RENT
February 7-9, 13-16 & 20-23
Legal Information
RENT
BOOK, MUSIC AND LYRICS BY JONATHAN LARSON
MUSICAL ARRANGEMENTS STEVE SKINNER ORIGINAL CONCEPT/ADDITIONAL LYRICS BILLY ARONSON MUSIC SUPERVISION AND ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS TIM WEIL DRAMATURG LYNN THOMSON
RENT WAS ORIGINALLY PRODUCED IN NEW YORK BY NEW YORK THEATRE WORKSHOP AND ON BROADWAY BY JEFFREY SELLER, KEVIN MCCOLLUM, ALLAN S. GORDON AND THE 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
Director: Seth Sponhouse | Music Director: Marisa Sorrentino Hickey | Choreographer: Katie Conklin
“Rent” is a contemporary rock musical that follows a group of struggling artists and musicians living in New York City’s East Village during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the late 1980s or early 1990s. The story revolves around Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, and his roommate Roger, a musician who is grappling with the loss of his girlfriend to suicide after an HIV diagnosis. They navigate their tumultuous relationships and confront issues of love, loss, addiction, and acceptance while striving to pursue their artistic dreams despite the harsh realities of poverty and illness. Through its powerful music and poignant storytelling, “Rent” celebrates the strength of friendship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity.
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MEET THE CAST
(*) denotes also a member of the Ensemble (^) denotes Dance Ensemble (‘) denotes Fight Ensemble (“) denotes Dance Captain
TAP TO SEE BIO
TIMOTHY HIPPENSTEEL
has been involved in 60+ productions on various stages as an actor, director and stage manager, and was last seen on the CTL stage as Trent Oliver in THE PROM. He’d like to thank the production staff for their guidance and for this bucket-list opportunity, his castmates, his family, and our audiences for supporting the local arts. He’d also like to remember his late friend and teacher, Russ Wynn Jr, who first sparked his interest in musical theatre by introducing him to RENT 15 years ago.
TIMOTHY HIPPENSTEEL
(Roger Davis)
SETH CONFER
is thrilled to step back into the world of RENT as Mark. He is excited to bring new energy and perspective to the role. Seth looks forward to bringing this beautiful and intimate story to life once more, with old friends and new. Seth would like to thank the entire production staff for their invaluable contributions in making this experience truly exceptional! Thank you for joining us in celebrating love, friendship, community, and la vie bohème!
SETH CONFER
(Mark Cohen)
CAMDEN HARE
is thrilled to return to the CTL stage after 7 years. You may recall seeing him in THE ADDAMS FAMILY (Lurch). Though his credits at CTL are small, Camden has traveled the world pursuing a career in acting in places like Nantucket, MA in ROCK OF AGES (Keith), Williamsburg, VA in SCROOGE NO MORE! (Christmas Present) and in Skagway, AK in LIARSVILLE (Head Actor). He wants to thank his parents, family and friends at CTL for their support. He also thanks Kim F, who he dedicates his performance to.
CAMDEN HARE
(Tom Collins)
MAXWELL THEISS
This is Maxwell's first time performing in a mainstage production at CTL! He has performed in multiple CORNER OF BROADWAY AND THIRD concerts, as well as on the CAC stage with CTL in RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA (Jean-Michel). Maxwell also was on the production staff for THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL (Assistant Director, Assistant Music Director). Maxwell is very excited for the opportunity to get to perform RENT with this cast and hopes you enjoy the show!
MAXWELL THEISS (MAINSTAGE DEBUT)
(Benjamin Coffin III)
MARISA SPONHOUSE
is honored to help tell this prevalent story! CTL credits include Belle (DISNEY'S BEAUTY & THE BEAST), Marian (THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY), and Performances in the CORNER OF BROADWAY AND THIRD series. Marisa would like to thank her husband Seth, son Leo and family for all of their love and support. Another big thank you goes out to the cast and crew of this phenomenal production. Enjoy!
