YOUNGSTOWN, OH (March 31, 2023) – Renowned conductor and pianist Michael J. Moritz Jr. is coming back to his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio for the production of “Rent” presented by YourArts, powered by Opera Western Reserve, the Henry H. Stambaugh Auditorium Association, The Youngstown Playhouse, and The Youngstown Symphony Society. Moritz will serve as the featured guest artist in the highly-anticipated production of the Tony Award-winning musical “Rent.” The performances will take place from April 27-30, 2023, at the DeYor Performing Arts Center.

Born and raised in Youngstown, Moritz made his Broadway debut in 2013 with “A Night With Janis Joplin.” He has since enjoyed an illustrious career as a producer, conductor, and pianist, working on numerous Broadway and West End shows. His accolades include a 2022 Grammy Award nomination for Stephen Schwartz’s “Snapshots.”, a Tony Award for Best Musical (“Hadestown”), Tony Award nominations for Best Musical (“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”) and Best Revival of a Musical (“On The Town”), an Olivier Award nomination for Best Musical (“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”), an Emmy Award for “From Broadway With Love,” and an Emmy Award nomination for the Randy Rainbow Show.

As a symphonic conductor, Moritz has worked with world-renowned orchestras, including The Orlando Philharmonic, The New World Symphony, and The Boston Pops. As a music producer, he has collaborated with a wide range of artists, such as Josh Groban, Leslie Odom Jr., Andrea Bocelli, Baby Face, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Wayne Brady, Chloe x Halle, Peter Frampton, HER, Journey, Gladys Knight, Adam Lambert, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Annie Lennox, Barry Manilow, Steve Martin, John Mayer, Audra McDonald, Kat McPhee, Idina Menzel, Bette Midler, Paul Shaffer, Sia, Jordin Sparks, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Il Volo, Dionne Warwick, Clive Davis, and Jamie Foxx. His work can be heard on TV programs, movies, and hundreds of recordings across various genres.

In addition to his role as conductor and pianist for “Rent,” Moritz will be donating the use of a full Broadway-caliber audio and technical package for the music performances in the production. This state-of-the-art equipment will ensure an unforgettable experience for both the performers and the audience, greatly elevating the production elements.

Michael J. Moritz Jr. shared his excitement, saying, “Returning to Youngstown to collaborate with the Youngstown Playhouse is a very special moment for me. I can attribute much of my formative career success to the Playhouse, and I’m very happy to return home in support of the organization that has afforded so many opportunities to me at the start of my career.” Moritz served as Resident Music Director for the Youngstown Playhouse for many years in the early 2000s, as well as Managing Director for the 2003 season.

Kelly Sullivan, Artistic Services Manager with YourArts, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to have Michael back at home in Youngstown for this collaborative endeavor featuring so much area talent.”

Tickets for “Rent” are now available for purchase. Visit experienceyourarts.org or call the Box Office located at The DeYor Performing Arts Center at 330-259-9651.

MICHAEL J. MORITZ JR.
Michael J. Moritz Jr. is an acclaimed conductor, pianist, music producer, and philanthropist. He made his Broadway debut in 2013 with “A Night With Janis Joplin” and has since worked on numerous Broadway productions, including “Big Fish,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” “The Velocity of Autumn,” “On The Town,” and the Tony Award-winning “Hadestown.” As a producer, Moritz has received multiple awards and nominations, including a Tony Award for “Hadestown,” Tony Award nominations for “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and “On The Town,” an Olivier Award nomination for “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” an Emmy Award for “From Broadway With Love,” and a Grammy Award nomination for Stephen Schwartz’s “Snapshots.”

Moritz has also been actively involved in philanthropy and charity work, participating in benefit concerts like “From Broadway With Love” for Sandy Hook, Orlando, and Parkland, and supporting organizations such as God’s Love We Deliver, American Civil Liberties Union, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, The Actors Fund, and The Angel Band Project.

As a symphonic conductor, Moritz has led world-renowned orchestras, including The Orlando Philharmonic, The New World Symphony, and The Boston Pops. In his role as a music producer, he has collaborated with, performed with, and mixed records for a diverse array of artists, such as Josh Groban, Leslie Odom Jr., Andrea Bocelli, Baby Face, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Wayne Brady, Chloe x Halle, Peter Frampton, HER, Journey, Gladys Knight, Adam Lambert, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Annie Lennox, Barry Manilow, Steve Martin, John Mayer, Audra McDonald, Kat McPhee, Idina Menzel, Bette Midler, Paul Shaffer, Sia, Jordin Sparks, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Il Volo, Dionne Warwick, Clive Davis, and Jamie Foxx.

Michael’s work has been featured and reviewed in numerous publications, including The New York Times, People Magazine, The Guardian, Mix Magazine, and Recording Magazine. His work can be heard on TV programs, movies, and hundreds of recordings across various genres.

RENT
Since its world premiere off-Broadway in 1996, “Rent” has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences around the globe with its powerful messages of love, acceptance, and community. Set in New York City’s gritty East Village, “Rent” follows a year in the life of a group of young artists as they struggle to survive, create, and find their voices in the face of poverty, addiction, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Inspired by Giacomo Puccini’s classic opera “La Bohème,” “Rent” brings a modern and raw sensibility to its portrayal of love, friendship, and artistic expression. The show has earned numerous accolades, including the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, four Tony Awards (including Best Musical), and six Drama Desk Awards.

YOURARTS
YourArts is YOUR source for performing arts and culture in the Youngstown, Ohio region. It is not another nonprofit, but a convenient hub for ticket sales online at experienceyourarts.org, powered by the DeYor Performing Arts Center, Opera Western Reserve, Stambaugh Auditorium, The Youngstown Playhouse, and The Youngstown Symphony. It is a place for everyone to enjoy the entertainment and education of Youngstown’s unique culture. YourArts transpired from the need of shared services and staff resources between these partnering organizations. While each entity has its own individuality, collaboration will ensure continued success in the future. If you are a long-time supporter of the DeYor Performing Arts Center, Opera Western Reserve, Stambaugh Auditorium, The Youngstown Playhouse, and The Youngstown Symphony, think of YourArts as an interactive season brochure for your favorite shows and events! These are YOUR arts, our arts, everyone’s arts! Be proud of YOUR arts.