From “Seasons of Love” to Standing Ovations: Purchase Student Thespian Society Brings “Rent” to Life

By Julia Wojcik

As the lights dimmed, the audience in the Durst Humanities Theatre was suddenly transported to the spirited streets of New York City, a place where resilience, loss and deep affection collide on a daily basis.

The cast of the Purchase Student Thespian Society’s spring mainstage production of “Rent” embraced these values and created an experience that lingered long after the lights came up.

The cast of "Rent" performing together during the song "Seasons of Love." (Photo by Summer Tyler)

Based on the 1896 opera “La bohème” by Giacomo Puccini, “Rent” is a musical set in 1990’s New York City and follows a group of young artists navigating love, loss and survival during the HIV/AIDS crisis. Its themes of resilience and community remain strikingly relevant today, especially on the Purchase campus.

Director Ryan Daniels, a junior in studio composition, highlighted the show’s connection to student life.

“RENT is a show that is of the moment, speaks to the heart of the Purchase culture and brings the house down with its iconic and electrifying rock and roll score,” said Daniels. “Purchase Student Thespian Society (PSTS) is so privileged to get to engage with this work and offer up that same opportunity to its members and the broader campus community.”

The production balanced high-energy ensemble numbers with intimate, emotional moments, showcasing both the cast’s chemistry and individual performances. Nico Snyder, a junior theatre and performance major, played Pam and Alexi Darling and served as the intimacy captain for the show. Snyder emphasized both the show’s modern implications and its deeper significance.

 “This musical will always have relevance… This show speaks directly to and for the up-and-coming generations struggling to survive in an outdated and corrupt society.”

Snyder also reflected on a unique highlight of the production: the opportunity to work with a Broadway performer, who paid the Thespian Society a visit in March.

“This production of ‘Rent' stands out because of its personal connection to Fredi Walker-Browne, who played the original Joanne on Broadway. Having her visit was not only a tremendous honor, but an incredible learning experience,” said Snyder. “She gifted myself and my cast with deeply valuable, direct insight that informed both our performances and production.”

The set of "Rent" on the stage in the Durst Humanities Theatre. (Photo by Summer Tyler)

Audience member Steven Estrada, a junior theatre and performance major, pointed to standout moments like “Over the Moon” and “I’ll Cover You (Reprise),” calling the latter “the most emotional moment of the show.” He also praised the scale of the production.

“This production was much bigger than I expected… It’s probably the most ambitious student-run production that I’ve seen… and gives me hope for the future of student-run theatre on campus,” said Estrada.

Reflecting on the show’s lasting impact, Estrada added, “‘Rent’ is still relevant today… We are all still trying our hardest just to survive with the people we care about—and that’s what 'Rent' is really about.”

The cast of "Rent" during the act one musical number "La Vie Boheme." (Photo by Summer Tyler)

The cast singing the emotional final song before bows. (Photo by Summer Tyler)

In the end, the Thespian Society’s “Rent” proved that powerful storytelling, passionate performances and even a connection to Broadway history can come together to create something unforgettable—well beyond the final bow.