From the moment the first guitar riff hit and the ensemble launched into the iconic opening number, it was clear that the Algonquin Arts Theatre’s new production of RENT (August 10–18, 2025) was here to do more than just revisit Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking rock musical. It was here to reintroduce it — raw, urgent, and deeply human — to a new generation on the Jersey Shore.
The beloved Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, famous for its uncompromising portrayal of love, loss, friendship, and resilience in New York City’s East Village at the height of the AIDS crisis, feels as urgent today as it did at its 1996 debut. In this all-new staging, the Algonquin embraces that urgency, delivering an experience that’s both reverent to the original and boldly its own.
A Story That Still Hits Home
Larson’s story — following a group of friends navigating poverty, love, and the fragility of life — is timeless in its themes, but it’s the cast’s commitment to the material that makes this production soar. The chemistry between leads burns with authenticity, whether in the aching vulnerability of “One Song Glory,” the infectious joy of “La Vie Bohème,” or the communal embrace of “Seasons of Love.”
The show’s emotional heart beats strongest in the quiet moments — the ones where the weight of mortality presses in and the beauty of chosen family pushes back just as fiercely.
Performances That Ignite the Stage
Standouts abound in this cast. The leads bring depth and dimension to roles that could so easily tip into archetype. Mark’s observant narration feels less like commentary and more like a personal confession. Roger’s struggle to create something meaningful before it’s too late cuts sharply, while Mimi’s blend of defiance and fragility is impossible to look away from.
The supporting roles — from Angel’s dazzling energy to Collins’ warmth and unshakable loyalty — give the production its soul. Angel’s and Collins’ love story, in particular, drew audible sniffles from the audience on opening night.
Design That Pulls You In
The Algonquin’s intimate setting works in RENT’s favor, pulling the audience right into the East Village lofts, clubs, and cold sidewalks where these characters live. Minimalist yet evocative set design allows the actors’ performances and Larson’s lyrics to take center stage, while subtle lighting shifts mirror the show’s emotional currents — bright and bustling in “Today 4 U,” shadowed and still in moments of loss.
Costumes pop with personality, blending 90s grit with modern texture. You feel the bohemian freedom, the edge of rebellion, and the hard truth that not everyone in this world is playing by the same rules.
Captured in the Moment
Photographer John Posada was on hand to document the production, capturing striking stills that show just how much energy and heart this cast pours into each scene. From close-up shots of raw emotion to wide frames of the ensemble in full voice, Posada’s images underscore what audience members already know — this RENT is alive in every beat.
Why This RENT Matters Now
In 2025, the message of RENT — to live fully, love fiercely, and measure life in moments — resonates as strongly as ever. Against the backdrop of ongoing conversations about housing insecurity, health crises, and the importance of chosen communities, the show feels pointed and contemporary.
The Algonquin Arts Theatre doesn’t just present RENT as nostalgia; it presents it as a rallying cry. It’s not a museum piece — it’s a living, breathing work of theatre that demands you pay attention.
Final Curtain
By the end, as the final chords of “Finale B” hung in the air, the standing ovation was immediate and unanimous. This production of RENT doesn’t just revisit a classic — it reclaims it for now, making sure its lessons and its heart don’t fade with time.
If you’ve ever loved RENT, or if you’ve never seen it but crave theatre that challenges and uplifts in equal measure, make the trip to Manasquan before August 18. This is the summer’s must-see show at the Jersey Shore.
