Take a trip to 1990s New York this summer

Onstage, the magic that is created within The Court Theatre is easy to see in the talented people who create memorable characters. But creating the world that these characters inhabit are many talented artists and craftspeople working behind the scenes. 

The Court Theatre is the largest producing theatre company in New Zealand, meaning that it creates all of its production elements itself. Costumes are sourced or sewn on-site, props are foraged or created from scratch, and sets from 18th century France to 1960s Ohoka are constructed into the same small space. 

Currently, the team is building the world of the East Village of 1990s New York to transport people in time and place for RENT, the summer musical. 

RENT follows a group of artists struggling and striving to fulfil their dreams in New York City. Set against a background of poverty and looming gentrification, this beloved musical is a pop-culture phenomenon that celebrates love, friendship, and living life to the fullest every day, despite (or because of) life’s challenges and tragedies. 

Leading the creative team are Lara Macgregor (director), Richard Marrett (musical director), Mark McEntyre (set designer), and Tina Hutchison-Thomas (costume designer). The Court’s resident creatives are helping to bring their collective vision to life with bespoke costumes and props, and intricate sets. 

Having lived and worked as an actor in New York in the 1990s, Macgregor notes that the city itself is a major character in RENT – a place where punk, performance art, and drag performance grew and flourished, and which was a vital social environment as much as a physical one. 

Her vision, developed with McEntyre and brought to life by his designs, is inspired by the iconic club CBGBs. Theatre-goers will experience first-hand the multi-layered vibrancy, rawness, and emotion of this unique time and place. 

Practically, this means that The Court creatives must build a world that moves through multiple places, as well as a range of seasons, all within the confines of the theatre’s small stage. Those who have seen Court productions before know that they will deliver and, quite possibly, surprise. Step inside a 1990s New York winter this summer, and live “La Vie Bohème”. 

RENT plays at The Court Theatre from 19 November 2022 – 21 January 2023. 

Book at courttheatre.org.nz