The Tony Award-winning rock opera "RENT" ran on Broadway for 5,124 performances and now a group of local actors are working on putting together a Batavia production that will run Jan. 13-16.
With the cast deep into rehearsals, they received a special visit at Batavia Middle School on Monday evening -- Gwen Stewart, one of the original cast members of "RENT" on Broadway stopped by for a visit.
After a short rehearsal, Stewart hopped onto the edge of the stage and talked about the importance and message of RENT, which dealt with what was a very controversial issue at the time -- AIDS.
She said because of advances in treatment, AIDS isn't the death sentence that it was when "RENT" opened in 1980, but the message of dealing with medical hardships is still relevant.
A couple of cast members mentioned that they had seen Stewart perform in "RENT," either on Broadway or in Rochester.
The local production of "RENT" is being staged by WNY Arts Society. For a complete cast list, click here. The director is Ashley Bateman, pictured above on the left with Stewart.
