‘RENT’ wows Temecula audiences
"RENT," the acclaimed Broadway musical first hit the stage in 1996 and follows the disasters and dreams of young artists and musicians living under threat of HIV/AIDS.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Is it even possible to start a musical production with the power and passion of a finale? Apparently it is.
J. Scott Lapp’s production of “RENT” at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater grabs audiences from the first and doesn’t let them go until they are good and ready.
“RENT,” the acclaimed Broadway musical first hit the stage in 1996 and follows the disasters and dreams of young artists and musicians living under threat of HIV/AIDS.
Temecula Valley Players’ diverse cast does an amazing job of conveying the emotion behind every word of this rock opera, singing with perfect diction and flair. Not a single voice is without the skill and bravado necessary to carry this production.
From heartbreak to hope, disillusionment to despair, this cast is unwavering in its intensity. So much so, that at the quietest, most potent moments of the show, the audience holds its applause in silent deference to the magnitude of feeling on the stage.
That said, the audience loved this production and was actively engaged from start to finish.
On the surface, it might not seem like this quietly conservative town of Temecula would have a lot in common with the storyline, but Lapp’s promise that the show would transcend issues of homosexuality and AIDS rang true.
Instead, it was a touching portrayal of community, compassion and the human condition that seemed to resonate for the audience.
On that note, it was hard not to be especially moved by Rustin Sailors’ (Roger) “One Song Glory” or in awe of Danielle Levas’ (Maureen) compelling rendition “Over the Moon.” And, the cast’s “Will I” was so powerfully poignant as it was sung in turns, that the audience felt almost dazzled at the skill of it.
“RENT” runs from May 13-23 at Old Town Temecula Community Theater at 42051 Main Street in Temecula. Performances for both Thursday and Friday night enjoyed big audiences, so it is recommended that ticket purchases be made quickly.
To purchase tickets, visit www.temeculatheater.org or call 866-653-8696 to learn more.
Kerri S. Mabee can be reached at ksmabee.swrnn@gmail.com with comments or questions. Follow me on Twitter at SWRNNaelife.
Tags: Broadway musical, Danielle Levas, J. Scott Lapp, Kerri S. Mabee, old town temecula community theater, Rent, Rustin Sailors, SWRNN, Temecula, Temecula Valey Players
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Comment by: Salvacion L. Sabalza Posted: May 16, 2010, 4:50 pm
Awesome and bravo to cast/crew/staff/all — watch it many times/still the passion with the lesson of time is there — get to it, while you can — musical SHOW that moves/rock.
Comment by: PJB Posted: May 17, 2010, 10:01 pm
If you can sit through the gross homosexual kissing and overt political statements, the cast is truly amazing for this “little” theater. I was reluctant to see the show know because of what I had heard of the story line/script. But this cast and the band delivered a truly entertaining and quality performance. Voices, acting, and dancing were incredible.
Maybe we could replicate this group to do a version of Dream Girls, Crazy for You, or some other musical that’s not as politically motivated.
Comment by: DS Posted: May 24, 2010, 11:48 am
Maybe PJB should refrain from his own “gross” political statements and “politically motivated” comments. It was a fabulous show filled with amazing performances, and the story is about so much more than politics. It’s about love and life and being there for the people you care about. Nothing political about that.
It sounds like you enjoyed it PBJ, so hopefully you learned not to prejudge people.
Comment by: ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ debuts in Temecula this week Posted: August 17, 2010, 9:29 am
[...] such local directorial successes as “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “RENT,” it is a near certainty that Lapp will find a way to enchant and entertain [...]