This story was produced by the OC Theatre Guild as part of a community media partnership with Culture OC. It was written and edited independently by the Guild’s selected contributors. This collaboration supports our effort to celebrate and amplify the vibrant arts and culture scene in Orange County.

‘Rent’ at the Phantom Projects Theatre — Artwork courtesy of Phantom Projects Theatre

By OC Theatre Guild

November 3, 2026

Written for OC Theatre Guild by Anne Reid

The Phantom Projects Theatre

‘Rent’

When: Nov. 6 – 22, 2026

Where: 311 South Euclid St., La Habra

More Info: 714-690-2900, PhantomProjects.com

Thirty years, a Tony Award for best musical, a Pulitzer Prize for drama and a legacy that shows no signs of fading. Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking musical “Rent” burst onto Broadway in 1996 and has since become a cultural phenomenon, captivating generations of audiences with its electrifying rock score, unforgettable characters and powerful story of love, friendship and survival.

Loosely based on Puccini’s opera “La Bohème,” “Rent” follows a year in the lives of a group of struggling young artists and musicians trying to survive and pursue their dreams in New York City’s Lower East Side during the HIV/AIDS crisis. The disease takes a physical and emotional toll on Roger, Mimi, Tom and Angel, while Maureen expresses herself through performance art and struggles with fidelity, leaving her partner, Joanne, questioning whether their relationship is worth the trouble. Benny has traded his bohemian ideals for financial success, alienating his former friends, while Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, struggles with feeling like an outsider.

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For Director and Choreographer Miguel Cardenas, the heart of the musical lies in how the characters navigate love, loss, friendship and the challenges of everyday life.

“I really wanted to focus on the acting and make sure everyone understood why they were making certain choices and what those choices meant,” Cardenas said. “I love ‘Rent.’ There are elements of the show that are iconic, but there’s also plenty of room for interpretation.”

“This is a show I’ve wanted to direct for a long time. I’ve performed in it multiple times and have been chomping at the bit for the opportunity to lead a production,” Cardenas said. “The timing couldn’t be more appropriate. So much of what was happening when ‘Rent’ was written is being mirrored today. The housing crisis, the government’s response to an epidemic, the struggles of communities of color with law enforcement. It’s history repeating itself. ‘Rent’ isn’t just about refusing to pay rent. It’s about standing up for what you believe in, creating a chosen family and showing up for your community, which is just as important now as it was then.”

Cardenas is no stranger to the Phantom Projects Theatre. He’s worked on several productions with the company, including “Little Shop of Horrors,” “The Marvelous Wonderettes” and “Sweeney Todd.” He also directed and choreographed “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and has been involved with the theater ever since.

When it came to casting “Rent,” Cardenas wanted actors who could bring something of their own to the characters while working together as an ensemble.

“We had a great turnout, but we were looking for some very specific qualities,” Cardenas said. “We wanted Angel to be someone you immediately fall in love with when they walk into a room, and Maureen to have high energy, intelligence and the ability to lead a movement. We were looking for nuance in these characters and a strong ensemble where everyone contributes equally to the story and the community. We took our time with casting, and we’re really happy with the outcome.”

With the cast in place, Cardenas has found plenty to love about the production, though choosing a favorite moment isn’t easy.

“If I had to pick a favorite, ‘La Vie Bohème’ comes to mind because it’s so joyful. ‘Goodbye Love’ gets me every time. I can feel my heart in my stomach watching the actors pour their souls onto the stage. And I can’t talk about favorites without mentioning ‘I’ll Cover You,’ both versions. Actors Ryan Patrick Parker, as Tom, and Jaylee Velasquez as the fabulous Angel, are really finding the heart of that love story and taking us on such a beautifully heartbreaking journey.”

Staging a musical typically performed in a much larger theater has presented its own challenges, but Cardenas sees the intimate space as an opportunity.

“It really pushed us to make the show our own,” he said. “We want to stay true to the story and make sure the audience walks away understanding its message, not thinking, ‘Wow, that was good, but it felt cramped.’ I think as long as we focus on telling the story, we’re doing it right.”

For Cardenas, the opportunity to direct “Rent” is particularly meaningful because of the people he’s sharing it with.

“I’m just so grateful to be doing this show, especially right now. I get to work with one of my best friends as musical director, at a theater that really trusts me, and with an incredibly talented, creative and generous cast. I couldn’t imagine better timing or a better group of people to share it with.”