By John Posada
originally published: 08/10/2025
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is presenting RENT by Jonathan Larson from August 10–18, 2025. RENT is back in an all-new production, bringing its powerful story of love, friendship, and resilience to the Jersey Shore. With unforgettable songs like "Seasons of Love" and a message that resonates as strongly today as ever, this Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical is the must-see event of the summer. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
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.
RENT is directed by Ian Moore, with musical direction by Mark S. Megill and choreography by Bridget Hughes. The production team includes Caroline Laberdee (Stage Manager), Jason Greenhouse (Scenic Design), Roman Klima (Lighting Design), Frankie Confalone (Costume Design), Jan Topoleski (Sound Design), Joseph Ficarra (Prop Design), and Julie Nagy (Producer).
Tickets start at just $27 and are available at www.AlgonquinArts.org, by calling 732-528-9211, or by visiting the box office at 60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, New Jersey (Monday–Saturday, 10:00am–4:00pm). Limited tickets remain.
The cast includes Carmen Matarazzo (Mark Cohen), Matt Dalton (Roger), Lisbeth Maria (Mimi), Angelina Amato (Maureen), Jordan Southerland (Joanne), Arron Little (Collins), Tim Wepuhulu (Angel), and Travis Gaston (Benny).
The ensemble includes Zack Bliss, Mads Fernandez, Johnny Friedman, Eddie Hernandez, Juliet Hounsell, Niko Lento, Aliza L.E.A. Liranzo, Jillian Moran, Hope Reyes, Xiomara Rosas, and Amy Scraggs.
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.
Here are more photos from the production.
RENT is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts center providing cultural enrichment and arts education for residents and visitors of Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore through high-quality performances and programs in theatre, music, dance, and film.
Located in Manasquan, NJ, AAT is a vital regional institution committed to both professional and educational opportunities. The theatre showcases the talents of seasoned artists alongside emerging performers and deeply values the connection between performer and audience.
Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is also provided by the PNC Foundation, Manasquan Bank, Sunnyside Manor, the Dodge Foundation, the Provident Bank Foundation, the Horizon Foundation of New Jersey, and the generosity of businesses and patrons.
About the author: John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.
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