Published July 21, 2010
By Dori O'Neal, Tri-City Herald staff writer

The rock opera Rent had a successful 12-year run on Broadway and now you can experience the fabulous music of this bittersweet modern story, which is loosely based on the classic opera La Boheme, this weekend at Columbia Basin College in Pasco.

Here's what a few Tri-City theater fans had to say about it:

"After seeing La Boheme last Wednesday, I decided to see Rent, even though I did not like it when I saw it in New York a few years ago," said Laurel Piippo of Richland. "Comments from a friend made me want to see the local production. Also, Justin Raffa and Ginny Quinley are top theater people who consistently turn out great events."

Piippo said her friend told her, "I went to see Rent on Sunday. Although the subject matter is difficult, the music, dancing, acting and the production as a whole was terrific."

"At first I wondered if Ginny (Quinley, the director) had chosen a wrong play for the Tri-Cities, and I told her I would not like it. Well, I was wrong. I liked it and can recommend it even to my octogenarian friends."

Joyce Oates of Kennewick was blown away by the quality of the musical.

"We saw Rent opening night," she said. I got goose bumps after some of the solos. The performances were top notch and they put their all into it. We were truly awe-struck at the talent in this show."

Rent follows the lives of a group of artists living in New York's East Village during the 1980s and 1990s. Some are dealing with HIV/AIDS, some are just battling to make it in the entertainment business, and some are simply struggling to pay the Rent. Despite the problems, this tight group of friends have built a relationship based on love.

The music in the rock opera, which will be handled by music director Debi Eng of Kennewick, is energizing and lively.

So, if you're looking for some entertainment that will get you out of the blistering Tri-City heat this weekend, then head on over to CBC, 2600 N. 20th Ave., Pasco.

Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. July 23-24, 27, 29-31 in the CBC theater. Tickets are $17 for adults and $15 for students and senior citizens. Tickets at the door.

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