The GhostLight Theatre in Benton Harbor is set to kick off its 2025 summer season with a bold and heartfelt staging of RENT, the groundbreaking rock musical by the late Jonathan Larson. The show opens Thursday, June 12, and runs through Saturday, June 29, inside the theatre’s intimate Black Box space at 101 Hinkley Street in the heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District.
Performances are scheduled for Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3:00 p.m. General admission tickets are $32, with discounted pricing available—$25 for seniors and $20 for students 18 and under. Due to strong language and mature themes, the production is recommended for ages 14 and up.
Tickets are available online at www.GhostLightBH.com or directly through Humanitix.
First debuting on Broadway in 1996, RENT tells the story of a group of young artists and musicians navigating love, loss, and life in New York City’s East Village as the AIDS crisis looms large. The Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning score features familiar favorites like “Seasons of Love,” “La Vie Boheme,” and “I’ll Cover You,” all of which will echo through the GhostLight’s rafters in this fresh new production directed by Spencer Ryan Diedrick.
“We are delighted to bring Jonathan Larson’s epic musical RENT to life here at The GhostLight,” said Artistic Director and founder Paul Mow. “Our company has long hoped to mount a production of this iconic piece of musical theatre, and we have assembled an incredible cast and crew of players along with our director, Spencer Ryan Diedrick.”
Diedrick, who previously directed Once and Lewiston/Clarkston at GhostLight, returns with a clear passion for the story’s enduring message.
“Part of why RENT resonates with every future generation is this very idea of found family,” said Diedrick. “The sense of community that comes from creation and curiosity remains vital in this day and age. We hope audiences will join us in celebrating life, love, activism, expression, and La Vie Boheme.”
This production features a cast of returning and new talent including Wes Shenker (Bright Star) as Roger, Cristian Marquez (Rocky Horror) as Collins, Triss Wright (Pippin) as Benny, and Alyssa Hyska (Bright Star) as Maureen. Other principal roles are filled by Austin Washington*, Ray Wallsten*, Einra Baker, Jarynn Whitney*, Angelique Morris*, and Lisa Robinson*.
RENT marks the third production in GhostLight Theatre’s sixth season, and continues the organization’s mission of bringing high-quality, thought-provoking performances to the region’s arts scene.
For more information or to reserve your seats, visit GhostLightBH.com.
