2025

March 31, 2025

WCU’s Dept. of Theatre & Dance Presents RENT April 3 – 6, 2025

Community Members Invited to Submit Names for Tribute to HIV/AIDS Patients, LGBTQ+ Discriminated, and Others, During the Production

West Chester University’s Department of Theatre & Dance proudly presents a high-energy, rock concert interpretation of RENT, the iconic rock opera by Jonathan Larson, from April 3–6, 2025. Directed and choreographed by Associate Professor Liz Staruch, this reimagining blends live music, multimedia elements, and a contemporary perspective, channeling the musical’s raw energy. Performances will run Thursday through Saturday, April 3–5, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 6, at 2:00 p.m., in the MainStage Theatre at the E.O. Bull Center for the Arts, 2 E. Rosedale Avenue, West Chester. While tickets for RENT are now SOLD OUT, members of the public continue to be invited to submit the names of HIV/AIDS patients, members of the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced discrimination, as well as others for a special tribute that will be made during the production.

This Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical follows a group of struggling artists and friends as they navigate life, love, and creativity in the face of adversity. Featuring an unforgettable rock score—including iconic songs like "Seasons of Love" and "La Vie Bohème"—the show celebrates resilience, community, and the power of human connection.

“RENT is a story about community, survival, and the importance of human connection,” says Director Liz Staruch.

“In reimagining this production, we are not only celebrating its rock roots but also emphasizing the deeply personal impact these stories have on real people—both then and now.”

In the spirit of RENT’s powerful message, the production is inviting the community to participate in a deeply personal tribute. As part of the production’s set design, the team will incorporate the names of individuals who have been affected by HIV/AIDS, terminal illness, COVID-19, addiction, suicide, or LGBTQ+ discrimination and strife. A few of these names will be included in the “Support Group” scene, ensuring their memory is woven into the fabric of the performance.

“Our production aims to channel RENT’s rebellious and life-affirming energy while honoring those whose lives were cut short—especially by systemic neglect and cultural indifference within the LGBTQ+ community,” Staruch states.

“We want to create a space where these names, these stories, are not forgotten, but instead, celebrated and remembered.”

Community members who wish to submit names of loved ones for this tribute can do so by sending name(s) and color of the desired ribbon(s) to WCURentTributes@gmail.com.

West Chester University’s production features a cast of 16, accompanied by 5 professional live musicians, and production and design work by faculty and students including Ty Tansy (lighting design), Giulia Pagano (props design), Sophie Cox (assistant choreographer and hair and makeup), JT Hawkes (dramatrug), and Audrey Otto (stage manager.) The show’s Assistant Director is graduating senior Ronnie Hernandez.

The cast of RENT includes Ryan Baker (Collins), Mar’keece Barnett (Benny), Laurel Bendetti (Maureen), Alivia Bentley (ensemble), JT Hawkes (Mark), Zachary Lanton (ensemble), Hailey Lara (Mimi), Rachel Liney (Joanne), Ricky Lopez (Angel), Ian Miller (ensemble), Javen Miller (ensemble), Courtney Parker (ensemble), Brenna Pelizzoni (ensemble), Luke Preston (Roger), Connor Sternberg (ensemble), Kalley Yallek (ensemble).

The Department of Theatre and Dance at West Chester University, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, prepares students for professional and academic careers in theatre and dance. Through its programs, students develop skills in civility, diversity, creativity, problem-solving, and social responsibility. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with elective concentrations in Musical Theatre, Performance, and Design & Production, as well as minors in Dance and Theatre.