Arts-Entertainment
The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts is proud to present the 30th anniversary production of RENT, running February 27th through March 22nd. Performances will take place February 27th through March 8th at the Shane Center’s Dulcie Theatre in Livingston and March 13th – 22nd in Bozeman at the Ellen Theater, marking the organization’s first time bringing a full-scale production to the iconic and historic Ellen Theater.
RENT made its world premiere thirty years ago this month on February 13th, 1996, at the New York Theatre Workshop where it transformed American musical theatre. Created by the late Jonathan Larson, the show was nominated for ten Tony Awards, winning four—including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Featured Actor, and Best Original Score, becoming one of the only musicals in history to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It has since been translated into twenty-five languages and performed around the world.
With its groundbreaking rock score and unapologetically diverse cast of characters, RENT focuses on the stories of marginalized communities at a time when such narratives were rarely seen on commercial stages. It fused musical styles not traditionally heard on Broadway and helped reintroduce contemporary music into mainstream theatre culture.
Thirty years later, Larson’s message continues to resonate. RENT explores love, loss, friendship, creativity, and resilience in the face of uncertainty. Its enduring anthem, “No Day but Today” reminds audiences that life is fragile and fleeting, urging us to live fully, love deeply, and let go of regret before life passes us by.
“Bringing RENT to both Livingston and Bozeman during its 30th anniversary feels so meaningful,” said Erika Adams, Executive Director of Shane Center. “This production celebrates not only an iconic work of art, but the power of community—and above all, love. At its heart, RENT is about connection and showing up for one another. Artistic Director Russell Lewis has put together an incredible group of actors and I’m so excited to share this story with our community.”
Evening performances on the aforementioned dates are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, with Sunday matinees at 3 pm.
This production is generously sponsored by Carol Lalani in memory of Sal Lalani; the Yellowstone Valley Lodge and Grill; Livingston’s Ace Hardware; Michael and Sharon Beehler; Dan Rust and Sarah Skofield of State Farm; First Interstate Bank of Livingston; and Colin and Seabring Davis.
Adams adds, “Make sure to get your tickets through our website or the Ellen Theatre—we’ve been seeing a lot of resale ticket scams! For authentic and properly priced tickets, call or visit our website.”
Tickets and additional information are available at www.theshanecenter.org or www.theellentheatre.com and you can meet the cast and crew or RENT HERE.