NOTE FROM THE MANAGING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

I love the musical RENT. It’s hard to describe the importance and the impact that the show has had on the theatre community.  Jonathan Larson captured the emotions and anxieties of a generation grappling with unaffordable housing, creativity vs capitalism, and the fear of the AIDS epidemic. Woven into the story of a close-knit group of artists, Larson created a show filled with love and hope in spite of these struggles.

RENT is perhaps most groundbreaking in the way it puts LGBTQIA+ characters front and center. The audience gets an inside look into gay, queer, lesbian, non-binary and other non-traditional characters in an honest and truthful way. And with the recent scourge of anti-LGBTQIA+ words, actions, and policies, telling this story feels just as important now as it was in 1996. 

Alongside this production, and with the generous support of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, we have the honor of hosting a twelve by twelve foot section of the Aids Memorial Quilt throughout the run of RENT. The panel in our lobby is one of nearly 50,000 such panels dedicated to 110,000 individuals who have died of AIDS. It is a sobering lesson in how ignorance, intolerance, silence, and bigotry can lead to the loss of millions of lives, as well as a stirring reminder of the power and hope that lies in community and collective action. If you have not yet done so, I encourage you to spend a moment with the quilt, to take in the names and reflect on this living memorial. 

Looking ahead to Season 16 at Farmers Alley, themes of love and community run throughout the shows we’ve selected. We’re excited to present a well balanced season with productions that reinforce our commitment to producing high-quality professional theater in a collaborative, welcoming and community-based environment. Highlights include Working: The Musical where stories from working class people, some specifically from Kalamazoo, will be lifted up. Another special show is Sondheim on Sondheim where we are grateful to collaborate once again with the Gilmore Piano Festival, and also pay tribute to the late great Stephen Sondheim, known as the father of the modern American musical. And closing out our season is the Kalamazoo premiere of School of Rock: The Musical, based on the movie starring Jack Black. We are proud to present this show where our young local talent will be rocking out every night to new songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber, telling this hilarious and heartwarming story about not being afraid to pursue your dreams. 

We hope you enjoy the show tonight, and we also hope that you will join us for Season 16. Membership packages are on sale now.
 
Thanks for being here tonight. You are the best part of Farmers Alley. We couldn’t and wouldn’t do it without you. We hope that watching this performance of RENT will help you remember that when you look at your life, the best way to analyze your time on earth is to “measure your life in love”.

Jeremy Koch, Managing Artistic Director

DIRECTOR'S NOTE — FOUND FAMILY AND REPRESENTATION

It is with great pride and excitement that I return to the wonderful Farmers Alley Theatre to direct this production of RENT. (It’s hard to believe I was here a decade ago as an actor in Next to Normal.) I had the great fortune and honor to play Mark Cohen on Broadway many years ago, with my first performance landing on my birthday. And since then, the miracles, both big and small, just keep coming. I am filled with immense gratitude for the opportunity to bring Jonathan Larson's iconic musical to life once more. At its core, RENT is a testament to the power of found family and the significance of representation, themes that resonate deeply with us all, seemingly now more than ever.

In a world that can often feel isolating and fragmented, the concept of found family becomes a sanctuary for the characters in RENT. These artists, misfits, and dreamers forge bonds that transcend blood ties, offering support, love, and acceptance to one another. In our interpretation of the story, we celebrate the profound connections formed within this tight-knit community, emphasizing the strength that arises from unity and the unwavering belief that we are never alone in our struggles.

Representation lies at the heart of RENT. Jonathan Larson's groundbreaking work dared to give voice to the marginalized, shining a light on the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and those affected by the AIDS crisis.

At first, I feared Farmers Alley presented a challenge in its limited space, yet as rehearsals have progressed, I’ve come to realize what a fabulous gift it is to tell this story in such an intimate setting. Through the staging, set design, and lighting, we aim to create an immersive experience, transporting you to the streets of Alphabet City in the late 1980s. It is a world vibrant with raw energy, where passion and desperation collide.

As you witness the journey of the characters in RENT, I encourage you to reflect on the power of found family and the importance of representation. In a country that often seems more divided than ever, may their stories inspire empathy, understanding, and compassion within each of us. Let us embrace the courage to step outside our comfort zones and celebrate the beautiful tapestry of humanity that surrounds us.

I extend my deepest appreciation to the extraordinary ensemble of actors, musicians, and technicians who have dedicated themselves to this production. Their talent and willingness to dig deep into the emotional core of the characters have breathed life into this remarkable story. 

To you, our audience, thank you for coming tonight and keeping the theatre alive, and to my cast and crew, welcome to the family!

Trey Ellett, Director