With the current conditions of our struggling economy, the rock opera “Rent” depicts similar conflicting issues while accepting and embracing what life gives, whether it may be good or bad.

Rolland Petrello, Moorpark College professor of communication studies and theatre, is directing the musical, and he expects an 80 percent theatre capacity for every production.  He also hopes the audience will embrace the message the musical intends to represent.

“It celebrates still living your life in the midst of disease and hardship,” says Petrello, “And finding love where ever you can find it.”

He points out that even though you can accept your downfalls, there are still consequences to our choices.

The musical takes place in New York during the mid 1990s and branches from the 1896 opera “La Boheme.” They both tell a story of impoverished young artists who are struggling to survive while undergoing disease. “Rent,” however, is a more contemporary version of this story and the disease dealt with in “La Boheme” was tuberculosis while in “Rent” they deal with HIV/AIDS.

Petrello feels that this musical is especially directed to today’s generation, but a wide-variety of ages starting at early teens can relate to the issues of the musical.

“The presence is what you have,” said actress Joelle Georgeff, 20-year-old Moorpark College psychology major.

This is the second time Georgeff has starred in the musical as the character Mimi, and she explained what she hopes most is that the audience will understand this feeling of how important it is to live in today.

Georgeff shares the experience the cast is having under the direction of Petrello, who has over 27 years experience in directing. The cast rehearses five days a week to perfect both the physical and vocal demands the musical requires.

This rock opera has debuted both on stage and on screen, but from the musical’s cast and director, the two differ in many ways.

“If people have seen the movie, they still haven’t seen the show,” said Petrello.

Moorpark’s production opens to the public Oct. 15, 8 p.m. and runs until Oct. 30. There are also two opportunities for a free matinee for anyone who signs up.

“I have never seen this play before,” said 21-year-old Moorpark College nursing major Britney Sill. “But I have heard so many things about it from people who have seen it both the movie and the play and so far I can’t wait to see it.”

The cast as well as the director promise a night of fun and a good time at the theatre.

“They should expect a hell of a show.” Petrello said.

For more information on tickets prices and show times, please contact the MC box office at (805) 378-1485, or visit online at www.moorparkcollege.edu/PAC.

(Photos by Chad Jones)

(Photos by Chad Jones)

(Photos by Chad Jones)

(Photos by Chad Jones)