Gilbert Theater has delivered a powerhouse season that kicked off with a timeless tale of political discourse with Cabaret, brought a sense of nostalgia just in time for the holidays with A Christmas Story, and a reminder of the cost of silence and how powerful the average person can be in The Revolutionists. Golden Pond was a looking glass, a moment to remember the important things in life.
The 2026 season has been remarkable, bringing new faces on and behind the stage, new audiences, and a renewed sense of love for community theater. From start to finish, this season has highlighted what talent and drive can accomplish in such a small space. Keeping with the momentum and ending the season with a bang, Gilbert is reprising its production of Rent.
Opening night is on Friday, May 15, and runs through May 31. Patrons have four opportunities each weekend to catch a show. May 15, 22 and 29 will have 8 p.m. shows; May 16, 23 and 30 will have shows at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and May 17, 24 and 31 will have 2 p.m. shows. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office at 910-678-7186, or online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36002/production/1236836.
Rent, set in the East Village in 1995 (originally set in 1989), during a time when HIV/AIDS was ravaging America, a time when America treated the diagnosis as a death sentence, the medical community actively discriminated against the gay and trans community, and the LGBTQ+ community stepped up and created grassroots protests and medical networks to care for their own who had been left for dead.
It follows the lives of an ensemble of characters, all residents in the small neighborhood. Each neighbor is fighting their own personal battles while still facing the world. At its core, it’s a story of hope, something Artistic Director Matt Lamb took into account when choosing this as the season ender.
“Looking at the season and putting it together, I thought we’re starting off with Cabaret. It’s very dark. And we needed to find something that brought hope at the end. I didn’t want the season to end on a depressing note, though Rent does have those moments. I thought, why not? Why not put a show in the season that has just the complete gambit of emotions, but ultimately ends with hope?”
This is not the first time Rent is hitting the Gilbert stage. In 2013, 13 talented actors took to the stage and gave it their all. The production is still the talk of the town, and the cast, 13 years later, are still in contact with one another.
Lamb was part of that cast, recalling, “I played Mark. And I remember that connection, that show was incredible, the experience from top to bottom was incredible.”
Lamb didn’t want this cast to mirror what was done in 2013. As the director of this show, he has encouraged his actors to take their characters and make them what they see them as.
And that they have.
Leading the ensemble cast are Chad Barnes as Roger Davis and Berganne Monroe as Mimi Marquez, both first timers on the Gilbert Stage. Barnes is an athlete turned actor and singer after being hit by a car at 17. He’s graced stages and toured with bands all over the US, most recently with an East Coast-based band. Playing Roger has been one of Barnes' dream roles, since hearing Adam Pascal's 2005 movie adaptation performance. Barnes and the character’s life have parallel moments that have allowed Barnes to tap into not only his natural rock talent but also his pain and healing.
“It’s a role I’ve always wanted. I’m getting to live that out and then play this as honestly as possible.”
Monroe, a St. Louis native, has been around the stage since she entered the world. Her grandmother worked at the world-famous Fabulous Fox Theater, considered the Broadway of the Midwest. Even though she grew up behind the stage, she didn’t get her first on-stage opportunity until 5 years ago in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Her performance led to a full-circle moment with the production making its way to the Fabulous Fox Theater.
More recently, she’s played Squeak in The Color Purple in Raleigh. Being cast in Rent has also been on Monroe’s wishlist. Her spark for the show came after watching the 2008 Broadway production and watching Mimi’s character be brought to life by Renée Elise Goldsberry. Her draw to the character does not come from commonality but from curiosity and admiration.
“I think Mimi’s character really called out to me because her story, she’s not just this party girl. There’s so much depth to her.” Monroe explained, “I think I’m so different than her, and I want to be able to show her dark side, her in all sides, in an honest way.”
Both Barnes and Monroe and the entire cast and crew have been working diligently to turn the Gilbert into the East Village and bring the audience in for a journey of pain, hurt, happiness, and hope.
The season may be ending at the Gilbert, but that doesn’t mean that the shows are stopping. Gilbert Glee and Gilbert Glee Jr. are gearing up for their summer production of Annie on June 13 and 14. PlayFest, a festival that highlights short plays from around the country, is coming in late June, as well as several workshops and education programs.
For more information on the upcoming show, Playfest, theater education, or how to become a part of the theater, visit https://www.gilberttheater.com/.