Musical revival

Sensational music, talented cast produce a touching performance

posted November 9, 2009

by Rachel Mewes of Campanile

threemonthstime.wordpress.com

Rapp and Pascal perform in the revival tour of "Rent" in San Francisco

"Rent," the timeless rock-opera that ran for 12 years on Broadway, wowed audiences during its run in the Bay Area. The show featured two of the original cast members, Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp.

Although the actors are about 15 years older than when they first performed the show in 1996, the performances with Rapp as Mark and Pascal as Roger served to represent the youth and spirit of two young roommates living in the East Village in the 1990s.

The musical is about a group of friends over the time period of one year. Mark, who lives through his camera, documents life in New York City during the time of AIDS and ignores paying rent.

Roger, a struggling musician who is caught up in the memory of his glory days, is trying to write one great song before he dies from AIDS.

Maureen is a fiery young actress who is dating Joanne, an uptight lawyer. There is also Mimi, a heroin addict with a soft smile, and Collins, an activist professor in the fight against AIDS.

One of the most touching characters in the show is Angel, a drag-queen drummer who continues to be an inspiration for her friends, even after her death from AIDS. Together, the friends enjoy the good times and get through the bad, living one day at a time.

The life support meetings for the AIDS infected characters make this theme ring true. They sing about their fears and experiences that they are facing due to the virus.

Two famous songs from the musical are "Seasons of Love," which kicks off the second act, and "La Vie Boheme," a favorite among thespians. The show is enjoyable for everyone, and for many it is an obsession.

It is not surprising that "Rent" has acquired so many die-hard fans. It is energetic, touching and hopeful, with many memorable rock songs that are hard to get out of one's head. Its theme of "no day but today" is woven into every aspect of the musical and provides a meaningful life lesson: to enjoy our lives while we still can.

The cast members utilized the entire stage, belted songs from trash-covered platforms and danced on the railings of balconies. The set was reasonably simple, with one set consisting of moving a table onstage.

"La Vie Boheme" was one of the most enjoyable of the numbers in the musical. It takes place in a cafe after a protest during which Maureen rises up against the cyber-studio that will be replacing her performance space. The group ends up "mourning the death of Bohemia" by dancing on the table and making a huge spectacle.

The song bursted with energy and life and engaged the entire audience.

Everyone in the cast was so talented, it was impossible to choose just one favorite.

Rapp does an amazing job. With his non-stop energy and superb vocals, it is obvious why this role launched his career. Although Pascal's voice was not quite as strong as before, his portrayal of Roger was still heartfelt and believable.

The other members of the cast were talented, as well, and their voices and acting were satisfying.

Lexi Lawson, playing Mimi, lit up the stage with her sexy, sassy performance and Michael McElroy managed to get the entire audience in tears during his heart-breaking reprise of "Live In My House."

Gwen Stewart proved that the principle cast members were not the only talented ones in the show with the jaw-droppingly high notes in her fantastic solo.

Rapp, 37, can be seen in many films, such as Dazed and Confused, A Beautiful Mind and Road Trip.

In 2006, he published a memoir and his one-man production, "Without You," recently premiered at the City Theatre in Pittsburg.

Both the show and memoir explore his experiences with "Rent" and his mother's death from cancer.

Pascal, 38, has been performing in rock bands since the age of 12 and he also has appeared in numerous films, television shows and on Broadway.

He portrayed the lead singer of the fictional band in "School of Rock," had leading roles in the stage versions of "Aida and Cabaret" and has also released two compact discs in 2000 and 2004.

Both Rapp and Pascal were in the popular film version of "Rent" in 2005.

"Rent" played in San Francisco from Oct. 6 -18 and is now continuing on its national tour.

The show has the ability to get audience members jumping out of their seats with excitement and bawling their eyes out in the aisles.

Although it was made in the 90s, the show manages to stay in the present with its eternally relevant themes and memorable music.

"Rent" is an impressive spectacle of love and perseverance that will inspire audiences for many years to come.