Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson 

Directed by David Halliwell

Music Direction by Chris Coogan

Choreography by Wilber Escobar

Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Rent has become a pop cultural phenomenon. with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Based loosely on Puccini's La Boheme, Jonathan Larson's Rent follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. The physical and emotional complications of the disease pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom and Angel. Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art; her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble. Benny has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income and is on the outs with his former friends. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical.

This is theatre at its best – exuberant, passionate and joyous. Regional theatres will love the freedom and flexibility that Rent offers; minimal costuming and sets are required.

Since 1937, the mission of The Wilton Playshop has been to further the performing arts by providing quality live theatre to the greater Wilton area, and by doing so, provide an educational and growing experience for all involved.

The Wilton Playshop is a volunteer organization with a governing Board of Directors. There are generally three major productions presented each year along with special events through our Applause Series.   The Applause Series is a separate program from a traditional season where the theatre features concerts, readings, works in progress and unique performance events.  In some circumstances the Playshop is approached by an artist who is interested in a producing partner for their idea or concept.  This series supports those opportunities. 

As a community-oriented endeavor, The Playshop is committed to developing new directors and playwrights as a means of preserving this important art form. Backstage involvement includes producing, directing, stage management, light and sound engineering, scenic design, properties, costumes, set construction, and a myriad of other jobs that constitute an energetic community theater. We encourage active participation and we always welcome new faces. No experience is necessary — only desire and interest!

At the intermission of each performance, audience members are invited into the Green Room for refreshments. Playshop members welcome the opportunity to greet you and speak with anyone interested in getting involved, either on stage or off. Please feel free to make yourself at home! Our Playshop family invites you to join in the excitement that is The Wilton Playshop.

The Wilton Playshop is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that offers the quality live theatre experience to the greater Wilton area through the support and generosity of the members of the Wilton community and the Wilton business community as well.