CRT is the professional producing arm of the Department of Dramatic Arts at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. Rent, the tale of friends, lovers and artists seeking connection and authenticity in the age of AIDS, will launch CRT's Nutmeg Summer Series. This is CRT's first full summer season since 2002. Performances play in the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre (Lower Jorgensen).

Art Manke will direct and choreograph. The cast will feature Equity's Corey Bradley (Broadway's recent Ragtime) as Benny, Lauretta Pope (a CRT veteran) as Joanne, Timothy Ware (Sky on tour in Mamma Mia!) as Collins, plus Kaitlin Monte as Mimi, Rachel Rosado as Maureen, John Shuler Quertermous as Angel, Kyle Szen as Roger, Joshua Wright as Mark, Noah Weintraub as Homeless, Gordon, Mr. Gray, Pastor; Chelsea Gidden as Sue, Homeless, Mrs. Cohen; Kristin Browne as Homeless, Alexi Darling, Ali; Rob Zelaya as Homeless, Steve, Mr. Jefferson; Dominique Thomas as Paul, Homeless, The Man.

The creative team includes Michael Anania (scenic designer), Lucy Brown (costume designer) and Al Brown (lighting designer).

The Nutmeg Summer Series continues through July 4 and includes All in the Timing June 10-20 in the Nafe Katter Theatre (also located on the Storrs campus); Smokey Joe's Café June 24-July 4 in the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre; and Endurance, a world-premiere play presented by movement theatre artists, Split Knuckle Theatre, June 24-27 in the Nafe Katter Theatre.

For ticket information, call (860) 486-4226 or visit www.crt.uconn.edu.