RENT Digital Program Book

SAT, JAN 18, 2025 7:30 PM SPONSORED BY

SEASON LIEDERS Larry & Lucy Buntain Comine

CORPORATE SPONSOR

SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS Robert & Barbara Bartle Bryan & Nancy Shank

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS Bill Buntain Diane & Kevin Klein

This performance is supported in part by the G.K. Platinum Performance Fund and Endowment.

Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson Concert Directed by Sammi Cannold Concert Conducted by Sarah Hicks Musical Arrangements Steve Skinner Music Supervision and Additional Arrangements Tim Weil

Original Concept/Additional Lyrics Billy Aronson Dramaturg Lynn Thomson

RENT was originally produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon and New York Theatre Workshop Concert Directed by Sammi Cannold Symphonic Orchestrations by Sean O’Loughlin RENT in Concert created and produced by AMP Worldwide Lighting Designed by William D’Eugenio Vocal Audio Mix by Marc Urselli Production Stage Management by Michael Morales Vocal Direction by Kaleb Wilkening Casting by Peter Dunn This production of RENT in Concert is licensed by Music Theatre International www.mtishows.com.

JIMMIE HERROD ANGEL

RUCHIR KHAZANCHI BENNY

SIDNEY DUPONT COLLINS

CRYSTAL LUCAS-PERRY JOANNE

A.J. SHIVELY MARK

MARY KATE MOORE MAUREEN

ISA GOTT MIMI

WILL HASTREITER ROGER

ELISE ANDERSON ENSEMBLE

EVAN JENNINGS ENSEMBLE

SAMARA FOLLETE ENSEMBLE

QUINLYN HUNT ENSEMBLE

SAMMI CANNOLD DIRECTOR

SARAH HICKS CONDUCTOR

ABOUT THE SHOW Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice, and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Rent has become a pop cultural phenomenon with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme, Jonathan Larson’s Rent follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. The physical and emotional complications of the disease pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom and Angel. Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art; her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble. Benny has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income and is on the outs with his former friends. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical.

ABOUT THE CAST SAMMI CANNOLD Director Sammi Cannold is a theater, film, and television director who is one of Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 in Hollywood & Entertainment, one of Variety’s 10 Broadway Stars to Watch, and one of Town & Country’s Creative Aristocracy. She recently made her Broadway debut as director of How to Dance in Ohio, for which she won a Drama Desk Award. Credits include: Evita (A.R.T., S.T.C., New York City Center), Sunset Boulevard (Kennedy Center), Carmen (Rose Hall, Lincoln Center), Endlings (NYTW, A.R.T.), Ragtime on Ellis Island, and Violet (A.R.T.). Additional: A.R.T. Artistic Fellow, member of Cirque du Soleil’s Creative Cognoscenti, Sundance Institute Fellow and work for CBS, ABC, Nickelodeon, and Apple TV+. B. A., Stanford University; M.A., Harvard University. www.sammicannold. com. @sammi.cannold SARAH HICKS Conductor Sarah Hicks’s versatile and vibrant musicianship has secured her place as an in-demand conductor across an array of genres. Her career has seen collaborations with diverse artists, from Hilary Hahn and Dmitiri Hvorostovsky to Jennifer Hudson and The Dirty Projectors, and she has toured with Sting as conductor

of his Symphonicities Tour. Her passion for cross-genre partnerships led to a 2019 album with rap artist Dessa and the Minnesota Orchestra, with whom she holds a titled position, and is an Emmy winner as both conductor and host for This is Minnesota Orchestra.

A specialist in film music and the film in concert genre, her live concert recordings can be seen on Disney+ and on ABC, and she acts as advisor for and is a frequent collaborator with Disney Concerts across an array of projects. Her first major feature film credit, “Renfield”, was released in 2023 and her live album with the Danish National Symphony, “The Morricone Duel” has garnered over 200 million view on YouTube.

Her notable conducting collaborations include the Philadelphia, Chicago, Cleveland Orchestras, and San Francisco Symphony Orchestras; Los Angeles Philharmonic; and Boston Pops.

International engagements include the Toronto, Melbourne, Czech National Symphony Orchestras; RTÉ Concert Orchestra; St. Petersburg, Tokyo and Malaysian Philharmonics, and many others.

