16 replies to this topic

[musicmancjay]

I *believe* there is talk to try and get this into town... but I don't know how true that is, sadly.

[Zippy]

Really hope it's true as I would love to see this production and 12 performances is such a short run.

[Mark_E]

The one thing they'd probably have to do to bring it into town is to cut the size of the cast. Lovely as it is to have the stage that full during La Vie Boheme, Rent is not a show that needs 28 cast members, especially if they are going to be paid an equity wage.

[Reich]

Slightly off topic. Without You, Antony Rapp at the Chocolate Factory is astounding. A tearful account of the early days of Rent and also his relationship with his mother. Go go go. I recommend

The strength of the above and the positive praise on this thread has ‘made’ me book tickets for Rent on Thursday. I’m excited.

[theatrepaul]

Agree with Reich. Here's my thoughts on Without You

"Without You brings to life some of the memoir written & published by Anthony Rapp in 2006. It’s a passionate story of love and loss, love for the brilliant Rent and his starring role as Mark Cohen, which first hit the stage in New York in 1994 and for Rent’s author Jonathan Larson who died tragically on the eve of the off-Broadway premiere, intermingled with memories of the loving relationship with his ailing mother and her sad, untimely death.

Rapp is joined on stage by a 5 piece band, performing in Rent’s, rock style. The cello played by David Edmonds particularly resonated for me, perfectly capturing the tone and feel of the show.

Featuring excerpts of several songs from Rent, including Seasons of love, La Vie Boheme, Without You, it begins with Rapp performing REM’s Losing My Religion, his audition piece for Rent. The evening also includes several songs written especially for this production.
Rapp performs all the numbers with the soaring, powerful voice that served him so well in Rent. Always engaging, he delivers a beautifully moving performance as he recounts this turbulent period in his life and the people in it – Larson, Rent director Michael Greif, co-star Daphne Rubin-Vega, his father and family members and most poignantly of all, his mother.

I hope this latest visit to the UK, first in Edinburgh and now London will be the catalyst for future visits here to work because Anthony Rapp is a talented actor. This show is not just for Renthead’s. Anyone who likes honest, heartfelt theatre will enjoy this show.

Recommended."

[Reich]

Saw this last night. Amazing. The sound balance could be better but so much energy and passion on stage that I didn’t really  care.

I particularly like Maureen (I’m too tight to buy a programme!). The whole mooing thing was fabulous fun. Normally I just find it embarrassing. I loved the large cast it really worked.  I hope this production has a life outside Greenwich  as it truly deserves it. This production reminded me that Rent is such an excellent musical.

I also really liked the theatre, cosy auditorium but with spacious foyers and the interval wine didn’t break the bank!

[jaqs]

It was a good production for such a short run.
The matinee had a very good sized crowd in today.

Thought the leads were mostly strong but the ensemble were very shinystageschool like.

Zoe was really fabulous and totally held the audience for Maureen's performance.