MARISA SPONHOUSE (MAINSTAGE DEBUT)
(Joanne Jefferson)
MALACHI WATSON
is super excited to help bring this story to life on the CTL stage! You might have seen him in past CTL shows like THE PROM and RAGTIME. When he’s off stage and out of drag, he’s a student at Lycoming College, majoring in computer science and minoring in physics and German. His passions include dancing, theatre, and French! He wants to thank his friends and family for their endless support and for this amazing and talented cast for all the many ways they’ve inspired him. He hopes you enjoy the show!
MALACHI WATSON
(Angel Schunard)
RUBIE NATAL
A graduate from The New York Film Academy for Musical Theatre. Rubie was recently seen onstage in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. Some of her favorite CTL credits include Emma in THE PROM, Roxie in CHICAGO, Mush in DISNEY'S NEWSIES, Rizzo in GREASE and Jovie in ELF. She would like to thank the production staff for giving her the opportunity to bring Mimi to life, her family for always supporting her dreams, and her castmates @rubie__natal
RUBIE NATAL
(Mimi Márquez)
BRANDY AGUIRRE
is “over the moon” to be back at CTL in another poignant show, having recently been seen as Woman 2 in SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD. Some past favorite roles include: Esmeralda (THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME), Cinderella (INTO THE WOODS), & Dyanne (MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET). Brandy would like to thank her husband Steve- whom she met 11 years ago during a production of RENT, for all his support behind the scenes. She sends love to her little girls Diana and Robin- who will NOT be attending this one!
BRANDY AGUIRRE
(Maureen Johnson)
DAKKOTA DEEM
is thrilled to be joining the cast of RENT! Past roles include LeFou in DISNEY'S BEAUTY & THE BEAST (CTL), Ren MacCormack in FOOTLOOSE (LTWB) and Ralph Sheldrake in WHITE CHRISTMAS (CTL), and Prince Eric in DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID (CTL). Off-stage, Dakkota is a Registered Dietitian and loves to hike with his husband and two aussies. Dakkota would like to thank his family and friends for their support, as well as the cast for making this show so much fun to bring to life. No day but today!
DAKKOTA DEEM
(Ensemble)
RACHEL DRUCKENMILLER
Her first experience with CTL was in 2017 with THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME as a congregant. Since then, she has portrayed Baker's Wife in INTO THE WOODS, Reno Sweeney in ANYTHING GOES, Miss Shingle in GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, and Truvy in STEEL MAGNOLIAS. Outside of CTL, she has been Polly Peachum in THREE PENNY OPERA, Flo in PICNIC, and Hope Harcourt in ANYTHING GOES, all at IUP as a Musical Theater Major. Other parts have been Glinda in WIZARD OF OZ and Thyona in BIG LOVE with Studio 570. Thanks to her friends and family for their undying support. All her love to Theo.
RACHEL DRUCKENMILLER
(Ensemble/Maureen Understudy)
TAYLOR ELLIOTT
is excited to be back on the Mainstage in RENT! He was previously seen in the Season 48 opener CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (Carl Hanratty). Credits from last season include THE PROM (Sheldon), RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA (Prince Topher), and ELF THE MUSICAL (Buddy). Outside of theatre, Taylor holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Welding Engineering and currently works as a welder making bridge girders
TAYLOR ELLIOTT
(Ensemble/Mark Understudy)
MEGAN FISHER
is overjoyed to be in a musical again and is honored to be part of this powerful and important show! Previous theatre credits-- CTL at the CAC: DISNEY'S BEAUTY & THE BEAST (Mrs. Potts), RAGTIME (Emma Goldman), THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY; CWC: TITANIC (Kate McGowan); CTL: DISNEY'S NEWSIES, WHITE CHRISTMAS, MAMMA MIA, THE LAST 5 YEARS (Cathy u/s), CTL Concert Series (solo show), SISTER ACT (Mary Robert), JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH (Lady Bug), INTO THE WOODS (Little Red); Riverstage: MAMMA MIA (Rosie).
MEGAN FISHER
(Ensemble)
KIM FULMER
has been seen as Grandma in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Rosie in MAMMA MIA, Marge in THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, and other favorites. She is thrilled and so proud to be a part of this extraordinary cast of RENT. She wants to thank Seth, and the entire production team for trusting her to help tell this important story. She also wants to thank her friends whose support and love mean everything. Her performance is for her Mama, who first taught her to “forget regret, or life is yours to miss.”