SEAN O’LOUGHLIN Orchestrator (b.1972) is the Principal Pops Conductor of of Symphoria in Syracuse, NY and the Principal Pops Conductor of the Victoria

Symphony in B.C., Canada. His diverse background includes collaborations with some of the leading symphonies and popular artists of today. As a conductor, he has led performances with the Boston Pops Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, the Chicago Symphony, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Atlanta Symphony, the Dallas Symphony, the Houston Symphony, the Vancouver Symphony and the San Diego Symphony amongst others. He has served as conductor for symphony tours with Josh Groban, Sarah McLachlan, The Decemberists and the Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration. He has appeared on Good Morning America and the PBS Special “Stages” with Josh Groban in addition to NBC’s “A Very Pentatonix Christmas.”

Recent collaborations include such artists as Alicia Keys, Josh Groban, Journey, a-ha, Jason Mraz, The Beach Boys, Sarah McLachlan, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Pentatonix, Kelly Clarkson, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Blue Man Group, Janelle Monáe, Audra McDonald, Hall and Oates, the Indigo Girls, The Go-Go’s, Bonnie Raitt, Pink Martini, Brandi Carlile, Weird Al Yankovic, Melissa Etheridge and others. Through his growing number of commissioned and published works, Sean is excited to continue contributing to the rich history of orchestral and wind band literature. His music is published by Excelcia Music, Hal Leonard and Carl Fischer. An annual ASCAP Special Awards winner, Sean was a composition fellow at the Henry Mancini Institute in Los Angeles, and holds composition degrees from New England Conservatory and Syracuse University.

A.J. SHIVELY Mark Broadway: Paradise Square (Tony, OCC, Chita Rivera noms.); Bright Star (Drama Desk nom.); La Cage Aux Folles.

Nat’l Tour: Bright Star; The Sound of Music. Off-Broadway/New York: Titanic (Encores); Philadelphia, Here I Come

(Theatre World Award, Drama Desk, Lortel noms.), Brigadoon (Irish Rep); A Man Of No Importance (Lortel award, OCC nom.; CSC); February House (The Public); The Suitcase Under The Bed (Mint); Unlock’d (Prospect); …

Guide To A Successful Marriage (Cherry Lane); Things To Ruin (Second Stage); Little Airplanes Of The Heart (EST); ReWrite (Urban Stages). Regional: Boston Pops; Berkeley Rep; Kennedy Center; CTG; Old Globe; PCLO. TV/ Film: “Julia” (HBO Max); “Bull” (CBS); “Hunters” (Amazon Prime); “Homeland” (Showtime); “Madam Secretary” (CBS); “The Blacklist” (NBC); “Younger” (TV Land); Other People’s Bodies(upcoming); Nobody Walks In LA; From Nowhere; Syrup; HairBrained. Training: University of Michigan; RADA. CRYSTAL LUCAS-PERRY Joanne Broadway: Ain’t No Mo’ (Tony Award Nomination / Dorian Award Winner), 1776 (John Adams). Off-Broadway: A Sign of the Times (Audelco Award Nominee), New World Stages; A Bright Room Called Day (Antonyo Award nomination), The Public Theater; Ain’t No Mo’ (Lucille Lortel Award Winner), The Public Theater; Bull in a China Shop, Lincoln Center Theater; Little Children Dream of God, Roundabout Theater.

Regional: Taming of the Shrew (Petruchio), Chicago Shakespeare Theater. TV: “Law and Order: SVU” (Aneeka Coleman); “And Just Like That…” (Angelica); “The Last O.G.” (T’era). Film: Goodnight Mommy (Sandy Liddell), Amazon Studios; Frank and Azalee Austin (Azalee, Craft Acting Award); Never Can Say Goodbye (Shayna Nadal), Brohawk Films. Education: Tisch Graduate Acting M.F.A., New York University.

SIDNEY DUPONT Collins Sidney DuPont is a 2022 Tony Award nominee and Chita Rivera Award nominee, originating the role of Washington Henry in Paradise Square at the Barrymore Theater. In 2015, DuPont made his Broadway debut in Beautiful:

The Carole King Musical and continued with the 1st National Tour and Australian Company. Other National Tours include Memphis: the Musical and A Chorus Line.

Regional: The World premiere of Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical (A.C.T ) Paradise Square at Berkeley Repertory Theatre (TBA nomination), Man of La Mancha (The Shakespeare Theater), In the Heights (The Geva Theater), and Gypsy (North Carolina Theater).

Television/Commercial: FBI: Most Wanted (CBS) & Cartier.

