The filming is part of a new business venture launched by Sony Pictures Releasing, which is entitled The Hot Ticket. The Hot Ticket, according to a press release, will "distribute event programming, including popular music concerts, the performing arts, and sporting events in high definition digital projection to select movie theaters nationwide."

In addition to the final performance, the Rent filming will also "feature special closing night extras, when original cast members of the Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical are expected to join and celebrate in the farewell festivities." Screening dates in the U.S. and in Canada have yet to be announced, although Hot Ticket presentations will be shown in strictly limited engagements in 2K and 4K digital theatres.

The Hot Ticket series will also film "Delirium," a Cirque du Soleil production that is currently touring Europe.

In a statement Sony Pictures Releasing president Roy Bruer said, "Going to your favorite theater doesn't mean just going to the movies anymore. Audiences everywhere enjoy sharing special events with their friends and family in public places – it's just not the same at home. Our mandate will be to identify the one-of-a-kind and sold-out events that people around the country most want to see and we will work to present them to audiences everywhere. With the very best in special event programming and state-of-the-art digital projection and sound in theaters, The Hot Ticket will offer the kind of unparalleled, access that will make these events memorable viewing experiences."

For more information visit http://the-hot-ticket.com. *

Rent, which has book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, is the seventh longest running show in Broadway history.

The New York Rent company currently features Will Chase as Roger, Adam Kantor as Mark, Michael McElroy as Collins, Justin Johnston as Angel, Rodney Hicks as Benny, Tamyra Gray as Mimi and Merle Dandridge as Joanne with Caren Lyn Manuel, Tracy McDowell, Marcus Paul James, Maia Nkenge Wilson, Jay Wilkison, Telly Leung, Shaun Earl and Andrea Goss.

Eden Espinosa will make her Rent debut as Maureen May 30; Renée Elise Goldsberry will join the Broadway cast June 16 as Mimi.

Rent, directed by Michael Greif, opened on Broadway April 29, 1996, following a sold-out, extended limited engagement at Off-Broadway's New York Theatre Workshop. The musical went on to win every major best musical award, including the Tony Award, New York Drama Critics Circle Award, Drama Desk Award, and the Outer Critics Circle Award.

Rent is one of only seven musicals to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama.

Visit www.siteforrent.com.