Wednesday last week, I saw Rent at Pioneer Theatre Company with my friend Heidi. I had never seen this show before, but many theatre people seem to really love it.
Pioneer Theatre is a regional professional theatre. This ain't no community theatre. They hold auditions in New York City, with many of their roles reserved for equity actors. They do hold a few slots open for local actors and student apprenticeships. But you had better be DAMN good!
My friend, Gina asked me why an actor from New York would want to come to Utah to perform. Well, they do provide lodging, and you do get paid. Not to mention, it's experience for your resume`, or a chance to play a dream role, in a play you've always wanted to do. Plus, I'm sure the New York theatre market is WAY competitive. Most actors just want to WORK!
The first scene opens up on a group of squatters...ahem, I mean "starving artists" who have basically been living in a warehouse/loft for a year without paying rent. The story is set in the late 80's, and follows a group of friends, many of whom have HIV.
The 80's were a time or rebellion, anarchy, and fear, and this is reflected in the fragmentation of the first act. It is difficult to decipher what is going on, and many of the characters talk over one another.
By the end of 1990 there were 160,969 reported cases of AIDS. In the early 80's AIDS was considered a death sentence, with a 100 percent mortality rate. During the time that Rent takes place, the drug AZT has been developed, which offers a bit of hope, but AIDS is still spreading rapidly in every community.
Today, the disease has become much more manageable, with HIV positive people living 30+ years. However, this disease continues to be widespread. I heard a statistic somewhere that 50% of the men in New York City have HIV. That's staggering!
I enjoyed the use of the live band onstage. They seemed to blend into the background with the other Bohemians, so that they were a part of the story, instead of a distraction.
My favorite songs were "One Glory Song," "Tango," and "Take Me or Leave Me." My friend Ginger, and her husband Daniel were in this production. Ginger was the understudy for Maureen, and also had the solo in "Seasons of Love". Her voice during the solo simply gave me chills. She easily had the best voice in the cast.
Rent's underlying message is of overwhelming love. It teaches you to make each moment with your loved ones last, because you never know how much time you will have with them.
To see a musical medley of songs from Rent watch the video below. If you only want to hear Ginger sing, scroll to about 2:50.
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