Cast of ‘Rent’ announced by Quincy Community Theatre; tickets go on sale Monday

QUINCY — Quincy Community Theatre recently announced the cast for its upcoming spring musical production of “Rent.” The production will mark the second entry in QCT’s historic 100th anniversary season.

Based loosely on Puccini’s “La Boheme,” Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Rent” 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. How these young Bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this musical.

The main stage musical production is under the direction of Quincy Community Theatre Artistic Director Brandon Thomsen. In a press release, Thomsen said, “So much of the story of ‘Rent’ is the ability to overcome fear in order to make a decision and move forward in life, especially in the face of uncertainty. I am so grateful that these 16 actors had the confidence to audition for this show. They bring such enthusiasm to rehearsals and a deep commitment to discovering the heart of this rock musical.”

“Rent” features a robust cast of 16 performers. For many in the cast, this is their QCT debut. The cast consists of:

• Trey Ehrhart as Mark Cohen
• Lance Frederick as Roger Davis
• Michael D. Perkins as Tom Collins
• Kar’Mel D. Brewer as Benjamin Coffin III
• Kristen Houston as Joanne Jefferson
• Jordan Archibald (Elektra Lite) as Angel Dumott Schunard
• Mekia Gay as Mimi Marquez
• Bailey Link as Maureen Johnson
• Ensemble members are Kayden Dryer, Mason Ellison, Adrienne Fisk, Sean Major, Joshua Ramseyer, Kate Runfola, Julie Schuetz and Maurice Silas

The production team of “Rent” includes both longtime QCT volunteers and newcomers to the theatre:

• Jeri Conboy and Dan Conboy are serving as stage managers
• Kristin Ramseyer as vocal director
• Alison Shafer as choreographer
• Erin Thibodaux as lighting designer
• Natalie Rose Mabry as scenic designer
• Valerie Hernandez as costume designer
• Nathan Holthaus as sound designer
• Kris Kutcher as the hair consultant
• Drew Quintero and Pichi Fernandez as pops coordinators

“The production team for this show is top-notch,” Thomsen said. “They are each highly skilled in their respective crafts and dedicated to giving our actors and audiences a theatrical experience that is going to rock.”

(Content Advisory: “Rent” features content that makes reference to substance abuse and suicide and contains strong language.)

Tickets start at $27 and go on sale Monday, March 27. Flex season ticket holders may reserve seats
beginning Wednesday, March 15. Performances are scheduled for April 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m., April 23 at 2 p.m., April 27-29 at 7:30 p.m., and April 30 at 2 p.m.. Seating is reserved.

An interactive discovery night will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 11 at QCT. The free event gives participants a view into the production process with discussion on the show’s topics and culminate with a preview of a rehearsal. Immediately following the Friday, April 28 performance will be a Q&A talkback session with the cast and crew.

For more information, visit 1qct.org or call the QCT box office in the Oakley-Lindsay Center at 217-222-3209.

“Rent” is sponsored by Knapheide and KHQA. QCT’s 2023 season is sponsored by Gardner Denver.