Lyric Music Theater is known for taking risks.

“Jekyll & Hyde,” “Titanic,” “Aida” and other contemporary musicals received early attention at Lyric, which routinely presents shows that are new on the community theater circuit but not necessarily proven box-office hits.

“Rent” is something different altogether.

“It’s probably the most progressive show that the theater has done in its 57 years,” says director Michael Donovan. “We tend to shy away from rock musicals. We have taken our risks with new shows, but also more conventional shows.

” ‘Rent’ is in a class of its own, in terms of the subject matter and just the rawness to it. Lyric has never had a show like this before.”

“Rent” opens Friday and runs weekends through March 5. The play is a rock opera that tells the story of a group of young artist friends who struggle to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side. They are plagued by the shadow of AIDS, and the story is about coming of age under challenging circumstances.

The show is selling well at the box office, confirming Lyric’s creative instincts, Donavan said.

“It’s so exciting to be doing something new and provocative. We all have done and love ‘Oklahoma’ and ‘My Fair Lady.’ But everyone is wanting something new,” he said.

Donovan had a large turnout when he posted audition notices. He thinks that’s because the music in “Rent” is rewarding to sing, and the show tends to attract performers with energy and passion.

The cast includes Thomas Smallwood, Jennifer Miller, Rebecca Rinaldi, Chris Austin, Tyler Beck, Brian McAloon and Celeste Green.

Donovan said he chose a cast that “is willing to put itself out there every night. It’s very exposing and very raw. But at the heart of it is a story that needs to be told: that love knows no age and no boundary.” 

Staff Writer Bob Keyes can be contacted at 791-6457 or at: bkeyes@pressherald.com

Follow him on Twitter at: twitter.com/pphbkeyes

 

 

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