TORRINGTON - The 2010 - 2011 Main Stage Musical Series at the Warner Theatre continues with the Warner Stage Company's production of the Pulitizer Prize winning rock opera, RENT Februrary 5 - 12.

RENT is based on Puccini's opera La Boheme and tells the story of a group of eight impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.

Written by playwright Billy Aronson with music and lyrics by Jonathon Larson, RENT opened on Broadway on January 25, 1996 and ran until September 7, 2008, making it the ninth longest running Broadway show by that time. Jonathan Larson died suddenly the night before the Broadway premiere and never got to experience or enjoy its success.

The Warner Stage Company's production will be directed by Deighna DeRiu with musical director Sean Lewis and choreographer Trisha Carr.

The cast is as follows:
Frank Beaudry as Collins;
Alyssa Fontana as Maureen;
Michelle Funaro as Mimi;
Zack Heidorn as Mark;
Tony Leone as Roger;
Dan Porri as Benny;
Gia Wright as Joanne; and
Nick Rollo as Angel.

A special treat for patrons of the play on opening night is a Meet-and-Greet with Broadway actor, Shaun Earl. Earl portrayed Angel and won a Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role. The Meet-and-Greet will follow the February 5 performance and includes meeting the cast, as well.

Tickets for RENT are $19, $22, and $25. The opening night Meet-and-Greet is an additional $25. Proceeds from the Meet-and-Greet will help support the Warner Stage Company.