Community members have been dropping off street signs, skateboards, and even lava lamps at Steel River Playhouse for its upcycled version of Rent, which will begin public performances on Oct. 3.

The production design reuses everyday items to recreate the urban landscape and aesthetic of the Lower East Side in New York City in the late 80s and early 90s. Rent is presented in partnership with the LGBT Center of Greater Reading.

Rent is based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme and follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Rent is a Tony and Pulitzer prize-winning musical with music, lyrics, and book by Jonathan Larson. Direction is by Anna Hogan, music direction is by Nathan Kendrick, scenic design by Bobby Goodrich, and choreography is by Elizabeth Powell.

“Rent is a celebration of life,” stated Hogan. “It is through an exploration of the stark realities of loss, adversity, and even death that we can truly comprehend and cherish the profound gift of being alive. The most poignant expression of ‘rent’ is the definition ‘torn apart.’ It underscores the emotional toll of love — the fragmentation of the heart. The narrative poignantly highlights the cost of loving, losing, and the resilience required to persevere.”

Hogan is an award-winning theatrical director and producer with a career spanning stages from New York City to Texas to her current base as Producing Artistic Director at Santa Fe Playhouse in New Mexico. Hogan has been in residence in Pottstown since the end of August to work with local actors, designers, and staff on Rent.

Rent will open with a pay-what-you-want preview honoring the LGBT Center of Greater Reading on Thursday, Oct. 3. With the 2024-2025 season, Steel River Playhouse has started accessible ticket programming initiatives, which include pay-what-you-want previews, $2 ACCESS tickets for those with disabilities or SNAP benefits, and relaxed performances that are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

“Steel River Playhouse is committed to opening our doors as wide as possible,” stated Alec Lee Williams, Executive Director of Steel River Playhouse. “We are partnering with nonprofits to highlight their mission and services, lowering or eliminating obstacles for individuals to attend performances or access our space, and even inviting individuals to lend odd antique items on the set of Rent in exchange for a pair of tickets. Theater is meant to be shared and something that audiences can see themselves represented in. We can’t wait to share how Rent reflects our modern lives and our community.”

In collaboration with the Pottstown Film Festival, Steel River Playhouse will be having a joint Opening Night Party for Rent and the Pottstown Film Festival at Rivet on Friday, Oct. 4. The party runs from 10:00 PM until midnight. Arrivals can begin at 9:45 PM, and the party begins immediately after the opening-night performance of Rent on Oct. 4.

Public performances run Oct. 3-20. The running time for this two-act show is approximately two hours and thirty minutes with one intermission. Tickets are $29 for adults, $24 for Seniors (65+), and $17 for Students. You can choose your seats and buy tickets online or contact the Box Office at 610-970-1199. For more information on upcoming shows, educational offerings, or volunteer opportunities email info@steelriver.org.

Steel River Playhouse is a non-profit (501c3) theatre and education organization dedicated to sharing stories that reflect collective humanity by providing a nurturing and empowering environment to represent and serve the diverse community.

About The LGBT Center of Greater Reading

The LGBT Center of Greater Reading creates, administers, and provides services, advocacy, and support to the Greater Reading LGBTQ+ community, including its allies, with the goal that all may live a life of fulfillment, inclusion, and celebration. The Center works hard to create a welcoming, safe, and empowering environment for LGBTQ+ community members and allies and is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that has earned a 2023 Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

Learn more about the latest happenings, events, and attractions in the Montgomery County and Valley Forge areas at Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB).