Gritty heart of musical
FROM Cabaret, to Sweeney Todd, to Chicago, creators of musicals seem to revel in setting a dark tale to a score littered with big production numbers and triumphant crescendos.
And Rent pulls out all of those stops.
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Linzi Marie Richards and Greg Arthur star in Rent at Swansea’s Penyrheol Theatre
4th Wall Productions takes on the challenging musical, which sees a group of bohemian types in Aids-beset New York struggle to get by, to make a dime and to dodge life's arrows, at Penyrheol Theatre at the moment.
The company's artistic director Dean Verbeck says it is a challenge to get the balance of pathos, comedy and realism right, when you are dealing with a rock musical set among a community hit by HIV, but the usual rules of theatre apply to this story.
"We were supposed to put this show on in September, but then I got the part in Cappuccino Girls so we had to postpone it. But we carried on with rehearsals one day a week so by the time the show came around this month we know those characters so well.
"And so we have been able to really bring out their personalities and the emotion of the story, which is so important.
"This a difficult subject but there are also lots of very funny moments and a wonderful set and great songs — you probably know Seasons of Love, which has been covered by Michael Ball and Barbra Streisand.
"So getting that balance isn't easy but I think we have got it right."
He says he hopes the musical will tempt some theatre goers out of their comfort zone.
"It isn't an easy production to put on here in Swansea.
"I think people aren't very familiar with Rent, and Aids is still, to a large extent, a taboo subject which some people want to ignore.
"I know people here will go to see Oklahoma, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers and Blood Brothers time and again. But I like to be a little challenged when I go to the theatre and not to turn the brain off completely, so I hope the show is supported."
Dean takes on the role of Mark in the show, with Greg Arthur as Roger and some of the proceeds will go to The Terence Higgins Trust.
Rent continues until Saturday with performances at 7.30pm.
2 Comments
by RealHuwThomas
Thursday, February 16 2012, 6:20PM
“Just to Add : To Book tickets for the show at Penyrheol Theatre 01792 897 039”
by RealHuwThomas
Thursday, February 16 2012, 5:08PM
“RENT : THE MUSICAL - Last evening's opening performance was energetic, loud, and certainly different. This is a show to see with your brain in gear as you have to consentrate the lyrics as the whole show 99.9% sung. Performances were very good indeed, with the hightlight performance by Robert Quibell as Angel. This won't be everybody's ideal show, but if you fancy watching something to make you think, go and see it. It certainly stays with you long after the final curtain. Well done to Dean Verbeck and all cast and crew.
Huw Thomas”