Rent

Jul 21 – Aug 19, 2012

Jonathan Larson's electrifying tale of East Village artists won everything — the Tony, the Obie, the Pulitzer. Our exuberant new staging showcases a cast of young, home-grown, musical theater stars.

Music and Lyrics: Jonathan Larson
Director: Bill Berry

Parental Guidelines

Rated PG-13+

This musical is based on Puccini's opera La Boheme, which portrays a group of poverty-stricken artists living unconventional (or "Bohemian") lives in the attics of 19th-century Paris.  The opera's young lovers are tragically separated when one dies of the ubiquitous Victorian plague, tuberculosis. Rent, on the other hand, is set in late 20th-century New York.  Its characters are young filmmakers, songwriters, street musicians, and performance artists who live in an industrial loft. They struggle with romantic relationships, creative blocks, rent payments, drug addiction, and with the new plague called AIDS.

Rent is not suitable for very young audience members. Parents and concerned theatergoers are advised to read the following descriptions carefully.

Adult Language
The "f" word is used half a dozen times, always an expletive rather than as a sexual term ("This is f—king weird!"). A few 4-letter vulgar words are also used ("You're full of shit!" "Don't get pissed!") as well as the occasional "damn."

Violence
One character, Collins, is mugged while using a pay phone (the attack is shown in mime). A riot occurs (offstage) when police attempt to remove homeless people from a vacant lot.

Sexual References
Mark, a filmmaker, is mourning that his girl friend, Maureen, has left him for a woman. Later he and his girlfriend's lover, Joanne, will lament (in the "Tango Maureen" number) that she has cheated on them both. Another character, Angel, is a cross-dresser (or "drag queen"), and often referred to as "she." Angel helps Collins after he is mugged and they confide in each other that they have AIDS—and fall in love. Roger and Mimi are also HIV-positive. One character will die of AIDS.

In the song "La Vie Boheme," the artists sing in tribute to the unconventional life, to "Emotion, Devotion, to causing a Commotion / Creation, Vacation c/ Mucho Masturbation." They also sing to:

"Faggots, lezzies, dykes, cross dressers too
To you and you and you, you, you
To people living with
Not dying from disease
Let He among us without sin
Be the first to condemn."

Drugs/Alcohol
Some of the characters are addicted to drugs and some are recovered addicts. Drugs are frankly portrayed as both seductive and lethal, a menace to the characters' health and happiness. Roger, a songwriter, has been off drugs for half a year and recognizes Mimi's symptoms (shivering, sweating); he finds her "stash" and hides it. In one song, Mimi and a group of other junkies pursue "The Man," a drug dealer, asking:

"Got any D, man? / Got any C, man? / Got any X / Any smack / Any horse / Any jugie boogie / Any blow?"
(slang terms for angel dust, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, and crack).

Plan Your Visit

Whether this is your first visit to The 5th Avenue Theatre or your 50th, we want to ensure that you enjoy every moment. If you have any questions about the theater accommodations or services, please call 206-625-1900 or e-mail info@5thavenue.org.

Arrival Time

Productions begin promptly, so please arrive at least 15 minutes early. Doors open 45 minutes before the show and seating begins 30 minutes before the curtain.

Late Seating

Patrons arriving late will be seated at the first suitable pause in the performance in the least disruptive location. Following intermission, an usher will help you find your seat.

Weather

All performances will take place as scheduled, regardless of weather conditions.

Children

Children under four years of age, including babes in arms, will not be admitted. 5th Avenue productions are generally suitable for ages 8 and above. Complimentary booster seats are available at the Coat Check.

Some shows deal with mature themes and may not be appropriate for all children. For information on whether a particular show is suitable for your child, please see the Parental Guidelines on the production pages of this website.

Emergency Contact

Please leave the following information with your sitter or service, so we can quickly locate you in the event of an emergency:

Theatre Coat Check phone:  206-625-1294
Your seat location: aisle, section, row, and seat number

Coat Check & Assistive Devices

Complimentary Coat Check is located in the lobby next to Aisle 3. You may check any item you don’t wish to carry into the theater. Booster seats and Braille playbills are available at no charge.  Binoculars may be rented for $5.00.

Food & Drinks

Refreshments are available for purchase on both levels of the lobby before the performance and during intermission. Food and drinks, except for bottled soft drinks and water, are not permitted inside the auditorium.

Ticket Refunds & Exchanges

You may exchange your tickets, if you do so 24 hours or more prior to your scheduled performance date.  Subscribers may exchange tickets for free.  Single-ticket buyers are charged an exchange fee.  Please note:  Tickets are non-refundable.

You may also donate your tickets back to the non-profit  5th Avenue Theatre and receive a donation receipt for your income taxes. Please call 206.625.1900 prior to your performance  to arrange a ticket donation.

Lost Tickets

If you lose or forget your tickets, please call 206-625-1900 or 888-5TH-4TIX for a replacement. You may pick up your tickets at the Box Office on the day of the show.

Third-Party Tickets

We strongly discourage patrons from purchasing tickets through outside vendors. Tickets bought from scalpers, brokers or by other third-party means may be counterfeit or inadmissible, and they are often grossly overpriced. These purchases do not benefit the performers, producers or The 5th Avenue Theatre. Purchasing directly from the 5th Avenue Theatre is your best bet for best seats and best available prices.

Cameras & Recorders

The use of cameras and video or audio recording equipment is strictly prohibited. You may leave these items at the Coat Check.

Smoking Policy
Smoking is not allowed in any part of the theater nor within 25 feet of the theater entrance.

Firearms Policy
No firearms of any kind are allowed in any part of the theater.

Ask an Usher

If you experience any discomfort during a performance, an usher or the House Manager will be glad to assist you.