This spring from March 11 – 14, love, friendship, and rebellion take center stage as Parker performs the musical Rent.
“Rent” is a rock musical set in New York City’s East Village in the late 1980s era, following artists who navigate illness, love, and identity while working to pursue their dreams in an ever-changing city scene. The show is based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme and spotlights the young men and women in the center of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
“The musical being so close scares but excites me as it is always one of my favorite times of the school year and it is the last thing we [Parker] does in the theater area until the following school year starts,” said sophomore cast member Uriel Castenada.
Castenada plays the role of Angel Dumott Schunard, a young drag queen with AIDS.
Recently, cast members had the opportunity to talk to original Broadway show performer Anthony Rapp, who played the role of Mark Cohen, a struggling jewish filmmaker and the narrator of the show. Rapp is also known for his roles in “Star Trek: Discovery and Dazed and Confused.”
Rapp spoke with students about “Rent’s” impact on the LGBTQ+ community and the renewed national attention it brought to issues central to the show. He also shared his experience working with “Rent” writer, composer and lyricist Jonathan Larson.
Jonathan Larson dedicated much of his career to developing “Rent.” Earlier, he wrote “Tick, Tick… Boom!”, a semi-autobiographical musical that also explores social issues and the struggles of young artists in New York.
“It was an amazing opportunity learning about Anthony Rapp’s experience, it definitely wasn’t something we would get to do everyday,” said senior cast member Lucas Werneck Fraga. “It was also a great window into my character and I gained a lot from the experience.”
The cast began rehearsals in early November with the goal of refining every detail of the production. “Rent” differs from many shows typically staged for Parker audiences, and the company focused on approaching the process with a strong focus on emotional preparation and historical accuracy. From the first rehearsal, the cast and directors worked to meet the demands of the musical’s complex music, choreography and subject matter.
“The process this year for the musical has been intense,” said senior cast member Graysen Pendry. “But we’re really seeing it pay off in tech as the show comes together. I’m excited to see the finished product once all the lights, sets, and costumes are added into the base work and foundation we have been building all year long.”
Pendry is to play Mimi Marquez, a stripper with AIDS who is the love interest to Roger.
Upper School Drama teacher and Musical Director Dr. Caleb Goh, joined the Parker community only recently. However, Goh has already left an immense impact on the performers under his direction.
“We have been given a lot to work with and Parker hasn’t seen theater taken to this level yet, so I am very thrilled for this production.” said Castenada.
Compared to previous musicals Parker has put on, “Rent” has gone above and beyond to provide the community with an unforgettable production. Although cast members’ rehearsal schedules began for a couple of hours after school, they have finally reached their capacity from starting their practice at 3:45pm and going to 8pm or later. As show week approaches, students also spend their Saturday mornings and afternoons on stage.
Goh begins the process of opening a show by staging first. Cast members learned their choreography and how to move preceding line memorization and vocal practice. Goh highlighted that his focus at first was toward showing students how to move, what intentions they should project with on stage, and how to make each encounter read seamlessly to the audience.
“This is my first time doing the Upper School Musical and having this particular theater experience,” said Fraga. “As I have the opportunity to spend a lot more time with people that I don’t usually have the opportunity to spend a lot of time with, I have been enjoying it.”
“Rent” handles topics that many people may be unfamiliar with, and Parker’s cast has worked hard to present these matters in a manner that puts respect up front.
“Rent” tells stories that reflect real human experiences, including the impact of the AIDS epidemic on individuals and communities. The musical portrays characters navigating illness, relationships and social challenges during that period.
“This musical is actually really important for the high school. Being able to learn about my own character and, for example, her tumultuous backstory has given me a broader perspective of society in general, and I’m excited for Parker to experience the show in whatever way they are able to,” Pendry said
This year’s Spring Production was established with an exceptionally strong starting vision. The culmination of each student and faculty’s dedication to triumph, through being a stage crew member, overseer, or performer, will not go unnoticed when the bright lights shine Wednesday evening.
