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Beginning Thursday with a 7:30 p.m. show, RENT will be performed through Sunday at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign. Lead actor Mark Perry warned there is adult content and themes in the show, but that it will appeal to a college audience.

“This is a play about people society doesn’t like to think or talk about. It addresses drugs, aids, the rich and the poor, the healthy and the dying. These are all things that are part of life, but we don’t want them to be,” Perry said. “I think audiences will leave with a message that we need to hold on to the good things we have in this moment, because there are no guarantees about what tomorrow or the next day will bring.”

Co-producer Brenda Lambert narrowed the cast to 25 after more than 100 auditioned.

“I’m most excited for audiences to see the high energy my cast will bring to the performance. It’s going to be great,” said Lambert.

The Virginia Theatre will welcome original lead actor Adam Kantor. He plans to attend Saturday, March 13, and will be available to sign autographs.

For tickets call the box office at 356-9053. For each performance of the show, $1 from every ticket will be donated to five different local charities.

Managing Director Michael Galloway hopes for a sold out show for each performance.

"RENT delivers a truthful and real message and being able to give back to our local charities is wonderful,” said Galloway.