Arts & Entertainment
YOUR GUIDE: Mature Themes Not A Problem for Student Cast of RENT
Performances of RENT, THE MUSICAL (School Edition) are tomorrow, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 24 at 2 p.m. at Wellesley High's auditorium.
Wellesley Theatre Project (WTP) cast has been exploring the themes of RENT, THE MUSICAL (School Edition) in preparation of their upcoming production.
This Pulitzer Prize and Tony winning drama is loosely based on Puccini’s La Boheme. It follows the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. It is about falling in love, finding your voice, and living for today. (This production is rated PG-13 for mature language and themes.)
While this talented cast of 25 may not have been around when the play was written or have lived the experiences of the characters, the students are finding connections with the material.
“WTP has created a safe place for students to bond together, explore the issues of the script, and how these issues relate to their lives," said Hannah Shihdanian the project's resident choreographer.
The students portraying the characters are between the ages of 13-16. Cast members of RENT, THE MUSICAL (School Edition) reside in Wellesley, Frmaingham, Needham, Newton, Waban, Weston, Natick, Southborough and Sudbury.
"RENT is the most intimate theatre experience I have ever had," said Framingham's Jamey Miller, 15, who portrays Collins. "This cast really supports each other and gets closer every day. This show has turned into more than performing, it's about empathy and caring. After just one week, I can already tell this is going to be a production I will never forget."
RENT, THE MUSICAL (School Edition) production staff includes: Benjamin D. Rush, Director and Technical Designer; Hannah Shihdanian, Resident Choreographer; Samantha Prindiville, Musical Director. The Book, Music, and Lyrics are by Jonathan Larson.
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Through this experience the cast, crew, and staff are learning that truly there is “No Day, But Today."
Performances of RENT, THE MUSICAL (School Edition) are tomorrow, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 24 at 2 p.m. All performances will take place at the Wellesley High School Auditorium, 50 Rice Street, Wellesley.Tickets are priced $12 for adults and $6 for students and seniors, and may be purchased online at www.wellesleytheatreproject.org in advance, or at the door for $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.
Wellesley Theatre Project is an arts academy and a Wellesley nonprofit devoted to providing students (PreK - 12th Grade) with the opportunity to study and experience theatre and performing arts through year round classes, staged productions, workshops and summer camps.
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