York College Presents RENT the Musical on March 26-28, 2026
York College of Pennsylvania is thrilled to announce that its incoming spring musical, RENT, will be coming to the stage in the Waldner Performing Arts Center on Main Campus.
Written by Jonathan Larson, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical will be performed by members of the student body and will run from March 26-28, 2026.
Set from 1989-1990 in New York City’s Lower East Side, RENT tells the story of a group of creative artists and activists squatting in a former industrial space and explores how they deal with the struggles in their lives. They will face the loss of friends, the end of dreams, and illness, but through it all, they remain hopeful and look forward to a world where they can still create and share their passions with others.
Musical Director and Adjunct Professor of Theatre Calvin Weary ‘99 shared that there was strong interest among theatre students for RENT to be the next show they would bring to the stage. Not only is the musical celebrating its 30th anniversary, but it also explores impactful themes of community and love, as well as topics related to the LGBTQIA+ community, especially through the leading and supporting characters who drive the narrative.
“Even though RENT is now 30 years old, it still speaks to a number of ideals that many of us still ascribe to,” Weary said.
He shared that he felt the show is fulfilling a desire for the cast and also serving a purpose for others, which he feels is coming through in the rehearsals. The students are very excited to help share this decades-old story that has touched the lives of many and inspired others to continue chasing their creative passions.
“I think an audience is going to walk away a little bit sad, but also feel a little triumphant that no matter what happens, we do persevere,” Weary said. “We do go on, even when the worst thing that could possibly happen to us riddles our bodies, it makes us sick, we can still be creative. We can still have our hearts be open to love.”
Don’t miss the chance to see RENT and its talented cast and crew. The show will be performed March 26-28 at 7:30 p.m. and March 28 at 2:00 p.m.
To purchase tickets for the upcoming production of RENT, visit the Weary Arts Group website.
In Their Own Words: Cast and Crew
Killian Griffin
- Class of 2027
- Psychology Major with Musical Theatre Minor
- Role: Mimi Marquez
- Favorite RENT Song: “What You Own” and “Out Tonight”
“RENT is such a transformative show, and you truly feel every emotion. There’s moments of joy, sadness, comedy, grief, and most of all hope. I think the music in the show is so wonderful, too, that audiences will be humming it for weeks after seeing the show.”
Cecilia (Cece) Christ
- Class of 2028
- Graphic Design Major with Theatre Minor
- Role: Maureen Johnson
- Favorite RENT Song: “Take Me or Leave Me”
“People should come see RENT to experience a powerful story about love and loss mixed with iconic music. Everyone in the cast has gotten so close, and I know the audience is going to enjoy the on-stage chemistry between the cast. This production feels like such a family, and we are so excited to share it with the community.”
Seph Alexandre
- Class of 2026
- Music Industry and Recording Technology Major with Musical Theatre Minor
- Role: Tom Collins
- Favorite RENT Song: “La Vie Boheme”
“What I enjoy most about the musical is the love that the main characters clearly have for each other, even through all of their hardships. In terms of the audience, I think that they will enjoy seeing this cast's interpretation of all the characters.”
JJ Wilcox
- Class of 2028
- Cannabis Chemistry Major with Neuroscience Minor
- Role: Angel
- Favorite RENT Song: “La Vie Boheme” and “Tango Maureen”
“People should come see RENT for the emotional ride it takes the audience on. I’m a big believer in emotional catharsis, and there’s definitely a lot of that in this show. The highest highs, the lowest lows, the fiery anger, the forgiveness, the friendship, all of it is felt at a 10 in this musical, and I live for it.”
Sayer Kobersmith
- Class of 2026
- Creative Industries and Entrepreneurship Major with Theatre Minor
- Role: Stage Manager
- Favorite RENT Song: “What You Own”
“It's been really inspiring to see all the work everyone has put into this production and see how all of that has come together, especially now as we near the end, so I definitely think all that work is going to come together into a worthwhile product!”
Photo Credit: Jordan Compton
