Food items can be purchased in advance of the performance. You will be able to purchase a light meal, a small cheese board, or a charcuterie board when you purchase your tickets.
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Tickets: $24-$34; Preshow music one hour before curtain.
[Tickets for this show include a $4.00 musical licensing fee.] Thursdays: September 26 Pub opens 6:00; Performance at 7:30 Fridays: September 27 Pub opens 6:00; Performance at 7:30 Saturdays: September 7, 28 Pub opens 3:00; Performance at 4:30 Sundays: September 8, 22, 29 Pub opens 12:30; Performance at 2:00 A rock musical by Jonathan Larson, portraying a group of bohemian artists in New York City during the '90s, dealing with love, friendship, and the impact of AIDS on their lives.
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Thank you to our Pay The Rent Sponsors!
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Ensemble Bios
Carrie Counihan (Ensemble) Rent celebrates life and love and the friends that are our family and that we couldn’t imagine moving through life without. From “performing” it at college theatre parties in what I’m sure were ridiculous looking moments that felt so important then, to now getting to be a part of it with people that I love and treasure and now consider family at the Forst (both old and new friends), it is an honor. Carrie has been involved at the Forst Inn since 2021 in a variety of roles, most recently as Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Thank you to Michael for creating a home for all of us and leading this beautiful, crazy family!
Joseph Gallo (Roger) loves being involved in Theatre. He is thrilled to be making his Forst Inn debut, in such an iconic role and compelling piece of Theatre. Regional Credits include: EVITA (Che Guevara), American Idiot (Johnny), Miss Saigon (Chris), Grease (Danny Zuko), and Footloose (Ren). Joseph works as a Registered Nurse. He would like to thank his supportive family and friends. “Actual Reality! Act Up! Fight AIDS!” (edited)
Lisa Heili (Ensemble) is loving being onstage at The Forst Inn for two shows in a row. She usually spends most of her Theater time directing, scenic painting, decorating, or stage managing. The Forst is a wonderful community to work and play in, and Lisa is proud to be serving her third year on the Board of Directors. RENT has always had a special place in her heart, as her generation of young artists was decimated by AIDS. Several years ago, Lisa stepped in to help John Wright at UW Manitowoc put up a production of RENT. She lived and breathed that show with the cast and crew. Never did she think she'd have the opportunity to perform in this iconic and important show, especially alongside one of her many progeny, Mary. Thank you for the opportunity, Jon!
Mary Heili, They/Them (Ensemble) is deeply passionate about Rent. They find such beauty in these people at the bottom of society desperately trying to find meaning in their lives while facing the rapid approach of their deaths. It’s a heartwrenching and timeless story of both suffering and succor. This is Mary’s first time back on the stage after many years away, and they are so glad to have the opportunity to give voice and homage to the forgotten stories of an entire generation of LGBT+ folks lost to the AIDS crisis.
Jessica Iannitello (Mimi) is so grateful to appearing on the Forst Inn stage for the fourth time this season, having previously appeared in The Play That Goes Wrong, Glass Gizmos at the Fringe Festival, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. RENT has been close to Jessica’s heart for many years, and she would like to thank Jon for all he’s done to bring this story to life in ways that are new, creative, and above all, true. She hopes this show speaks to anyone who’s ever been made to feel like they have no place in the world, and hopes they feel like they have a place here and in this story. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Phillip Jindra (Benny) thinks "Rent" is possibly the most iconic "slice of life" musical out there. The first act spans one evening; the second act, a year. The contrast demonstrates how moments can feel like a lifetime, while a year can pass in the blink of an eye. “Living in the moment” can represent recklessness and disregard for the future. But when you live in a moment, it becomes something vast and meaningful. Every character in Rent navigates living in the moment vs. the future. Benny wants the future for his friends. But what will that be for if the moments pass by unlived? Live for the moment. For today. Phillip would like to thank his wife Tessa, his mom and dad, and all his family, friends, and cast mates for all the wonderful moments lived, for this moment now, and for those yet to come.
Tessa Komorowski Jindra (Joanne) is from the Manitowoc area and has been involved with multiple theaters around the lakeshore. Rent has always been such a big part of Tessas musical theater journey and she is very excited to finally be able to help tell this story. Fun fact: Jonathan Larson had been sitting in on a support group meeting when a young man raised his hand and said "I’m not really afraid of dying, and I think I can handle suffering, but the thing I think about all the time is 'Will I lose my dignity?’” Which inspired him to write “Will I”. This story is meant for everyone as we can all relate to some part of it. Tessa hopes you walk away from this show knowing you are never alone. La vie Bohème!
Gracie Kolb (Ensemble) is a graduate from the UWGB Theatre and Dance program with a bachelors degree in Musical Theatre. You may have seen her in many shows in the area, including Kaliope in She Kills Monsters, Frieda in Carrie, and Snoopy in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. She’s excited to be able to share the story of RENT with you, as this show is so much more than a well known musical. It’s coming together and creating a supportive atmosphere, creating a safe space to tell YOUR story. She hopes you can find your community and feel the love and live in the moment.
Corey McElroy (Ensemble) is excited to return to the Forst Stage once again after just finishing playing Ed in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. This is truly a musical that Corey grew up with and holds a special place in his heart. He has been listening to the music since he received the soundtrack as a Christmas present and four months later it became the first Broadway show he ever attended way back in 1998. The themes of mindfulness, inclusion, living life to the fullest and appreciating those you love continue to be just as relevant today as they were back then. A huge thanks to the cast and crew for pouring their love and hard work into making this show so successful. As always, he'd like to thank his family and friends for their love and support. NO DAY BUT TODAY!!
