‘Rent’ is back at new home

By MARK KENNEDY

AP Drama Writer

NEW YORK

Though Adam Chanler- Berat was only about 10 when Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking musical made it to Broadway in 1996, Chanler- Berat saw it at least four times and soaked up the cast album countless times.

Fans like that don’t forget how a year is measured in the musical’s crowd-pleasing song “Seasons of Love.”

This month, Chanler- Berat is fulfilling a childhood dream by joining a new off-Broadway revival of the show just three years after “Rent” tearfully closed up shop on Broadway.

“Rent” opens Thursday in one of the 499-seat theaters at New World Stages on 50th Street.

The new production has been entrusted to Michael Greif, who also instantly knows how many minutes are in a year: He directed the show’s original off-Broadway production, helmed its Tony-winning run on Broadway and has directed most of its touring companies.

“I’m really happy I have the opportunity to bring it back,” said Greif.

“Rent” lasted on Broadway for 12 years and more than 5,000 performances, launching the careers of Taye Diggs, Jesse L. Martin, Idina Menzel, Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp.