Pioneering production of RENT: School Edition performed by The Mount Players

BRONX, N.Y. - April 25, 2016 - PRLog -- The Mount Players debuted the 2016 production of RENT: School Edition (Adapted for High School Performers) over the course of 3 days in April. The rock musical with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life in New York City's East Village. Loosely based on Puccini's opera La Bohème, the show won a Tony Award for Best Musical and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

The talented cast made up of students from Mount St. Michael Academy, Aquinas High School and St. Francis of Assisi School, delivered a dynamic and entertaining theater experience directed by Mr. Marc Silva. The music was lead by Musical Director Mr. Stacy Penson with an incredible 9-piece orchestra, and featured a number of energetic dance numbers choreographed by Ms. Jessica Santomassimo.

The show garnered some critics soon after the school released the name of its 2016 production. In a statement issued prior to opening night, Mount St. Michael Academy's President, Peter P. Corritori, Jr. '71 said:

"The school edition of RENT is written exclusively for high school students. This version is substantially different from the Broadway performance. Some references to drugs and homosexuality do remain in the production. As these are moral issues; the themes will be addressed as a teaching opportunity in the classroom.

Today's students are exposed to many moral questions. This production will provide us with the opportunity talk with our students about religion and morality, and discuss differing beliefs. Mount St. Michael Academy is, and will always be firmly committed to propagating Catholic morals and principles."

The show was a huge success with over 600 tickets sold. One audience member said: "When they lights came on to signal intermission, I had completely forgotten I was at a high school production."

About Mount St. Michael Academy

Mount Saint Michael Academy, in the tradition of the Marist Brothers, provides a Catholic, college preparatory education to a brotherhood of young men, grades 6 through 12. For more information, visit www.mtstmichael.org