The Broadway musical “Rent” will perform during its 20th Anniversary Tour at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10.

On April 29, 1996, a musical opened on Broadway unlike anything that had come before it. Although Broadway held many iconic shows, “Rent” was a game-changer as it touched on issues that were sensitive when it came to entertainment.

“Rent” tells a story of New York artists, of all difference races and sexualities, who are seeking to make their way in the world. Pennilessness, drug abuse, the looming danger of AIDS, social tension and political unrest, among other hardships, challenge the group physically and emotionally. Facing the problems head on, they make personal self-discoveries and find out what matters most in life.

The show was a big attraction to young theater goers, who became known as “Rentheads.” They came back again because of how the show spoke to them personally.

Key members of the original creative team for the show reunited together for the national tour, enabling a new generation to discover why the show is so special and why it continues to have a profound effect on audiences.

“We get to meet the people who came to the show and they all have incredible stories,” Sammy Ferber, a cast member of the 20th anniversary show said. “There are people who have seen the show thirty something times and people who the show is the only thing they have in common with their family member who they don’t get along with. We hear stories like that and how the show has changed people’s lives and it just feels amazing to be a part of this show’s history.”

While telling a story of an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out, “Rent” contains an inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear. This celebration of friendship and creativity reminds audience members to measure lives with the only thing that truly matters — love.

“A little love can go a long way,” Ferber said. “If you leave ‘Rent’ and don’t feel more love in your heart, then we haven’t done our job.”

The show went on to win the Tony Award for Best Musical, ran for over twelve years and was made into a movie with original cast members from the Broadway show in 2005. The show is known for iconic songs such as “Seasons of Love,” “Light My Candle,” “I’ll Cover You,” “Goodbye Love” and more.

Tickets for the performance are free for full-time Marshall students and half off for part-time students. Tickets are available in the box office located in the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse on the Marshall University campus. Box office hours are Monday through Friday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Krislyn Holden can be contacted at [email protected].