RENT opens Friday, April 25 at the historic Wayne Theatre in Waynesboro, Virginia. To get an inside look at the production, Waynesboro-based marketing firm Standout Arts, LLC spoke with cast member Keenan France, who plays the role of Tom Collins. Keenan shared his perspective on what the show means to him and how the experience has shaped his connection to the story and the people around him.

“For me, RENT was actually the very first musical I was really introduced to when the movie came out twenty years ago, and it’s been one of my favorites ever since then,” Keenan said. “One major theme in the show is community, living in the moment. And those aren’t just themes in the show, they’re like the livelihood of these characters. That’s also like a reminder for me to all of life, to real life. To cherish the people around me and look at the best of everything, even when times are difficult.”

For Keenan, the message behind RENT goes beyond the stage. “I personally look at this show like, yes, this is a different community that not a lot of people agree with. But it’s also a gentle reminder that we are still humans,” he said. “I am a heterosexual male who plays a homosexual character. I’m doing this for everyone who is afraid to come out. I’m doing this for those who have come out and their family doesn’t approve of them. I’m doing this show for them.” He hopes that audiences, and especially families, walk away with a deeper understanding of compassion and connection.

When asked if he knew anyone in the cast before this production, Keenan shared that he hadn’t. “I knew absolutely no one. But now I see a chosen family. I don’t think I will be able to separate myself from any of these people even after our show closes,” he said.

“I’m just very appreciative of the community here. They brought me in and honestly just threw me in right from the start.”

RENT opens Friday, April 25 and runs through May 4 with four performances each weekend. For showtimes and ticket information, click or tap here.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Joshua Donohue