Youthful cast makes sure ‘Rent’ still rocking its message of love
Although it’s 23 years old, the musical “Rent” has been energized by performers who grew up with Jonathan Larson’s rock songs.
The Broadway in Columbus tour of the Pulitzer-winning 1996 musical will open Tuesday at the Palace Theatre.
“It’s a fresh, new take on ‘Rent,’ very relevant to today, with a beautiful story I’m honored to share with the world,” said actress Deri-andra Tucker, who began listening to the show’s songs in high school.
“People think it’s a period piece, stuck in the ’90s. … but ‘Rent’ teaches us to have compassion and empathy for others and love people unconditionally.”
The current tour of “Rent” is the fifth to visit Columbus; the last visit was in 2006.
The Broadway musical, suggested for mature audiences because of profanity and serious themes, updates Giacomo Puccini’s 1896 opera “La Boheme” to focus on young artists struggling for love and success amid poverty and AIDS in 1990s New York.
“Jonathan was inspired from ‘La Boheme,’ but he also put real people who lived in his neighborhood into his complex story to create this beautiful masterpiece,” Tucker said.
“The first time I watched ‘Rent,’ I cried. It’s so moving.”
Tucker plays Mimi Marquez, a struggling dancer and heroin addict.
“Mimi is a very determined woman, very intelligent,” she said. “But being a creative artist can be very difficult. … She got caught up in the wrong crowd and got on the wrong track, but I believe in my heart that she’s an everyday girl, vibrant and energetic.”
Joshua Bess plays Roger Davis, a guitar-playing songwriter.
“He’s a rock-star type and a rebel, fast and loose, but closed off emotionally,” Bess said.
After receiving a diagnosis of AIDS, Roger fears he doesn’t have much time left. Javon King, left, and Devinre Adams in “Rent”
“He wants to write one great song, one perfect song before he goes,” Bess said. “But he’s struggling to find inspiration.”
When Roger meets Mimi, his attitude shifts.
“He’s a little timid and scared but also excited. … It’s true love,” Bess said.
Ultimately, Mimi inspires Roger to write his song.
“But he comes to realize his feelings a little too late,” Bess said, “when he feels she’s going to die.”
Like Tucker, Bess feels a strong connection with “Rent.”
“I’ve been a huge ‘Rent’ fan my entire life, and I love the intensity of the songs,” said Bess, 25.
“Watching the movie and listening to the soundtrack (while growing up), it felt like a different musical than I’d ever seen before, so passionate, true and real. … The timeless message is to love, and live each day like it’s your last.”
Javon King, who plays Aids-stricken drag queen Angel Schunard, agreed.
“Angel is very passionate and bubbly. She’s the heart and light of the show and brings people together,” King said. “Angel believes you should live your life to the fullest. She has so much love and joy, but some characters don’t see all of that until she’s gone.”
Angel’s first big song, “Today for You,” demands energy.
“It’s such a high-impact number,” King said. “I’m in high heels, drumming, jumping off the table, doing a little dance on a stair and on a chair. I’m constantly moving, but it’s so much fun.”
On tour, King finds many theatergoers relate to his role.
“Today’s audiences respond with familiarity. It’s so beautiful to see people come up to me and say how they identify with Angel,” he said.
“She represents all of us out there who don’t have a voice.”