Compass Rose Theater, AACC Join Forces For “Rent”

Compass Rose Theater and Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) are producing the Tony Award-winning musical “Rent” by Jonathan Larson now through March 8.

The project reflects Compass Rose’s educational mission and commitment to providing opportunities for students to work alongside professionals, both onstage and behind the scenes. AACC students were invited to assist with lighting, sound, costuming, ushering and set-building, and an opportunity to experience a professional audition to practice their acting and auditioning skills.

A live four-piece band will provide the musical backdrop to the award-winning show, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

“We are thrilled to begin 2026 with this new collaboration between AACC’s theater department and Compass Rose Theater,” said AACC’s dean of liberal arts, Alicia Morse. “This provides an exceptional opportunity for AACC students to gain hands-on experience working alongside professional artists in a full-scale production of ‘Rent.’ It strengthens our connection with the community by bringing powerful, live theater to local audiences. Thank you to AACC’s theater department chair, professor Sean Urbantke, and executive director of Compass Rose Theater, Barbara Webber, for bringing this vision to reality.”

The cast includes DeMario Adams-Holiday (Tom Collins), Ryan Alexander (Roger Davis), Alexandra Baca (Maureen Johnson), J.C. Bost (ensemble), Olivia Cholewczyski (ensemble), Sydney Forrester Wilson (ensemble), Christian Gonzalez (Angel Duman Schunard), Cameren Evans (Joanne Jefferson), Willie Hadnot Jr. (Benny Coffin III), Azaria Oglesby (Mimi Marquez), Otega Okurume (ensemble), Sam Slottow (Mark Cohen) and Tyler M. White (ensemble).

The artistic team includes producer Barbara Webber, director Stephen Emery, musical director Paige Rammelkamp, set designer Sean Urbantke, lighting designer Kerry Brandon, choreographer and intimacy coordinator Elda Trombley, costume designer Ilana Mongilio, stage manager Amanda Matousek, AACC student props designer Kendra Reese, and AACC alum sound designer Steph Condon.

“It’s been 30 years since ‘Rent’ premiered off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop and went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical,” said Barbara Webber, executive director of Compass Rose Theater. “This production takes a modern look at the musical, with a live band, and a young, professional team that includes three Helen Hayes Awards nominees (Sam Slottow, Azaria Olglesby and Paige Rammelkamp) and a contestant from John Legend’s team on NBC’s ‘The Voice’ (Demario Adams-Holiday).”

“Rent” performances run Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30pm-9:30pm, and Sundays from 2:00pm-4:00pm, in the Humanities Little Theater at AACC, located at 101 College Parkway in Arnold.

Tickets are $10—$55, available until showtime while supplies last. Reduced prices are offered for students, seniors, members of the military and veterans, and groups of 12 or more. Purchase tickets at www.compassrosetheater.org, through InstantSeats, or by calling 410-980-6662. Doors open 20 minutes before the show, with open seating. Free parking is available in Lot B.