The trailer just dropped for the new HBO documentary Revolution Rent. Directed by Andy Senor Jr. and Victor Patrick Alvarez, the film follows Senor Jr. as he returns to the homeland of his exiled parents to stage a production of the Tony-winning musical Rent. Revolution Rent is executive produced by Neil Patrick Harris and debuts Tuesday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the show's Broadway premiere.
"When we began working on the production of Rent in Cuba and documenting the journey along the way, I had no idea how the story would unfold and that our documentary would end up on HBO," Senor Jr., who made his debut as Angel in Rent on Broadway during the '90s, said in a statement.
"Andy and I started our Rent journey together many years ago and I was proud to see him take his talents to Cuba," Harris said. "Revolution Rent is a continuation of our journey as well as a tribute to the power of theater and its ability to transform lives."
The documentary follows the entirety of the production, from initial auditions to the closing night of the show. It also shows the personal journey of Senor Jr. as he explores his heritage, past, and cultural identity.
"Traveling to Cuba to make this film was incredibly challenging yet rewarding in ways I never imagined," Alvarez said. "Revolution Rent is about creativity in the face of adversity and the healing powers of human connection."
In the exclusive clip below, Yoset Puentes, who played Roger in the Cuban production of Rent, praises the production and what it could do to change hearts and minds there.
"I'm gay. I've been out of the so-called closet for a long time and I live totally free and express my sexuality," he says. "Before, our society wasn't very accepting of the gay community. I think that Rent will do a lot to strengthen and broaden the space the gay community needs. It isn't a story about homosexuals. It's a story about love."
Watch the clip below and the trailer here. Revolution Rent premieres Tuesday at 9 p.m. Eastern/Pacific.