Karter Mueller (Ensemble) has appeared on the stage at The Forst Inn in many productions, and working behind the scenes for some as well since October 2022. Karter is so honored to be working with this cast to tell such a beautiful and meaningful story. Rent is a story that is near and dear to Karter’s heart, as it dives into so many topics that mean the world to him. Rent is an important story of diversity, love, and union. It’s a beautiful reminder to live each day as if it was your last. Karter is beyond thankful to Michael for creating a community and space like The Forst Inn that allows us to tell such important stories like Rent. Always remember , there’s no day but today.
Blaine Rezach (Mark) is excited to bring his favorite musical to life! This is actually the show that got him interested in the theatrical world at all. He is ecstatic to take on this challenging task of performing in a musical again, having typically done more straight plays than musicals, such as this year’s performances of ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ portraying Robert/Thomas and ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’ portraying Nick, respectively. He is very thankful to his director Jon for allowing this production to show its true creativity alongside his talented cast mates and stage crew.
Patrick Schamburek (Tom) has been involved in many productions since his return to the stage in RENT, in 2010, and he is thrilled to finally be playing one of his dream roles in this production, Tom Collins. Patrick first appeared on The Forst Inn stage back in 2018 in Hello Again and has been on stage many times since. Rent means so much, to so many, and he is excited to bring this show to life, with an unbelievable cast and crew. Sit back and enjoy the show and rememeber, Tom loves Angel!
Sam Schoepp (Angel) spent the last 6 years away from the stage and eagerly returned in Something Rotten before joining the Forst for the very first time in RENT. Being unfamiliar with the show, rehearsals have helped him learn the show is more than the "starving artists with AIDS" that he heard all his life. Angel's description of Life Support as "people coping with life," is the true summary for RENT. It has been a pleasure for him to share this experience with the cast, crew, and directing team. He expresses his sincere appreciation to his wife for sharing and supporting his love for theatre.
Britt Simmer, they/them (Ensemble) - Writing this bio has been difficult. RENT had a large spot in my heart long before I could explain or even understand why. And we tend to take ownership of things that touch us on a profoundly personal level, and feel terror to share them, don't we? No one can possibly relate enough. Those who aren't directly impacted can't care enough. No one else is singing my song.
Time and life's experiences, both joyous and heartbreaking, have only brought RENT closer to my heart. But RENT shows us the power in love and sharing with our community. The Forst Inn is the perfect venue for this production. Michael, the board of directors, the staff, the volunteers have all created a safe, loving community that I will be forever grateful to be a part of.
I'd like to dedicate my performances to my sister, Allie, who lost her battle with addiction in 2023 at age 24. Finally, I'd like to share that Narcan is available at local pharmacies, and even Amazon, for little or no cost and can be the difference in saving the life of a loved one.
Time and life's experiences, both joyous and heartbreaking, have only brought RENT closer to my heart. But RENT shows us the power in love and sharing with our community. The Forst Inn is the perfect venue for this production. Michael, the board of directors, the staff, the volunteers have all created a safe, loving community that I will be forever grateful to be a part of.
I'd like to dedicate my performances to my sister, Allie, who lost her battle with addiction in 2023 at age 24. Finally, I'd like to share that Narcan is available at local pharmacies, and even Amazon, for little or no cost and can be the difference in saving the life of a loved one.
Asher Stokes (Ensemble) is 23 years old and has been doing theater in the Manitowoc area for over a decade. As much as he loves the music, what Ash loves most about Rent is the meaning behind it. “La vie Bohéme” or “the bohemian life” refers to a lifestyle that prioritizes art and community over mainstream social constructs. Ash sees so much importance in this that he has the phrase tattooed on his arm. Ash would like to thank the Forst community for being a safe space for artists of all shapes and sizes. Viva la vie Bohéme
Mary Kay Vande Logt (Maureen) is thrilled to return to The Forst Inn in RENT after making her debut last September in The Vagina Monologues. MK would like to thank Jon (Director) for gifting her the opportunity to perform this important piece of theatre. She would also like to extend her gratitude to Michael (Board President) for everything he does for all of us. RENT is more than a musical. RENT is a political statement—a testimony of the times. The 1990s were a volatile time in our LGBT community. HIV was a death sentence. Gay marriage was a dream. The term “nonbinary” (as it’s used today) didn’t exist. RENT was written as a voice for the people mainstream society was trying to silence. We’re here. We’re [insert label]. Get used to it. Peace, love and happiness for everyone!
ARTISTIC TEAM
Directed by Jonathan Medendorp
Music Direction – David Bowman
Choreography – Katie Jo Shimulunas, Maddie Gilmore
Stage Manager – Ragen Tripanier
Scenic Design - Jonathan Medendorp
Tech Director – Jeff LaFond
Lighting Design – Phillip Jindra
Sound and Video Design - Blaine Rezach
Costume Design and Properties – Claran LaViolette
Crew - Michael Sheeks, Lisa Lindberg, The Ensemble
Acknowledgements: Sara Schaller, Margaret Iannitello, Treehouse Theatre
Directed by Jonathan Medendorp
Music Direction – David Bowman
Choreography – Katie Jo Shimulunas, Maddie Gilmore
Stage Manager – Ragen Tripanier
Scenic Design - Jonathan Medendorp
Tech Director – Jeff LaFond
Lighting Design – Phillip Jindra
Sound and Video Design - Blaine Rezach
Costume Design and Properties – Claran LaViolette
Crew - Michael Sheeks, Lisa Lindberg, The Ensemble
Acknowledgements: Sara Schaller, Margaret Iannitello, Treehouse Theatre
