based on the French novel by Henri Murger
May 29-June 21, 2025
Show Webpage
Production Photos
THE CAST
Mark Cohen – J. David Brooks
Roger Davis – Nathan Mecey
Angel Dumott Schunard – Aarin Kamphoefner
Tom Collins – Chris Moore
Mimi Marquez – Corrinna Redford
Maureen Johnson – Sarah Lueken
Joanne Jefferson – Jazmine Kendela Wade
Benjamin Coffin III – Aaron Tucker
Mr. Jefferson/Soloist – Rafael DaCosta
Alexi Darling/Mrs. Davis/Backup – Chelsie Johnston
Mrs. Cohen/Pam/Vendor – Brittany Kohl
Steve/Waiter/Squeegee Man – Gabriel Scott Lawrence
Street Woman/Vendor/Mrs. Marquez – Sofia McGrath
Gordon/The Man/Mr. Grey – Tawaine Noah
Paula/Vendor/Backup – Rachel Parker
Mrs. Jefferson/Soloist – Lauren Tenenbaum
THE NEW LINE BAND
Conductor/Keyboard – Randon Lane
Guitar 2/Keyboard 2 – Jason Eschhofen
Bass – John Gerdes
Guitar 1 – Zack Kempen
Guitar 2/Keyboard 2 – Adam Rugo
Drums – Clancy Newell
THE ARTISTIC STAFF
Directors – Scott Miller, Chris Moore
Music Director – Randon Lane
Tango Choreographer – Chelsie Johnston
Intimacy Coordinator – Gabriel Scott Lawrence
Stage Manager – Rachel DeNoyer
Technical Director – Nathan Mecey
Sound Designer – Ryan Day
Costume Designer – Zachary Thompson
Lighting Designer – Ryan Thorp
Scenic Designer – Todd Schaefer
Props Master – Erin Goodenough
Box Office Manager – Erin Goodenough
Graphic Designer – Matt Reedy
Photographer – Jill Ritter Lindberg
REVIEWS
“New Line Theatre's production, I am thankful to say, is totally respectful of Jonathan Larson's masterwork, giving Rent a mounting that's gritty, that's raw, that's cheerful in how raucous it is, that's totally rockin', and even quite elegant in a lot of ways. . . Literally everything about New Line's production feels like this amazing cosmic convergence. It can't be duplicated. It's an incredibly unique production.” – Jak Janssen, Jack Reviews Musicals
“Rent? Yes, Rent again. But Rent done as it should be and better than ever. . . I have a new appreciation for what [Jonathan] Larson has done and a renewed enjoyment of Rent. . . This New Line production helped me to appreciate Rent again.” – Bob Wilcox, Two on the Aisle
“This highly entertaining immersive production, further enhanced my love of Larson’s award winning work. New Line Theatre’s entertaining production is very well done. New Line staged Rent in their 2013-14 season, and this revival gives its audience another opportunity to experience Rent in an intimate of setting. Seeing this piece in a small black box theater added to the story’s powerful emotional impact. . . New Line Theatre’s absorbing production of Rent is fresh, feels new, and rejuvenates the appreciation of Larson’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony winning musical. It’s intensely enjoyable for Rent-heads, and a good reminder for those lukewarm on the piece why Rent became a musical theatre phenomenon.” – James Lindhorst, St. Louis Arts Scene
“New Line is presenting a season of musicals the theater has previously performed in its illustrious, 35-year history; and returns to Rent, which the company first produced in 2014, for its 100th production. It’s an inspired choice, as this version of Rent is intimate and direct, a soaring triumph for artistic director Scott Miller and his committed cast, designers and crew. . . This presentation of Rent is a wondrous, exhilarating gift.” – Mark Bretz, Ladue News
“There’s a lot of urgency and relatability to be seen here, as evidenced by New Line’s new production directed by Scott Miller and Chris Moore, featuring a strong cast and excellent visuals and musical accompaniment. . . If you love Rent, you’ll probably love this production. Even if you haven’t seen the show before, or even had a negative experience, I would recommend checking out this heartfelt, well-cast and especially well-sung staging. It’s a timeless classic with a timely immediacy that brings out the passion and energy for which this show is known and celebrated.” – Michelle Kenyon, Snoop’s Theatre Thoughts
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
That was new.
A few years later, in 2001, I researched and wrote a chapter about Rent for my book Rebels with Applause: Broadway’s Groundbreaking Musicals. But I didn’t want to direct the show, because I considered the original production to be absolute perfection, and I felt like any deviation from that would be sacrilege.
Then, a decade later, I saw the off Broadway revival of Rent, in a vastly different but equally brilliant production, directed again by its original director Michael Greif. Seeing how perfect the show was in two very different stagings allowed me to realize that there’s no “right” way to approach this show. So I directed Rent for New Line in 2014, and while we worked on it, I became even more convinced that it’s a masterpiece.
Rent is about community, about connection and empathy. Right now, it seems that so much of America has lost those things. Our country has indeed been rent, as in torn apart.
The other line that seems doubly potent today is in the Support Group: “There’s only us. There’s only this.” It reminds me of President Obama telling us that there aren’t any superheroes coming to save us – that we’ve got to be our heroes.
Jonathan Larson was surely a visionary. I’ll always mourn for the amazing works he would have created for us if he had lived longer. But I’ll also be forever grateful that he left us Rent, which has meant so much to so many. It heals us. That’s why we’re producing it. We need healing.
Rent’s Act II opener “Seasons of Love” has always seemed like a prayer to me. We have to remember that the lyric doesn’t say, “You can measure in love;” it says, “Measure in love.” It’s a command. That’s easier said than done, but that’s what Rent demands of us.
Connection in an isolating age.
I wonder if Jonathan Larson suspected that Rent would still feel so up-to-the-minute thirty years later. He probably did.