KIM FULMER
(Ensemble)
SYDNEY HARRIS
is grateful to be back on the MainStage in CTL’s production of Rent. She has loved the opportunity of getting to work with the talented group of people that make up this cast and crew. She was previously seen in the Dance Ensemble of CTL’s production of RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA at the CAC. She wants to thank all of the friends who have made this an enriched experience and she would also like to thank her boyfriend for being by her side and supporting her through rehearsals.
SYDNEY HARRIS (MAINSTAGE DEBUT)
(Ensemble)
SHANTEL HILL
(Shan!) is excited to be back at CTL for her second time! She was seen recently as a member of the Dance Ensemble in CTL's production of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. She is a senior Musical Theatre Major at Lycoming College and she was last seen as Mrs. Muller in DOUBT: A PARABLE. She is so happy for this opportunity and she would like to thank her mother and her closest friends for their support!
SHANTEL HILL
(Ensemble)
Kyle Huggins
is thrilled to bring his talents to the stage for the first time since 2023. Kyle has enjoyed portraying a range of dynamic roles, including the delightfully villainous Lord Farquaad in SHREK THE MUSICAL, the cunning Wolf and charming Cinderella’s Prince in INTO THE WOODS, and the passionate Demetrius in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. Other favorite credits include the hapless yet hilarious Freddy Fellows in NOISES OFF!, the eccentric Chef Louis in THE LITTLE MERMAID, and the enigmatic Cliff in CABARET. Kyle extends heartfelt gratitude to Katie for always offering encouragement and support when it’s needed most.
Kyle Huggins
(Ensemble/Benny Understudy)
TYLER MARVIN
is overjoyed and humbled to be a part of such an important, powerful, and bucket list show. Previously seen on-stage as Private First Class Louden Downey in CTL's A FEW GOOD MEN, Tyler has been involved in roughly 30 shows over the last decade, with some highlights including being cast as Cliff Bradshaw in CTL's production of CABARET, and King Arthur in Riverstage's production of SPAMALOT. Tyler would lastly like to thank his loved ones and family, both blood and chosen.
TYLER MARVIN
(Ensemble)
LESLEY SHUMAN
For Lesley, this has been a dream show since high school. She has fond memories of singing the soundtrack with her friends late at night at Wendy’s after musical rehearsals. Lesley has been involved in many shows at CTL, including DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID, CABARET, DISNEY'S BEAUTY & THE BEAST (CAC), as well as the CORNER OF BROADWAY AND THIRD series. She would like to thank Jonathan Larson for his deeply moving lyrics and music, her family, friends, her man, and her kitten. “Forget regret, or life is yours to miss.”
LESLEY SHUMAN
(Ensemble/Joanne Understudy)
KYLE VENARCHICK
is excited to be making his CTL debut in RENT! He is currently an Architecture major at Penn College. Some of his past roles include Orin Scrivello in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Pepper in MAMMA MIA!, and Chip Tolentino in THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. He would like to thank Seth, Marisa, Katie, and the rest of the cast and crew for all their hard work and dedication in producing this show! He would also like to thank his Mom, Dad, family, and friends for all their love and support! He would also like to thank his best friend Cynthia! Break a leg everyone
KYLE VENARCHICK (MAINSTAGE DEBUT)
(Ensemble)
PHILIP VONADA
is excited to be back on the CTL stage for the first time in two years. He has previously been seen at CTL in CLUE (Mr. Green), MAMMA MIA! (Harry), THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Jamie u/s), COMPANY (Harry), and INTO THE WOODS (Baker). He has also directed A FEW GOOD MEN, WHITE CHRISTMAS, SISTER ACT, RABBIT HOLE, and THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME.
PHILIP VONADA
(Ensemble/Collins Understudy)
TIM HEILMANN
is excited to perform in RENT - particularly since it is ALL signing and NO dancing (sorry Katie C.!) Previous favorite roles (which also required minimal dancing!): ELF: THE MUSICAL (Santa Claus), CABARET (Herr Shultz), WHITE CHRISTMAS (Mr. Snoring Man), COMPANY (Larry), A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL (Jean Shepard), and SOUTH PACIFIC (Captain Brackett). Thanks to Susie for making it possible for me to exercise my right brain (or is it LEFT brain - I can never remember!)
TIM HEILMANN
(Pit Singer)
ISAIAH INCH
is extremely excited to be a part of RENT at CTL. Isaiah has been doing shows for many years, and plans to do so for many more. Isaiah feels RENT is a powerful piece of theatre, and hopes it will leave people moved.
ISAIAH INCH
(Pit Singer)
VALERIE MAE PADGETT
has done theater her whole life. From Jim Thorpe PA Opera House, to Michigan and back. She has been involved in all aspects of theater on and off the stage. A Highlight includes working on Midland MI's AACTFest Production of URINETOWN. Receiving 2nd at Nationals, top musical of 2011. Her favorites include working on both GOSPEL and SEUSSICAL: THE MUSICAL numerous times. When she's not devoting her time to the stage, Val is a home health aid with Visiting Angels, which she absolutely loves.
VALERIE MAE PADGETT
(Pit Singer)
KEVIN MOWREY
is excited to be cast in his fifth musical at CTL, this time as a member of the Pit Singers for RENT. Kevin’s previous CTL credits include MAMMA MIA! (Bill Austin), RAGTIME (Immigrant Ensemble), DISNEY'S NEWSIES (Morris Delancey), and SHREK (Pig/Duloc/Guard/Knight). Kevin works as a School Counselor in the Lewisburg Area School District. Kevin would like to thank his wife, Erin, and family for their continued support and encouragement.
KEVIN MOWREY
(Pit Singer)
ELIZA WHYMAN
is thrilled to kick off 2025 with RENT! As a Williamsport native, you may have seen her around town or in recent CTL productions of THE PROM, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN and THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. When she's not on stage, Eliza can be found collecting books, under-watering her plants and overfeeding her cats and dog. She'd like to thank her family and friends for their incredible support and dedicate this show to her amazing wife, who introduced RENT to her long before they even dared to date. "The opposite of war isn't peace, it's creation" - Jonathan Larson
ELIZA WHYMAN
(Pit Singer)
MICHAEL HEILMANN
This is Michael's second time on the CTL stage (at least with the lights on), he goes from serving fairy tale royalty at the CAC to protecting the community hosting the Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Only time will tell if his services will be called upon again; but, for now, the show must, no… WILL go on.
MICHAEL HEILMANN
(Fireman)
TIM HEILMANN
is excited to be back on the CTL stage for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! It seems he can't resist a Christmas time performance, having appeared in: SCROOGE (back in the 90's - Bob Cratchet), and then (after a long hiatus) A CHRISTMAS STORY THE MUSICAL (Jean Shepard), IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Joseph), WHITE CHRISTMAS (Mr. Snoring Man), and ELF THE MUSICAL (Santa Claus). Sprinkled in between have been roles in SOUTH PACIFIC (Captain Brackett), COMPANY (Larry), SWEENEY TODD (Ensemble), RAGTIME (Ensemble), DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Ensemble), CABARET (Herr Schultz), and RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA (Ensemble)
TIM HEILMANN
(Reverend Hopkins)
AVA FITZGERALD
is ecstatic to be a part of her first official show through the Community Theater League. She has had previous acting experience through various camps at the CTL and as a Raccoon in the Missoula Children’s Traveling Theater's version of RED RIDING HOOD in 2016. As a Freshman at Loyalsock Township High School, Ava enjoys singing in the choir and playing music trivia. She wants to thank her family and friends for always encouraging her creativity.
AVA FITZGERALD
(Angel Choir)
MEET THE PRODUCTION TEAM
TAP TO SEE BIO
SETH SPONHOUSE
is excited to once again be bringing a CTL production to life! Previous CTL directing credits include THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, 2019's WEST SIDE STORY, 2017's THE MUSIC MAN, INTO THE WOODS, MAMMA MIA, BIG FISH, RAGTIME, INCORRUPTIBLE, THE KING AND I, A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL, BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL, CHICAGO (‘22), DISNEY'S BEAUTY & THE BEAST (‘23), and CABARET (‘22). So much love to his wife Marisa, Leo and Maya for all their unconditional love and great ideas. “ Viva La Vie Boheme!”
