After hosting parties, conferences and other community gatherings, Baltimore’s newest events venue will be used for the first time as a theater.
Iron Crow Theatre announced that it will present five performances of “RENT” this month at the M&T Bank Exchange, the multi-purpose events space that opened last fall as the final phase of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, home of the Hippodrome Theatre at 12 North Eutaw Street. The dates for “RENT” are Feb. 16 to 18, with two shows each on Feb. 17 and 18. Tickets can be purchased online at https://ironcrowtheatre.thundertix.com/events/224962.
The production started at the Baltimore Theatre Project, where it had a sold-out engagement that ran from Jan. 19 to Feb. 4, 10 shows in all. Responding to demand, the producers decided to extend its run and, when space at the Theatre Project wasn’t available due to a schedule conflict, transfer the production to the M&T Bank Exchange.
With the transfer, Iron Crow’s production will be the first theatrical event at the $20 million event space, which was created inside the restored shell of the 1887 Eutaw Savings Bank, on the same block as the Hippodrome. The space has accommodated a wide range of events, including Baltimore Magazine’s ‘Best of Baltimore’ party; the Baltimore Met Gala; Visit Baltimore’s annual meeting, the Baltimore Together conference and Governor Wes Moore’s birthday party, but it hasn’t been the setting for a theatrical production such as “RENT.”
“We could not be more honored to partner with the Exchange and become the first theater company to perform in this gorgeous, historic space,” said managing director Natka Bianchini, in a statement.
“At its best, live theater is a radical act of community and a gift to the audience. This special production deserves to be seen by the biggest audience possible; its success is a testament to the reservoir of talent we have right here in Charm City. This is a win for Iron Crow Theatre, but more importantly, it is a win for small professional theater in Baltimore.”
“This historic transfer stands as a testament to Iron Crow Theatre’s commitment to artistic excellence,” said artistic director Sean Elias. “RENT” is more than just a production; it’s a tribute to the power of passion, creativity, and the enduring tenacity of small arts organizations here in Baltimore. We are honored to be the pioneers at the new M&T Bank Exchange and are so grateful for the dedication of our talented cast and crew who are the ones making this Cinderella Story come true!”
“This is an exciting time for the M&T Bank Exchange as we welcome our first theatrical production,” said executive director Andrew Springer. “This is an important step in fulfilling our mission to support the Maryland arts community and provide space for companies like Iron Crow Theatre to flourish right here in Baltimore.”
The recipient of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Jonathan Larson’s “RENT” draws loose inspiration from Puccini’s La Boheme. It chronicles a year in the life of a chosen family of young artists, musicians, and activists struggling to survive on New York’s Lower East Side at the height of the squatter movement, in an era decimated by the ravages of HIV/AIDS, drugs and homelessness. Iron Crow calls it “a celebration of love, a testament to human resilience and a rallying cry for seizing the moment and making your dreams a reality.”
As designed by Gary Martinez of OTJ Architects in Washington, the space has three different configurations: a banquet configuration for up to 550 people; a theater configuration seating up to 582 and a stand-up configuration with room for 1,351. There are three permanent bars and space for additional portable bars.
Ron Legler, president of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center and a member of Iron Crow Theatre’s Community Advisory Board, said “RENT” patrons will have three ticket options: VIP floor seats close to or on the stage; orchestra seats facing the stage, and standing room on the first mezzanine overlooking the main floor, with access to a private bar. Ticket prices will range from $35 to $65.
“This is the biggest show they’ve ever done, and this will the first theatrical production in the space,” he said of M&T Bank Exchange. “We can’t wait to see that space being used as a real theater…I hope they sell out every night…It’s going to give this organization a whole new look on what they can develop.”
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February 08, 2024 at 05:19AM
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Iron Crow Theatre's production of 'Rent' coming to M&T Bank Exchange - Baltimore Fishbowl
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