Rent the Musical
Cleveland State University students set to perform in the upcoming musical, “Rent,” celebrating the anniversary of a beloved production.
Written by Isabela Insana
People are facing hardships. Others are not looking close enough. This is not new, and the messy art of life is not either.
Cleveland State University’s Division of Performing Arts for Theatre & Dance is painting a candid picture of human experiences with the legendary rock musical “Rent.”
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Jonathon Larson’s bohemian-style Broadway production, based on Giacomo Puccini’s 1896 opera “La Bohème.”
To celebrate, the department is paying tribute by performing the musical, which will run Oct. 29-Nov. 1 and Nov. 5-8, 2026, at Playhouse Square’s Allen Theatre.
The production recognizes the cultural impact “Rent” has had since it first premiered.
For 30 years, this musical has helped individuals feel seen when experiencing or looking back on times of expression, struggle, victory, loss and love.
Although it has been three decades since the musical drama’s premiere, the story continues to connect with a multitude of people, including staff, students and fans of the performing arts.
“‘Rent’ turns 30 years old this year. I was around 20 when it came out, so I was about the age most of these students are now,” said Director Sheffia Randall-Nickerson.
“It is funny to say that as I lived through that time 30 years ago, and although there were differences, so many issues are still the same today,” she said.
The production follows an iconic story that explores the social and economic tidal waves faced by its characters. Not only do the songs and movement connect with the audience, but the stories told through such art also spark powerful emotions.
Dave Stoughton, associate director of Cleveland State’s Division of Performing Arts for Theatre & Dance and the musical’s lighting designer, discusses the significance of the material covered in the show.
“‘Rent’ deals with issues around the AIDS crisis, homelessness, addiction and sexual identity. Those are issues we still see,” Stoughton said. “You unfortunately find the social issues that impact mental health highlighted in the show just about everywhere.”
To establish a historical foundation for the play, Randall-Nickerson and the cast are inviting guest speakers to discuss the ACT UP movement, organized in New York City amid the AIDS crisis, as well as Clevelanders to offer resources to the public.
“We are doing our homework to understand the environment of the time and what challenges in our current society still remain,” Randall-Nickerson said.
The Cleveland State performing arts students are working hard to create an atmosphere for the cast and audience that has never been experienced before.
“They are so talented and hardworking, displaying great energy and support [for one another] while being cohesive collaborators. It feels like a gift to create with them alongside the staff of creatives,” said Randall-Nickerson.
The performers are ecstatic to showcase a heartfelt adventure for the audience to remember forever. Senior Sam Cohen, a performing arts student at Cleveland State, explained the depth of the play’s creative process.
“When we look at the elements of the period piece and the characters, it seems emotionally heavy. During the research process of learning the significance of ‘Rent,’ it allows us to approach it from a place of understanding. There is a culture, and you must approach that culture from a place of respect,” Cohen said.
Sam Cohen (left) and Abigail Allen (right)
Cohen plays Jewish character Mark Cohen, and he is excited to take on the role because he grew up in the Jewish community in Cleveland.
He highlights the parallels between challenges faced by society today and those faced decades ago.
“People need to see this because it shows the problems we face today have yet to be solved. We like to think our modern society in 2026 is not structured the same way as it was in the East Village of New York City in the 1990s. It certainly is, just in a slightly different way,” Cohen said.
“There is so much love and hope during a time of uncertainty and darkness that we are exploring in this story,” he said.
Junior Abigail Allen describes the significance of her role as Joanne Jefferson.
“I want to honor her character. She is the only Black woman in the show, and oftentimes in productions, there is only one Black character, [if at all]. I want to make sure I tell her story with honor and respect, along with [honoring] others who have paved the way for me. I am excited to carry on the legacy,” Allen said.
She points out issues prevalent in the musical that we still face around the world today: unaffordable healthcare, homelessness, social and political tensions.
“Where we are now in society, [both] politically and socially, it is so important to share this story with the community,” she said.
Whether you are familiar with the production or are jumping into fresh territory, the cast and crew hope to create a safe space where viewers can be welcomed and embraced by an unapologetic sense of being alive.
“Beautiful is a hard word [to use] to describe an intense and emotionally impactful performance, but the art and work that goes into our rehearsal hall are beautiful,” said Carter Rohr, a freshman assistant stage manager of the musical.
“Everybody feels supported and works together to create a positive environment [for one another], but also the upcoming audience,” he said.
The creative artists of “Rent” are working to inspire their audience to discuss the challenges they continue to face or witness in their communities. Randall-Nickerson hopes the audience will examine these raw themes together and be motivated to take action.
“If you have already seen it and love it, I promise we will take good care of your show. If you are a part of the quiet collective that silently dislikes the show, take your chance with us. We invite you to get into ‘Rent’ and we can discover more together. It is going to rock!” she said.
