Photo by Jessica Storm

Rent premieres this weekend

By Jennifer Storm
Contributing Writer

Known as the production that changed the face of American musical theatre, Jonathan Larson’s “Rent” shook the musical theatre world with its modern rock score and heavy thematic tones. FMCT’s Broadway Lights Theatre Program urges that there is “No Day But Today” to see the performance, which runs July 28-30 and August 3-6.
Director Rebecca Meyer Larson brings 20 years of directing experience to the Broadway Lights Theatre Program. In its second year of operation, Larson continues to define and develop the program’s mission and outreach. “Broadway Lights [is] a program designed for musical theatre artists who are intensely dedicated to the craft and who desire serious, intense acting training,” said Larson.

Last year the Broadway Lights cast performed Jason Robert Brown’s “13,” a show focused on the awkward transition from childhood to adulthood. Similarly, this year’s “Rent” seeks to challenge its audience with a show featuring big questions and exigent topics. More than a means of entertainment, Larson views musical theatre as a vessel for education, advocacy, and empowerment. From “13” to “Rent,” she has chosen shows with challenging, contemporary themes. “Theatre is grounded in big questions without easy answers. I’ve loved this show since it came out and have always wanted to do this show but I knew it would require a cast that was far above the caliber ... so it was a bit of a leap of faith to choose a show; when we chose initially there was some talk of doing the high school version but once we identified the kind of cast who were auditioning for the show ... we have some of the finest voices this area has ever seen; I don’t think we need to micromanage the themes - they are what they are - if we’re about telling the truth let’s tell all the truth.”

Set in the lower east side of New York, Rent tells the story of eight struggling artists searching for meaning, love, and stability in the in the midst of the 80s HIV/AIDS crisis. They work to create art and find their niche in an ever-changing society. The show covers broad and difficult themes. Hunger, homelessness, drugs, and despair are enveloped under the overarching theme, which is manifested by the feature song “No Day But Today.” As characters struggle with the fear and confusion that arises from the disease, the show centers on living in the present and seizing every opportunity. The theme has made an enormous impact on the young cast, who are watching themselves evolve as they grapple to understand the characters they portray.

“This show was written for the new generation, for the young people of the 90s…we’re a young society, we bring a youth to this show…we feel emotions much more deeply than the older generations just because they have a lot more to worry about, whether it be their mortgages or children; we don’t have all that stuff to worry about,” said Alex Grosz, a senior at Oak Grove High who plays Angel Dumach.

Larson and the Broadway lights team have created a true spectacle in this production. From solid musical lines to complicated tango scenes, the show is a top theatrical performance. The set, comprised of garbage and warehouse items, reflects the gritty nature of the show’s setting. From lighting to choreography to music, the show pulls at the viewers’ heartstrings and grey matter alike. In addition to the striking visual effects, the 26 member cast composed of high school and college performers bring a wealth of theatre experience to the stage. Many of the performers plan to or are currently studying theatre and arts professionally.

From volunteering at the Salvation Army to speaking with the HIV/AIDS specialist at Sanford, the students have made a strong effort to understand the multifaceted issues they tackle in the show. The program emphasizes the impact theatre can have on the actors, their future lives, and the community. This production is as much about the growth of the actors, both professionally and personally, as it is an endeavor to create a fine art piece. It’s not uncommon for a rehearsal to end with a few students in tears, pondering the depth of the subjects they work with. Maya Rowe, a sophomore at Davis High School and a chorus member of the show, said: “when we talked to them at Salvation Army there were a lot of joyful people and sure they were unfortunate in wealth standards, but…watching how much they didn’t have…and how happy they were still was really cool. It changed my whole view of the homeless and that they’re not an entire world away, they’re right here.”

In addition to character development, Larson hosted a workshop for the students with Broadway stars Adam Pascal, who played Roger in Broadway’s Rent, and Becky Gulsvig, who played Elle Woods in the Broadway tour of Legally Blonde. They spent time working on acting finesse and honing vocal techniques in addition to sharing their own experiences in the arts and theatre.

“When Adam Pascal came, he talked about our show and our cast. It spoke to me when he said that Fargo isn’t such a baby town as we think, and you can start small and get bigger - you can grow,” said Rowe. Gulsvig, a product of the Fargo-Moorhead arts program, is a true testament to Pascal’s words of encouragement.

The show runs from July 28-30 and Aug. 3-6 at FMCT. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. The production team hopes the actors and community are not only entertained, but take away the strong message this show delivers.

“I hope they feel a higher calling to use art to create positive change, I hope they have stronger relationships with one another, and I hope they have been forced to grapple with those big questions that have no easy answer. I hope they hear the message that the arts may not be a hobby but they can be a calling and that there are people who support them in that calling,” said Larson.

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IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Rent
WHERE: FMCT
WHEN: July 28-30 and Aug. 3-6, 7:30 p.m.
COST: Adults are $14, Students and seniors are $10, Children 12 and under are $6