'Rent' runs through May 20 on campus

Western Washington University's Department of Theatre and Dance presents “Rent,” directed by Jim Lortz, May 10 to 13 and May 16 to 20 in the Performing Arts Center Mainstage Theater on campus.

Written by Jonathan Larson and based on Puccini’s 1896 opera “La bohème,” “Rent” is one of the longest running shows in Broadway's history, with 5,124 performances during its run. The story explores the lives of a group of young artists in New York’s Lower East Side as they struggle to survive both the city and the shadow of HIV/AIDS. “Rent,” like the musical “Hair” (1967) before it, speaks to and for its own generation. Throughout the play the characters create their own sense of family as they forge relationships and face challenges in their lives. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, “Rent” uses the journeys of its characters to share a message of hope, understanding, and love.

The production is intended for mature audiences and contains adult language and content.

“Rent” will show at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, May 10 to 12, as well as on Wednesday through Friday, May 16 to 18. It will also show at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 13 and 20.

Tickets are available through the WWU Box Office and cost $12 for general admission; $10 for seniors, WWU faculty and staff; and $8 for students. A limited selection of tickets will also be available at Village Books and the Community Food Co-op.

WWU Box Office hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and one hour prior to the performance. For individual tickets or disability accommodations, contact the WWU Box Office at (360) 650-6146 or visit http://www.tickets.wwu.edu.

For more information, please call the WWU Theatre Department at (360) 650-3876 or visit http://www.wwu.edu/theatre.