The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Department of Theatre & Dance and Kennedy Theatre is proud to present Jonathan Larson’s extraordinary rock musical RENT, live on stage from February 28 to March 9, 2025.
Directed by Joshua “Baba” Tavares, this heartfelt musical, inspired by Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT reimagines the classic opera’s themes of love and sacrifice through the lens of struggling young artists in the Lower East Side of Manhattan during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Since RENT’s broadway debut in 1996, RENT has touched the lives of millions around the globe, becoming a cultural phenomenon with its timeless themes of love, resilience, hope, community and identity. It earned the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book of a Musical. Its iconic songs, including “Seasons of Love,” continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, cementing the show’s legacy as a transformative work of musical theatre.
Tavares, a recent MFA graduate from UH Mānoa and the newest assistant professor of acting in the Department of Theatre and Dance, brings a deep personal connection to the show, having played the role of Angel in the 20th Anniversary National Tour of RENT (2019–20).
“It’s about love, relationships, healing, passion, and figuring out who we are—things that never stop being relevant or important,” said Tavares. “It’s uplifting, heartbreaking, and hopeful. It’s also a great show for students to learn and grow from.”
Ticket information
Tickets are available online, with prices ranging from $5 to $25. Pre-show chats will be held at 6:45 p.m. before the Saturday performances on March 1 and 8, offering insights from the directors and designers.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the UH Mānoa Department of Theatre and Dance website. For ticketing inquiries, email ktbox@hawaii.edu or call 808-956-7655.
