Labeled as a “rock opera,” and one of the most well-known contemporary musicals of all time, Rent tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create in New York City’s East Village. Rent will be performed Tuesday, Sept. 2 to Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Wagon Wheel Theatre.

Set in lower East Side New York City, Rent tells the story of a group of young bohemian artists struggling to live and pay their rent while living with and through the HIV/AIDS epidemic. They try to not only maintain their friendships and their lives but also maintain their non-conformist ideals. They measure their quality of life not in money and success but rather in love and acceptance. Rent is a story about commitment, relationships, romance, inspiration, courage, passion, acceptance, expression, communication and sacrifice. Above all, it is a story about life and the struggles we all face.

With over 5,000 performances in its 12-year run on Broadway, Rent is the ninth longest running musical. It won the Tony Award for best musical as well as a Pulitzer Prize in 1996. In 2005 Rent was made into a movie with members of the original cast playing their well known Broadway roles on the big screen.

Artistic director and choreographer Scott Michaels is excited to be directing Rent. Scott says, “This show brings up very important and relevant issues in today’s world such homosexuality, acceptance, and HIV/AIDS. We are thrilled to be producing this amazing piece of musical theatre material. We hope that this show will open eyes, minds and hearts in a world thats often so closed off”.

Tickets range from $15-34. Discounts are available for college students and seniors on designated performances. For more information or to purchase your tickets visit www.wagonwheeltheatre.org or call the box office at 574-267-8041.