The GhostLight Theatre continues its 2025 Theatre Season with RENT – a musical written by the late Jonathan Larson, & directed by Spencer Ryan Diedrick (Once, Lewiston/Clarkston). Rent will mark the 3rd production of The GhostLight Theatre’s 6th season, and it will be presented in the GhostLight’s Black Box Theatre space from Thursday, June 12th through Sunday, June 29th. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, curtain is at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 3 p.m. at 101 Hinkley Street in Benton Harbor. General Admission tickets are $32, $25 for seniors, and $20 for students aged 18 and under. RENT contains mature themes and strong language and is suggested for ages 14+. Tickets can be reserved via online purchase at www.GhostLightBH.com or at https://events.humanitix.com/
At the end of the millennium, a group of bohemians in the East Village struggle with love, loss, and gentrification amidst the AIDS crisis. In this exciting new production, Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award™ and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical will transform the GhostLight Theatre’s black box and shake the rafters with the iconic chords of “Seasons of Love,” “I’ll Cover You,” and the thrilling, soaring musical score that is RENT – The Musical! Run time is Approximately 2 ½ hours including one intermission.
The principal cast includes Wes Shenker (Bright Star) as ROGER, Cristian Marquez (Rocky Horror) as COLLINS, Triss Wright (Pippin) as BENNY, Alyssa Hyska (Bright Star) as MAUREEN, Austin Washington* as ANGEL, Ray Wallsten* as MARK, Einra Baker (Pippin)/Jarynn Whitney* as MIMI, & Angelique Morris*/Lisa Robinson* as JOANNE. Also included in the ensemble cast are Lila Beard, Sam Donoho (The Minutes), Ben Farac*, Laura Gomez (Bright Star), Abbi Kalin (Cabaret), Sofia Pate (Pippin), & Jorin Tabbert(She Kills Monsters). *denotes GhostLight debut
Choreography is set by Dennis Davis along with Assistant Director Paige Mulick. Set Design is by Andrew Sawyer, Lighting Design by Collin Wagner, with Sound Design by Marc VanGilder. GhostLight’s live orchestra will feature Music Director/Pianist Jonathan Clough, Glenn McFarland on drums, Ivan Torres on Bass, Steve Lundquist on Guitar, Sam Crago/Matt Lowe on Keyboard/Guitar 2. Additional set dressing/painting was done by Cindy Jakeway, and members of the GL Young Apprentice program with Costume Design by Kasey Brown Wolfgang, assisted by Abbi Kalin and Sofia Pate. Properties and Stage Management by Mandy Mileham, with Intimacy Coordination by Charlie Baker.
“We are delighted to bring Jonathan Larson’s epic musical RENT to life here at The GhostLight” says Artistic Director Paul Mow, “Our company has long hoped to mount a production of this iconic piece of musical theatre and we have assembled an incredible cast and crew of players along with our director Spencer Ryan Diedrick.”
"I'm so honored to return to the GhostLight, which has become a cherished artistic home for me,
“ says Diedrick. “Part of why RENT resonates with every future generation is this very idea of found family. The sense of community that comes from creation and curiosity remains vital in this day and age. And we have assembled a phenomenal cast and creative team, who bring their unique selves to this timeless story. We hope you join us in celebrating life, love, activism, expression, and La Vie Boheme."
Season Sponsors include Chicago Records Management and On Base Productions, as well as show sponsors for Rent Bread+Bar, Meijer, Mead & White Electric, United Federal Credit Union, Emma’s Hearth & Market as well as The Benton Spirit, The OutCenter and Forte Coffee.
In addition to RENT, the GhostLight Theatre mainstage season consists of four additional 2025 productions:
• The Wolves – a play by Sarah DeLappe – directed by Lindsay Gaspari -July 17-20 (YA production)
• Chess – the musical – directed by Paul Mow - August 14-24
• The Rocky Horror Show – the musical – October 30- November 2
• The Thanksgiving Play – a play by Larissa Fasthorse – directed by Michael Herman - November 13-23
Tickets range from $20-$32 and can be purchased at https://www.ghostlightbh.com/
2-person VIP tables are also available in limited quantity for a $40 additional add on. Tickets for the April 18th production at the Acorn can be purchased via their website at https://www.acornlive.org/
Show Sponsorship information is available at: https://www.ghostlightbh.com/
“RENT is an “exhilarating, landmark rock opera”….”and it shimmers with hope for the future of the American musical”…..”the characters (in Rent) possess a transfixing brightness”
- The New York Times
