“How do you measure a life?” The simple and profound question is the crux of the theatrical happening: RENT. The characters of this contemporary yet timeless rock opera anxiously look for ways to express their joy of living as they ponder the inevitability of dying. They measure their days in “laughter and strife.” “Living with not dying from A.I.D.S.,” the brave and wonderful people of RENT honestly express themselves as artists, musicians, lovers, friends, family, and outsiders… while living in the shadow of a terminal disease. In 2009, A.I.D.S. is not as lethal as it was in the 1990’s (and the cultural understanding of it has evolved), but, no matter what our circumstance, we all know that life is not infinite – and the question of using our earthly time wisely is always worth pondering.

We rely on theatre artists to shed light on the sometimes-dark corners of our lives and RENT does precisely that. RENT inspires to be ourselves, to be good to each other, and to use our time well. RENT also lift us up, make us laugh, cry, feel, think and ROCK!!! Jonathan Larsen’s complex and rousing score takes us someplace familiar yet new.

I am so happy to be directing a thrilling, beautiful, and important work of theatrical art. Take a ride with the motley and beautiful cast of RENT and let’s ask together: “how do you measure a life?”

Bill Castellino

June 1, 2009