Is la vie bohême dead? According to the late Jonathan Larson, it is very much alive and can be found in the most unsuspecting of places. His musical RENT has inspired many through its various runs on Broadway and around the world, and is coming for the second time to Manila, to be introduced to a new generation of rebels, dreamers, and idealists all aspiring for love and compassion. A re-imagining of the Puccini opera La Bohême, RENT is set in New York City's East Village, told through a group of starving artists who learn to fall in love and find their voices in spite of dire poverty and illness. With songs such as “Seasons of Love,” and a story that resonates at the core, RENT brings forth a universal message of hope, flamboyantly asserting that there is “no day but today.”

9 Works Theatrical Production, who have previously produced the off-Broadway musical Songs For A New World, hosted a press conference last January 18 for the latest incarnation of the multi-awarded musical at the Palm Restaurant at the Rockwell Club, one floor above the rehearsal area of the group. The artistic team, together with the new cast of RENT shared their excitement and enthusiasm for the musical, from the nerve-wracking auditions to the strenuous rehearsals, and their aspirations for the actual performances to be held throughout February.

The cast of RENT is led by Gian Magdangal as Roger Davis, a songwriter who is HIV positive; Fredison Lo as Mark Cohen, an independent filmmaker and Roger's roommate; and Nicole Asensio as Mimi Márquez, an exotic dancer with HIV. Additionally, the cast also features OJ Mariano as Tom Collins, a gay philosophy professor and anarchist with AIDS; Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Maureen Johnson, a bisexual performance artist; Noel Rayos as Benjamin 'Benny' Coffin III, the local landlord and a former roommate of Roger, Mark, Collins, and Maureen; Job Bautista as Angel Dumott Schunard, a gay drag queen percussionist with AIDS; Jenny Villegas as Joanne Jefferson, a lawyer, who is Maureen's partner; and Cara Barredo as Mimi Marquez (alternate). Ensemble members include Ring Antonio, Peachy Atilano, Johann Dela Fuente, Harold Cruz, Gary Junsay, Raul Montesa, Anna Santamaria and Mark Tayag.

The production team is comprised of executive producer Santi Santamaria, director Robbie Guevara, production manager Weng Lopez, musical director Ceejay Javier, choreographer Charles Thompson, vocal coach Onyl Torres, vocal consultant Lionel Guico, scenographer Mio Infante, lighting designer Martin Esteva, sound designer Rards Corpuz, publicity director Toots Tolentino, and PR manager Jonjon Martin.

Jonathan Larson’s RENT will be staged on February 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 (Fridays at 8:00PM, Saturdays at 3:30PM and 8:00PM & Sundays at 4:30PM and 8:00PM) at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at the RCBC Building, Makati City (Ayala Corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenues). For tickets, call 557-5860 or TicketWorld at 891-9999.