June 24-Aug. 1; each Thur.-Sun.

The Firehouse Theatre Project proudly presents its 2010 summer production – Jonathan Larson’s “Rent.”

Directed by Jase Smith, the show runs from June 24-Aug. 1, Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. and with “pay-what-you-will” matinees at 4 p.m. on Sundays. The Sunday, July 4, matinee will benefit the Fan Free Clinic and be followed with a special talk-back event including the director and cast.

“Rent” is a rock opera with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera “La bohème.” It tells a story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side in the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet City, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.

On Broadway, “Rent” gained critical acclaim and won a Tony Award for Best Musical among other awards. The musical is largely responsible for helping to increase the popularity of musical theater amongst the younger generation.

The Broadway production closed in September 2008 after a 12-year run and 5,124 performances, making it the eighth-longest-running Broadway show by that time, nine years behind “The Phantom of the Opera” as of December 2009. The production grossed over $280 million.

Click here to read about the cast and crew.

Tickets to this special summer production are sure to sell quickly. They are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors 65 and older, and $12 for students and RAPT members with ID. To make reservations, call the Firehouse box office at 804-355-2001 or click here.

2010-11 Season Subscribers: Take advantage of a special offer to purchase tickets to “Rent” for just $20. Call 804-355-2001 to order yours or to purchase a 2010-11 season subscription.

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Founded in 1993, The Firehouse Theatre Project produces contemporary theater of the United States in an authentic urban space – the 101-year-old former Station House #10 of the Richmond Fire Department at 1609 W. Broad St.

FTP’s presentation of recent Off-Broadway shows and original works, through main stage productions, readings, and the annual Festival of New American Plays, has brought to Richmond audiences a New York City black box theater experience – but at far lower ticket prices and with greater emphasis on the actor.

Click here for more information about the Firehouse Theatre.

– The information above was provided by Bill Farrar with the Firehouse.