
Love, Friendship, and Resilience Overcome Life’s Struggles in this Powerful and Inspiring Rock Musical
by Anne Reid
“Rent” is a groundbreaking and much-loved rock musical created by Jonathan Larson, who wrote its music, lyrics, and book. Set in New York City’s gritty East Village during the late 1980s and early 1990s, the story follows a close-knit group of young artists and friends as they navigate the challenges of poverty, creative ambition, and the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic.
As a modern reimagining of Giacomo Puccini’s classic opera “La Bohème,” the musical delves deeply into universal themes of love, heartbreak, friendship, and the unyielding human spirit. With its vibrant characters, raw emotion, and powerful message of resilience in the face of adversity, “Rent” captures the struggles and triumphs of a generation determined to live fully and authentically, no matter the odds.
The characters—Mark, a struggling filmmaker; Roger, a brooding musician; Mimi, a fiery dancer battling addiction; Tom, a thoughtful academic; Angel, a radiant drag queen and percussionist; Maureen, a bold performance artist; and Joanne, her pragmatic lawyer partner—navigate a tumultuous world filled with eviction threats, the grip of addiction, and the shadow of illness, particularly the AIDS epidemic. Their lives intertwine in a chaotic yet deeply emotional journey as they grapple with maintaining their artistic integrity, personal ideals, and fragile relationships in New York’s bohemian East Village.
The story bursts with iconic moments, including the defiant and exuberant anthem “La Vie Bohème,” which celebrates their nonconformist way of life against societal constraints. The narrative takes a poignant turn with Angel’s tragic death, a devastating loss that reverberates through the group, exposing rifts and raw emotions. Amid heartbreak, betrayal, and self-discovery, the friends ultimately find a way to reconcile, reaffirming the importance of love, community, and living each day as if it were their last.

With iconic songs like "Seasons of Love," "Take Me or Leave Me," and "One Song Glory," “Rent” emphasizes the importance of living fully and embracing love in the face of adversity. It premiered on Broadway in 1996, earning critical acclaim, multiple Tony Awards, and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, becoming a cultural phenomenon that resonated with audiences worldwide.
For Director Charlie Massey, “Rent” holds a deeply personal and significant place in his heart. “This musical is about eight people and how they navigate life in New York during such a pivotal time in their lives,” he explained. “They’re worried about health, their legacy, and, most importantly, how they are gonna pay their rent.” For Massey, these same themes and topics are just as relevant today as they were when the show debuted in 1996. “It could easily have been written today,” said Massey. “All these things are still very important and very relevant to today. How writer and composer Jonathan Larson was able to do this is incredible.”
Massey's connection to “Rent” and his dedication to storytelling through the arts promise a production filled with heart and authenticity. As an actor and director based in South Orange County, Massey has graced the stages of Z Playhouse, Camino Real Playhouse, and No Square Theater. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, "I’ve had a passion for theatre ever since I was little. Theatre runs in my blood. My entire family has been involved in the arts, and I’m determined to carry on that legacy through my work."
“Rent” is such an iconic show that it’s a challenge to make it your own,” Massey said of choosing this production for Z Playhouse. He says it’s important not to change too much about it because it is so recognizable. “I wanted to direct ‘Rent’ because it's fun to adapt things to the space and figure out the characters with the actors and piece it all together to make it our own.” Massey wants the audience to feel as if they’ve been thrown into the actual lives and personal spaces of the characters. “This way, you feel for them and care for them. These aren’t just characters. They are real people,” he said.

Z Playhouse is a relatively new space in Mission Viejo that is trying to build up and make itself a welcoming home for many. In such an intimate space, bigger shows are produced in such a way as to make it intimate for the audience. Shows like “Rent” are reimagined in a very personal way. It’s what Massey loves most about theatre, finding ways to make things work in a new way. Z Playhouse is aiming to make this production of “Rent” compelling and feel grounded in reality.
“I think every director says this, but I genuinely have the best cast ever,” said Massey. He says everyone, from the leads to the ensemble, have so much talent it’s insane. He highlights the character of Angel and the actor, Kito Garcia, who embodies the heart of the show. “When casting, we had to look for someone who could carry that weight. When Kito walked in, I saw them in that character right away,” Massey said. “Their energy and passion for this character is unmatched. They walk into every rehearsal and hug every person in the room to make sure they are loved and appreciated. That is Angel. Kito is Angel.”
Approximately 80 talented individuals auditioned for “Rent” at Z Playhouse, making for an intense and competitive selection process. After careful consideration, the pool was narrowed down to just 19 performers, including both leads and ensemble members. This demanding yet gratifying journey was made possible, not only by the vision of the production team, but also by the crucial contributions of Co director/Choreographer Anthony Tuason and Assistant Director Levi Montoya, who played integral roles alongside Massey in shaping the final cast.
Massey last directed “Little Women” at Z Playhouse during the summer, a production vastly different in tone and style from “Rent.” Reflecting on the experience, Massey shared, "I learned so much from that process, and I’m incredibly excited for everyone to see this musical." While Z Playhouse has been Massey’s sole directing venue so far, his passion and ambition to expand are clear: "I haven’t directed anywhere else yet, but I would love the opportunity to do so. Give me the chance, and I promise you won’t regret it!"

"My favorite part of the show is ‘La Vie Bohème.’ That entire sequence is an absolute masterpiece—a vibrant, 12-minute number that beautifully wraps up act one. It’s a celebration of life, love, and individuality, and I find it truly breathtaking every time," said Massey. "I hope everyone enjoys the show as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing it to life. And remember, as ‘Rent’ so poignantly reminds us: ‘No day but today.’”
Z Playhouse is located on the second floor of Vista Paint Plaza, and the team wants to make sure visitors can easily find their way. To reach the entrance, head to the staircase on the side of the building and climb to the top, where you’ll find the doors to the Playhouse waiting to welcome you.
Anne Reid is a writer, public & community relations expert, and theatre mom.
“Rent”
Z Playhouse
Vista Paint Plaza
24196 Alicia Pkwy, Unit M, Mission Viejo, CA
Jan 24 - Feb 9, 2025
(949) 446-6572, www.zplayhouse.org
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