How do you measure a year? For the characters in "Rent," it's measured in laughter, strife, tears, truth and, most importantly, love. "Rent" will be performed at Susquehanna Stage, 133 W. Market St., Marietta, from Friday, Dec. 9, through Sunday, Dec. 18.

"The show tells a story of a group of friends struggling trying to create and survive life in bohemian Alphabet City (in New York City)," said Sonia Moll, who plays Mimi Marquez. "I think people can expect to see a story come to life and experience the value of love and life through not only the story itself but by each character and member of the show."

Sean Deffley, who portrays Mark Cohen, agreed, adding, "If you've never seen 'Rent,' you're in for a real treat. It's a fast-paced rock opera with some of the most iconic musical theater songs of all time. It will have you jamming out in your seat one minute and then pulling at your heart strings the next."

The show opens on Christmas Eve and takes audiences through a year in the lives of its characters. It makes a great Christmas show, Deffley stated. "For me, Christmas is a time of reflection on the previous year, a time to really appreciate life and be thankful for what we have," he remarked. "That theme is ever-present in 'Rent.' It's a celebration, so to speak, of all the blessings and tragedies that a single year of our lives can hold. It also speaks to the idea of loving and supporting your family, whether it be the one you were born with, or, like the characters in the show, the one you've chosen."

Written by Jonathan Larson, "Rent" debuted almost 30 years ago, but the story has a timeless appeal, said Moll. "It's relevant still today because it shows the struggles of anyone ... trying to figure out where they belong and trying to create and find a legacy to leave behind," she commented. "We all somewhere deep down struggle at times to find a place to fit in and to belong."

Deffley noted that "Rent" offers audiences an important message. "'Rent' is all about love, inclusivity and acceptance," he said. "It's been more than 25 years since the show premiered, and as a society, we're still working toward all of that. Any chance we get to tell a story as poignant as 'Rent,' even on a small stage like ours, is an opportunity to spread love and understanding into the world."

"Rent" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, Dec. 9 and 16; at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Dec. 10 and 17; and at 2 p.m. on Sundays, Dec. 11 and 18. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://susquehannastage.com.