Temple Theaters opens its final production of the 2009-10 season this weekend with an original production of Rent, the moving rock opera chronicling the lives of a colorful group of aspiring artists and youth in New York City’s East Village.

With characters drawn from Puccini’s La Boheme, Rent explores addiction, counterculture and the looming presence of AIDS in late 80s New York City.

“Rent fits perfectly into the landscape of Temple Theaters at Temple University,” said artistic director Douglas C. Wager. “It’s a soaring rock opera that celebrates diversity, community — told with an energetic score and truly unforgettable characters, young artists attempting to navigate through a very complicated modern world.”

Rent features musical direction by David Ames; lighting by Barrymore Award winner John Hoey (Arden’s Sweeney Todd); scenic design by MFA Design candidate Kyle Melton; costumes by MFA Design candidate Rita Squitiere; sound design by Mike Kiley; choreography by MFA Directing candidate Brandon McShaffrey; and stage management by Jayme Adams.

The production runs through April 11 in Tomlinson Theater. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 1-800-838-3006, 215-204-1122, online at www.temple.edu/sct/theater, or in person at the Tomlinson Theater Box Office at 1301 W. Norris Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122. The box office is open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-2pm, and can be reached by phone at 215-204-1122. Tickets are $10 for Temple students; $20 for seniors, students and alumni; and $25 for general admission.