(Sean Montgomery / The Clarion Call)
Robert Levy, director of Clarion Univeristy’s production of “Rent,” is excited about tonight’s opening performance.
“The designers actors and I all went looking for a new approach to this.”
Levy, who is also chairman of the theatre department, said he didn’t want to produce a cookie-cutter show. The Broadway show, turned motion picture in 2005, leaves audiences with expectations.
“I mean, ever since the appearance of the movie, audiences expect a certain kind of Rent” said Levy. He said he decided on this musical in particular because it was available, popular, and perfect for the age group of Clarion. It’s a “hot show,” Levy said.
The play focuses on eight poor young artists trying to make a life for themselves in the lower East Side of New York City in the ’80s and how they deal with political and personal turmoil, including AIDS. The play shows how no matter what life throws at you to live one day at a time, and try to make a life for yourself and be happy with who you are.
Levy said the cast has been preparing for opening night.
“They have been working like dogs since the rehearsals started Jan. 19 of this year,” he said.
“The experience is hard to describe in words, its just a feeling,” said ensemble member Erin Thompson.
An understudy for the performance, Danielle Winterhalter, agreed.
“It was a complicated and tedious process, but I learned a lot from it. We grew up with the music even though we were young when it came out. I just love it. Also what made it such an interesting experience was having to step outside of our comfort zones because it’s such a sexual musical,” she said.
The show features leads such as: Benjamin Rowan as Mark Cohen. Joel Fitzpatrick as Roger Davis. Lashard Griffin as Tom Collins. Ryan Jackson as Benjamin Coffin III. Barbie Osborn as Joanne Jefferson. Victor M. Aponte as Angel Dumont Schunard. Lauren Sarazen as Mimi Marquez, and Lindsay Pingor as Maureen Johnson.
“I have extraordinary confidence in the cast because they’re on top of it; they sound great and really seem to enjoy and be committed to the musical,” Levy said.
Jackson is one of the students using this production as a senior project.
“I tried to find a new Benny instead of copying the movie or the musical. I wanted to show that he wasn’t an asshole all the time. As for the senior project, I tried not to think of it as a senior project, but treat it as any other role and put forth just as much effort,” he said. “Being a senior I tried to be a role model in knowing my lines, and I felt like people were always looking up to me. I didn’t take it as anything special, I just tried to do my best.”
Levy is confident in his cast and the production. “I have no worries,” he said, “never do.” Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. today through Feb. 27 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 28 in Marwick-Boyd.