SETH SPONHOUSE
(Director)
MARISA SORRENTINO HICKEY
A long-time CTL performer, Marisa is thrilled to be a part of this production team. Besides performing, she has worked as a board member, director, music director, and production manager. Favorite past shows include HELLO DOLLY, CHICAGO, I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE, URINETOWN, ANNIE, 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, NUNSENSE, INTO THE WOODS, COMPANY, SWEENEY TODD, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, and RAGTIME. When not at CTL, she can be found at home in Bellefonte with her family.
MARISA SORRENTINO HICKEY
(Music Director)
KATIE CONKLIN
is a 2019 graduate of West Virginia University with her BFA in Musical Theatre. This is her eighth time choreographing for CTL and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring such an iconic show to life! To the cast- thank you for diving in and giving this your all. Your energy is infectious and the emotion you bring is so genuine. To the Staff, this process has been a joy. Thanks also to Kyle, her family and friends, for always supporting her while she dances through life!
KATIE CONKLIN
(Choreographer)
PAUL YOUNG
is excited to be a part of this show and he would like to thank Seth and the entire Staff & Cast for allowing him to move in on Avenue A without paying RENT. Paul is a Category Manager at Weis Corporate office. Paul is a CTL Board Member. He has been married to his wife (Cindy) for 36 years, with whom he has two amazing daughters, Megan (31) and Mackenzie(28), and a beautiful granddaughter Kinsley(5). “History’s darkest moments can be a tipping point for change” Captain Jean-Luc Picard
PAUL YOUNG
(Assistant Director)
MISSY BLACK
has been costuming for CTL for several years. The last few shows that she costumed were PERCY JACKSON, RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA, GREASE, SHREK, DISNEY'S BEAUTY & THE BEAST, CABARET, CHICAGO, RAGTIME and MAMMA MIA! Missy loves being involved in CTL productions behind the scenes, so costuming is the perfect place for her to give back to the community. Missy would like to thank her friends and family for their love and support and the CTL family for allowing her to be part of the magic.
MISSY BLACK
(Costume Design)
MORE CREDITS
KEITH WAGNER...Stage Manager
JORDAN MILLER...Technical Director /Lighting Design
BETH O’CONNELL...Scenic Artist
AIMEE HUNSINGER...Sound Technician
KYLE HUGGINS...Video/Projection Design
MICHAEL HEILMANN...Light Operator
MAIA CENIMO
(Choreographer)
JOSIAH HICKS-LEE
is excited to be helping out again on the production side at CTL. This is his first show as an assistant stage manager and is glad to be helping out with the music. He has worked on over 50 productions. Some of his most recent work has been in "The Prom," "Steel Magnolias," "A Christmas Carol" twice, and "Beauty and the Beast." He has worked with Hamilton-Gibson as well as as with New Covenant UCC doing direction, choreography, music direction, and costume design. He has also played pit orchestra on various instruments.
JOSIAH HICKS-LEE
(Assistant Stage Manager/Music Director)
NEVAEH WILLIAMS
is very excited to be apart of another show here at CTL, but this time, backstage! With this being Nevaehs first time being apart of a production team. She is very excited to see where this show goes! She’d like to thank Marie for this wonderful opportunity and for setting her up for greatness! Enjoy the show!
NEVAEH WILLIAMS
(Assistant Stage Manager)
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN TO JOIN US! FIND OUT HOW BELOW
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
- Attend an audition–The best way to jump right in is to attend an audition and meet the director, stage manager, and production manager. They can tell you where help is needed most.
- Visit the business office–CTL’s administrative staff will be on hand during the day to help get you started by putting you in touch with our CTL’s Volunteer Coordinator.
- Call or email–Contact the business office by calling (570) 327-1720 or by emailing CTLVolunteers@yahoo.com with your contact information and areas of interest.
Each production is staffed independently. If you have a particular interest in a show or position, please let us know. Even if your desired position is already filled, we may call upon you for backup.