KWLT Presents RENT

RENT

Directed by Liisa Steinwedel

Now in its 30th anniversary year, the musical phenomenon RENT is still celebrated globally for its resonating storyline and iconic songs like “Seasons of Love”. Set in New York City’s East Village during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, RENT follows a year in the life of a group of young artists, bound together as a chosen family, learning to navigate love, creativity, addiction, illness, and identity in uncertain times.

Blending rock music with emotional storytelling, the musical explores the tensions between art and commercial success, fear and intimacy, and hope and heartbreak. Inspired by Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT captures the energy of New York’s bohemian culture while celebrating friendship, self-expression, and community. Its iconic songs and diverse characters helped redefine modern musical theatre, making the show a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its Broadway debut.

Performances are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 20 – December 6, 2026. Evening performances are at 8:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and matinees are at 2:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Doors will open half an hour before the performance starts. Seating is first-come first-served.

Special performances:

Covid Cautious

The November 22nd performance is a designated COVID Cautious performance with extra precautions. Patrons will be required to wear a mask at all times while in the theatre and should consume concessions outside. There is also a lower audience capacity for this performance to allow for distancing. There will be no alcohol sales during this performance.

Relaxed Performance

The November 28th matinee (2pm) is a designated Relaxed Performance with adjustments to enhance accessibility. House lights will remain dimmed, but not fully dark. Patrons are welcome to move, make noise, or take breaks in a designated quiet area as needed. This performance is designed to create a welcoming environment for neurodivergent audience members and anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed theatrical experience.

Sing-a-long Performance

December 4th is our designated sing-a-long performance for all you
RENT-heads who know all the words and are excited to join in on these iconic musical numbers but can’t during a regular performance. The show itself remains unchanged, and we won’t provide lyrics for you, but feel free to sing-a-long if you know the words.

Tickets at the door are $25 for non-members, $20 for members, groups of 6, and youth. Please note that online ticket sales are available up until 1 hour before the performance. Even then, there may still be walk-in tickets available, so please arrive before showtime!

Mature content warning:

The musical RENT contains mature sexual situations, strong language, and depictions of sensitive issues including substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, death and suggested police brutality.

It is truly a Season of Love in Kitchener-Waterloo, with two productions of RENT happening at nearly the same time! If you’re coming to see a specific performer, please check our cast list before purchasing your tickets to make sure you’re attending the production you’re looking for.

Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre (KWLT) performs at 9 Princess Street East, Waterloo.

K-W Musical Productions (KWMP) performs at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts at 36 King St W, Kitchener.
Looking for KWMP’s production of RENT? Find their production information here.

We’re thrilled to see so much theatre happening in Waterloo Region and strongly encourage audiences to support both productions!

RENT was originally produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon and New York Theatre Workshop.

RENT is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com