Project Title
"Rent" performed at Alma d'arte Charter High School
Project Description
Designed publicity poster and program for Alma d'Arte Charter High School and directed the production.
Tools
Photoshop, InDesign, Digital Photography
Director’s Notes
I became enchanted with musical theatre at seven years old as I watched my brother perform in Muskegon Civic Opera Association’s THE KING AND I. Subsequently, I would work on many popular musicals from GYPSY to A FIDDLER ON THE ROOF to SHOWBOAT. I saw CATS, LES MISERABLES, and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. All of these shows wowed me. Still, none moved me as did RENT. Before RENT, musical theatre merely entertained me. RENT confronted me with reality.
Now, 20 years after RENT’s conception, I find myself surrounded by society’s supposed outcasts, struggling artists, and potential activists; I am continuously inspired by their struggles and their successes. RENT School Edition has the ability to reach out to our youth and address important, albeit controversial, topics—death, disease, drug use, and gender identity. Yet, its underlying themes of love, family, and life provide hope for the future, as well
Jonathan Larson wanted to write a musical that would reflect the world he lived in and connect to the lives of the MTV generation—my generation.
I believe the show still has the power to engage our younger generation and I, therefore, am gratified to be directing RENT School Edition here at Alma d’arte Charter High School.
KC Cherkasky, Director December 2015
“It’s time now, to sing out
Though the story never ends
Let’s celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends”
— J. Larson, RENT
© December 2015
Program Cover
(front on right; back on left)