JIMMIE HERROD Angel With “a voice like a beacon of hope” (Seattle Times), vocalist Jimmie Herrod brings singular power and expressivity to his globe-trotting career as a singer, songwriter, and entertainer on stage and screen. Herrod first came to worldwide prominence as a finalist on the NBC nationally broadcast television show, “America’s Got Talent,” earning the rare “Golden Buzzer” recognition from actress Sofia Vargara and returning the following year on the AGT All-Stars series. As a solo artist, Herrod has appeared to critical and audience acclaim with the San Francisco Symphony, Houston Symphony, and Oregon Symphony, including as a featured soloist for the globally televised PBS “Joni Mitchell Songbook” concert at The Kennedy Center, where he shared the stage with musical luminaries like Renee Fleming, Lalah Hathaway, Raul Midon, and Aoife O’Donovan. Traversing many musical styles and genres in many languages, including jazz, pop, funk, and his own original songs, Herrod has headlined concerts at the The Luxor Theater (Las Vegas), New Jersey’s South Orange Performing Arts Center, and Portland’s Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and has since 2017 toured with worldpop band Pink Martini as a featured vocalist. With two EP’s under his belt – his debut “Falling in Love and Learning” and 2022’s “Elated” – Herrod’s singular style and unique voice is poised to make an

ever larger impact in the world of music and entertainment. He is an alum of the Cornish College of the Arts and Portland State University.

MARY KATE MOORE Maureen Mary Kate Moore is a native Nebraskan, theater actor and classically trained singer based in New York City. She was recently seen on Broadway and in New York City Center’s revival of Into the Woods, understudying Sara Bareilles and Stephanie J. Block as the Baker’s Wife. She has also starred in the First National Tour of MJ: The Musical as Rachel and in the North American tours of Les Miserables as Fantine, for which she received a BroadwayWorld LA Award: Best Featured Actress in a Musical, and Fiasco Theater’s Into The Woods. Regional theater credits include Little Shop of Horrors (TUTS), Songs For a New World (The Gateway Playhouse), Spring Awakening and The Rocky Horror Show (Lyric Theater of Oklahoma). TV: The Other Two (2021). IG: @mkathrynmoore.

ELISE ANDERSON Ensemble Elise Anderson is a Lincoln native and graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in 2022. She is now in her third year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance. Recent credits include Princess Winnifred in “Once Upon A Mattress”, Meg March in “Little Women”, and Hermia in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

RENT in Concert will be the first community performance Elise has been involved in.

EVAN JENNINGS Ensemble Evan is so grateful to be a member of the RENT in Concert family. REGIONAL: Miss Saigon (Ensemble), Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook (Handsome Warren), High School Musical (Ripper, Ensemble, u.s. Zeke) Casa Mañana; The Prom (Ensemble/Fernell), Carousel (Enoch Snow Jr.) Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma; Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka), The Wizard of Oz (Swing) SSMT; Catch Me If You Can (Frank Abagnale Jr.) Firehouse

Theatre. Huge thanks to IAMT, the Aldag family, Mom & Dad. @itsevanjennings ISA GOTT Mimi Isa Gott (she/they) is a talented singer, actress, songwriter, and performing artist!

Isa is a senior vocal performance major, playing different music around the metro, including jazz standards at Jitterbugs, writing music with her friends, being in a couple bands, and working on her own music! Recent theater credits include Mimi in RENT (Omaha Community Playhouse), assistant direction for Macbeth (BlueBarn Theater), Ensemble in Heaven Come Home (Megan Anne Productions), NHSTA Ensemble in Broadway Ball (OPA). Isa is so excited to be making her Lied Center debut and to be back in her dream role since childhood. She’d like to thank her teachers, friends, and most importantly her family for their constant support and love!

IG: @isacgott QUINLYN HUNT Ensemble Quinlyn Hunt (he/they) A Texas-Born Performer now located in Lincoln, Nebraska attending Nebraska Wesleyan University as a Musical Theatre Major (c/o 27’). He is a Broadway Dreams 24’ alum, excited to perform in his Favorite Musical! Thanks to Sammi and Peter for this opportunity. Thanks to Jill, Brooklyn, Tianta and Bethany, for everything! IG: @ all.about.quin RUCHIR KHAZANCHI Benny Ruchir Khazanchi is a New York-based actor and musician excited to be performing close to his first home of Omaha, Nebraska. Select theatre credits include Syracuse Stage, The Lyric Opera of Chicago, Northlight Theatre, and The Paramount Aurora. His indie film debut in Zach Clark’s The Becomers is now available on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play following its nationwide theatrical release. Recently, he recorded his debut EP, “True American”. His writing projects have been semifinalists for the

O’Neill National Music Theatre Conference, and the National Alliance for Musical Theatre conference. He is very grateful to be returning to The Lied, where he famously last appeared in the 2014, 2015, and 2016 High School All-State Choirs.

