Hit Broadway show RENT is coming to Sydney this week — here’s everything you need to know

This Saturday, the hit Broadway show RENT will make its Sydney Opera House debut, taking the Joan Sutherland Theatre by storm for a thrilling five-week run.

The multi-Tony Award-winning musical is set in the lively streets of New York City’s East Village in the early ’90s, where young people navigate poignant social issues, friendships and dwindling dreams. Set against the backdrop of the HIV epidemic, the musical explores serious themes like poverty, addiction and loss, while also celebrating more uplifting moments of love, hope and resilience.

Inspired by Puccini’s famous opera La Bohème (which coincidentally just wrapped up a run at the Joan Sutherland Theatre), the musical features iconic songs including Seasons of Love, Take Me or Leave Me and La Vie Bohème.

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The plot

The story opens on Christmas Eve 1989, with roommates Mark and Roger shivering in their unheated loft, unable to pay rent to their landlord (and former friend) Benny. Benny plans to evict the tenants of the building to build a commercial space he calls his “Cyberstudio”. Nearby, Mark’s ex-girlfriend Maureen and her partner Joanne stage a protest against Benny’s plans. We also meet Mimi, a spirited young dancer who begins to flirt with Roger, though he keeps her at a distance.

Amid the pressures of a rapidly changing city, the group faces financial struggles, personal hardships and the impact of illness, yet they form deep bonds and support one another through life’s highs and lows. The story is a celebration of creativity, individuality and the enduring power of community.

The cast

The cast of RENT features an exciting array of Australian talent, with Henry Rollo (The Rocky Horror Show) playing Mark, a struggling documentary filmmaker and best friend of Roger, an HIV-positive musician recovering from heroin addiction, played by Harry Targett (Dear Evan Hansen).

The reckless and passionate exotic dancer Mimi, who lives downstairs from Mark and Roger, will be played by Kristina Paulse (Tina The Tina Turner Musical), and the spirited Maureen will be played by The Voice finalist Calista Nelmes (Jesus Christ Superstar), who will be reprising her award-winning performance. Maureen’s girlfriend, the tough, headstrong Harvard-educated lawyer Joanne, will be played by Imani Williams (Hadestown).

Collins, a philosophy teacher, mentor and friend of Mark and Henry, will be played by Googoorewon Knox (Hamilton) while Jess Dutlow (&Juliet) takes on the role of Angel, an HIV-positive drag performer who embraces life despite its overwhelming challenges. Tana Laga’aia (Jesus Christ Superstar) plays Benny, the former friend and current landlord of Mark, Roger and Mimi.

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Special performances and offers

If you’re a massive RENT fan or just love a bit of karaoke, there will be a special Singalong Performance of the show on Thursday, October 23, at 7:30pm. On-screen lyrics will guide you through the big numbers, letting you know exactly when to join in. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their East Village best or as their favourite bohemian for the full experience.

If you’re looking to stay in Sydney after the show and make a whole evening of it, Ovolo Woolloomooloo are offering ticket holders 20% off stays during the season (27 September to October 20), using the code RENT20.

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Rent

Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House.
When: September 27 to November 1.
Price: From $69 per person.