The Kennedy Center is set to host the symphonic world premiere of RENT in Concert, and the initial casting has been announced. Among the talented cast, Ali Stroker, a Tony Award® winner, will be taking on the role of Maureen. The event, which is scheduled for July 26-28, 2023, will be directed by Sammi Cannold and feature the National Symphony Orchestra led by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke.
RENT is a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning musical written by Jonathan Larson. Set in New York City’s East Village in the 1990s, RENT has been a beloved classic for decades. This new concert version of RENT at the Kennedy Center is set to feature orchestrations by Sean O’Loughlin and promises an acclaimed cast.
Ali Stroker is no stranger to the stage. She made history as the first actor in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway in Deaf West’s acclaimed 2015 revival of Spring Awakening. Her performance as ‘Ado Annie’ in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! earned her a Tony Award®.
In addition to her stage work, Ali has been a series regular in the Netflix series Echoes and starred in the Lifetime holiday film Christmas Ever After. She has also appeared in the final season of Netflix’s Ozark and is a recurring character on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.
Ali is not just an actor; she is also an author. She co-wrote the 2021 novel The Chance to Fly and penned the 2022 children’s book Ali and the Sea Stars. Moreover, she played ‘Lady Anne’ in the Shakespeare in the Park production of Richard III and has performed her one-woman show at prestigious institutions including the Kennedy Center, Town Hall, Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall.
What sets Ali apart is her mission to improve the lives of others through the arts. Her motto, “Turning Your Limitations Into Your Opportunities,” captures her spirit and dedication.
While Ali Stroker is sure to be a standout, the cast of RENT in Concert is filled with talent. Myles Frost will be playing Benny, and Jimmie Herrod will take on the role of Angel. Both Myles and Jimmie have impressive resumes, with Myles being a Tony Award® winner and Jimmie being known for his powerful vocals and appearances on America’s Got Talent.
RENT in Concert at the Kennedy Center is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience. With Ali Stroker leading a talented cast and a new symphonic take on a classic musical, this is an event not to be missed. For those who appreciate the transformative power of theater and the arts, RENT in Concert is a must-see.