Without his upbringing in Nebraska, he would not be where he is today. Thank you to my friends, family, and teachers.

BA, Northwestern University. IG: @ruchir. khazanchi www.ruchirkhazanchi.com SAMARA FOLLETTE Ensemble Samara Follette has been doing theatre arts since 2017. She recently attended the 2024 Jimmy Awards where she received The Rising Star Scholarship. She is an alum of the Lied Center Triple Threat Broadway Intensive and is so happy to be back for her first professional job. She wants to thank her mom, her brothers and her sister for showing constant support in her and her endeavors. Follette wants to encourage young performers to go after their performance dreams. Like Jonathan Larson said, there’s no day but today.

WILL HASTREITER Roger Will Hastreiter is from Elkhorn, NE and graduated from Midland University with a Masters of Science in Learning & Talent Development. He recently appeared in Jersey Boys (Bob Gaudio) at The Omaha Community Playhouse. His other notable performances include: Tarzan: The Musical (Tarzan), Something Rotten!

(William Shakespeare), Dogfight (Eddie Birdlace), Rent (Roger), Hair (Claude), and South Pacific (Cmdr. William Harbison) at Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre in Hudson, FL. “Thank you to my family and friends for your continuous support and love. No day but today!” Instagram: @will_hastreiter21

ABOUT LINCOLN’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Founded in 1927, Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra has a mission to present inspiring experiences that welcome all members of our community to discover and cultivate a profound, personal connection with live orchestral music.

LSO presents a season of 11 concerts each year under the leadership of Music Director Edward Polochick. These performances reach more than 13,000 patrons annually and include seven classical programs, two interactive family concerts, a holiday concert, and a pops concert.

The professional members of Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra live and work in Lincoln or Omaha, and the majority of them are music teachers. During its history, LSO has featured guest artists such as Leon Fleisher, Renée Fleming, Itzhak Perlman, and Tony Bennett; and in 2011 became the Resident Orchestra of the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

LSO recently changed its name to Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra; the ‘apostrophe s’ indicates the orchestra’s renewed commitment to the community it serves. LSO believes that live classical music should be financially accessible to everyone in our community.

Beginning in 2011, LSO implemented new prices as the starting point for removing barriers that might inhibit attendance; adult tickets cost $20/$40, student tickets cost $5, and premium seats are available for only $10 for music teachers and young professionals.

Since making this price change and moving to the Lied Center, LSO is indeed serving a larger and much more diverse audience. LSO also works to ensure that the orchestra is truly welcoming all members of our community by offering complimentary tickets to military veterans, immigrant and refugee families through a partnership with LPS’s Family Literacy, and human service organizations serving at-risk clients facing unique challenges (such as the loss of a parent, domestic violence, substance abuse, or financial hardship).

LSO is committed to school outreach and partnerships with community organizations, reaching more than 13,500 students in more than 90 schools throughout Nebraska annually. This includes Young People’s Concerts, master classes with guest artists, school performances, artist residencies, Lincoln City Library Partnerships, and an annual Young Artist Competition. LSO also mentors Lincoln Youth Symphony members in an annual side-by-side performance, and LSO’s Music Director and Concertmaster visit high school and middle school orchestras to help them prepare for their own concerts.

LSO’s Harmony in Healing project partners with local hospitals, rehabilitation centers, memory care centers, and assisted living centers, to impact and improve their patients’ care, well-being, and environment through a series of chamber ensemble performances.

Learn more about Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra at lincolnsymphony.com or by calling 402.476.2211.

ROSTER VIOLIN Kim Salistean Summer Brackhan Donna Carnes Erin Cosby Nadia Maudhoo Lisa Myers David Neely Kristie Pfabe Anne Sorensen-Wang Adrienne Stratton VIOLA Michael Frey Sarah Curley CELLO Karen Becker Tracy Sands BASS Mike Swartz ELECTRIC BASS Mark haar FLUTE John Bailey OBOE William McMullen CLARINET Diane Barger

BASSOON Dennis Pearson HORN Greg Helseth Harold Oliver TRUMPET Thomas Kelly Deborah Bouffard TROMBONE Scott Anderson BASS TROMBONE Tim Dickmeyer TIMPANI Rich Jones PERCUSSION Jeffrey Nelson Ed Zaryky HARP Katie Wychulis KEYBOARD Jennifer Novak Haar GUITAR Colin Duckworth

Established in 2014, the Glenn Korff Broadway Endowment enables the Lied Center for Performing Arts to annually present the highest-quality Broadway shows to Nebraskans while simultaneously providing opportunities for students to work hands-on with top performers and industry professionals.

