"Rent" to Open at Brookdale on April 10

The Performing Arts Center at Brookdale Community College will present the critically acclaimed rock musical “Rent” from April 10 – 12 and April 17 – 19 on the Lincroft campus, 765 Newman Springs Road.

The Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical by Jonathan Larson tells the story of a group of impoverished artists living in New York City’s East Village during the AIDS epidemic of the early 1990’s.

Over the course of a year, the friends struggle to maintain their careers and relationships in the face of a devastating disease and a rapidly changing world.

“As a cultural phenomenon, ‘Rent’ has come to mean many things to many people,” said director and Brookdale instructor Christopher Tomaino. “But ultimately it is about love: the love we have for each other and the families we create.”

All performances will be accompanied by a live rock band. On select dates representatives from Project R.E.A.L. and the Prevention Resource Network in Asbury Park will be on hand to discuss HIV/AIDS statistics in Monmouth County and answer questions from the audience.

Cast and crew members will also host a “talkback” before both Saturday shows and a Q&A session following both Sunday shows.

Performances will be held at 8 p.m. on April 10, 11, 17 and 18, and at 2 p.m. on April 12 and 19. Tickets are $12 for the general public and $10 for seniors, Brookdale employees and alumni. Current Brookdale students can attend for $5.

For tickets or more information call the Performing Arts Center box office at 732-224-2411 or visit www.brookdalecc.edu/pac.