ensemble/Female Soloist "Seasons of Love"/Homeless Person/La Vie Boheme B Solo/Officer)
  • Maliha Sayed '22 (Featured Ensemble/Alexi Darling/Homeless Person/Restaurant Person)
  • Jordan Hayakawa '23 (Featured Ensemble/Blanket Person/Sue/Homeless Person)
  • Sabina Lueras '22 (Featured Ensemble/Ali/Junkie/Roger's Mom/Homeless Person/Mimi Cover/Mimi's Mom Cover)
  • Peter Murphy '24 (Featured Ensemble/Officer/Pastor/Collins' Assistant/Homeless Person)
  • Anthony Llerandi '25 (Featured Ensemble/Officer/The Man/Paul/Homeless Person)
  • Daniel Mejil '23 (Offstage U/S for Ensemble/Angel Cover/Benjamin Cover)
  • Abby Unpingco '23 (Offstage U/S Ensemble)

The creative team features:

  • Cynthia Henderson, professor of acting and associate chair in the Department of Theatre Arts (Director)
  • Dani Berman ‘22 (Production Stage Manager)
  • Nicole Brooks ‘22 (Costume Designer)
  • Kyle Stamm ‘22 (Lighting Designer)
  • Olivya Deluca ‘22 (Scenic Designer)
  • Emma Taylor ‘22 (Sound Designer)