The Glenn Korff Broadway Endowment also supports the creation and development of exciting new Broadway productions through the Lied Center’s “Grow A Show” program, and is making an immeasurable impact on the performing arts in Nebraska.

Korff’s passion for performing arts began on campus as a member of Kosmet Klub, a male musical and comedy ensemble, for which he served as a set designer. His experiences with theater at the University were among his most cherished memories. The Lied Center was selected to receive support with the hope that a stellar lineup of Broadway performances might bring students and Nebraskans the same joy and enrichment that his involvement with musical theater brought to his life.

“Glenn’s heartfelt generosity has created an enduring legacy at the University of Nebraska of enriching the human spirit through the arts, and we are forever grateful,” said Chancellor Emeritus Ronnie Green.

“I am honored to be able to make this contribution in order to provide future programs that will enlighten and entertain families and generations of Nebraskans for years to come.” - Glenn korff

CORPORATE

SPONSOR STORY

The Scarlet Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska, proudly embodies community spirit and innovation. As part of the Marriott Tribute family, it offers luxurious accommodations with rooms and suites inspired

by Nebraska’s essence. Beyond hospitality, The Scarlet actively supports local arts and culture, evidenced by its sponsorship of events and its location on the University of Nebraska Innovation Campus. This setting not only enhances its technological edge but also serves as a dynamic center for learning and development.

Moreover, The Scarlet Hotel is committed to nurturing future leaders through its association with the Hospitality, Restaurant, and Tourism Management program. Whether guests are Husker fans, visiting scholars, or simply seeking a taste of the good life, the hotel offers an array of amenities.

From the custom Scarlet Blend coffee at The Good Life to meals at Well & Good and the panoramic views at the Barred Owl rooftop bar, every experience promises comfort and enrichment.

In essence, The Scarlet Hotel isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a symbol of community pride and progress in the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska.

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR STORY

BILL BUTAIN I first saw RENT on Broadway in June 1996…the show had all sorts of buzz… That buzz didn’t prepare me for the raw talent and great music that was unleashed in the Nederlander Theater that night. I have seen the show several times over the years on Broadway, oGicial touring companies and the film. I was in Australia with work in March 2024. A new production of RENT had just opened in Melbourne and I decided to go see the show one more time …..this was an entirely new production with new costumes, set, choreography and direction……I wondered if this show would still be RENT yet once the music started, it became apparent that the heartbeat of RENT is the music and lyrics……in 1996, the show was a reflection of the struggles of young people in the disenfranchised/creative/artistic community and in 2025, the show may seem like a period piece yet some of the struggles continue….and the music is timeless.

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR STORY

DIANE AND KEVIN KLEIN Kevin and Diane Klein have been married for over 20 years and have enjoyed shows at the Lied Center for even longer. Both have served on the Friends of Lied board and have enjoyed many events that support the amazing theater and its programming. “With offerings of Broadway, dance, family friendly shows and so much more, it is the perfect place for us and our children to enjoy all areas of the performing arts and what Lincoln has to offer. It is one of our favorite places to be! We are thrilled to be sponsoring RENT In Concert as it’s a favorite genre of the family. Our favorites include Les Miserables, Once, Hamilton and Rent.”

SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR STORY

ROBERT & BARBARA BARTLE Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes. How do you measure, measure a year? In 1996 our family of five attended our first Broadway show together in New York City.

“Rent” won the Tony for Best Musical, and we all agreed. It was a thrill to be in the Nederlander Theatre waiting for the curtain to rise. We will always remember that year.

We are so fortunate to have the Lied Center for Performing Arts in our community. Tonight, we will experience that same anticipation with the downbeat of “Rent” performed by our own Lincoln Symphony Orchestra. How do you measure the joy we experience at the Lied? We measure it in seasons of love.

Gratefully, Robert and Barbara Bartle

SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR STORY

BRYAN & NANCY SHANK We are excited to join other wonderful sponsors in bringing RENT In Concert to Lincoln. We have seen the musical RENT many times and in many settings. During a run of RENT at the Lied several years ago, we had the opportunity to meet a few of the performers who enthusiastically talked stagecraft with a couple of our son’s young, aspiring actor friends. It was a special moment. We are thrilled that the Lied Center is one of the few performing arts centers that has the opportunity to present RENT in Concert. For us, RENT is a reminder that investing 525,600 minutes in being loving is a great way to measure a life.