Director Cathy Brecely said the theatre group had been hard at work for the past four months on the musical, about a group of friends living in downtown New York in the late 1980s, struggling to pay the rent.

“Magic Box Productions is always ready to take a challenge and run with it,” she said.

“We were not sure that the Southern Highlands would be ready for a show of this nature,” she said.

“Being on the risky, controversial side of life, where living on the breadline is all too familiar for these characters.

“But we realise that this is how it is really for some people.”

Cathy said the commitment over the past few months from every member of the cast has been amazing.

“A lot of the cast have acted in a number of productions before, people like Amanda Aitken and Bevin Hearne, which makes it easier,” she said.

Cathy said the cast were comfortable with each other and were looking forward to opening night.

“There’s a really enthusiastic vibe among the cast,” she said.

“The kids are creating a more modern take on the production and it’s really coming together well.”

Bevin Hearne, who plays the landlord Benjamin Coffin III, said he would be bringing all his energy and passion for acting to the role.

“Benjamin is basically a smart alec, but he really wants to be one of the boys so to speak,” Hearne said.

“My whole spin on the role is to use some of my natural wit to bring the character to life on stage.”

Jenna Bartlett, who plays Angel Dumott Schunard, has one of the more challenging roles in the production.

“I’m a woman playing a man who plays a woman,” Jenna said.

“It is tough but a whole lot of fun to play Angel. I’m basically going in head first with the character, and she has so much depth.

“It’s a very hard role but I’m confident I can pull it off.”

Rent is recommended for audiences over 15 and is rated M. It opens at 8pm on July 3, and continues at 8pm on July 4, 5, 10-12, 15, 17 and 18.

There will also be 2pm shows on July 4, 11 and 18, and 4pm shows on July 5 and 12.

Tickets are $24 for adults and $18 concession, and are available at the Tourism Centre Mittagong, 4871 2888 or at the door. For more details email adrianancathy@optusnet.com.au.