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Saturday, September 06, 2008
Stage Review: Grief gives way to healing song in 'Without You'
PostGazette: "I wasn't exactly bawling at City Theatre's world premiere of Anthony Rapp's musical memoir, 'Without You,' but I was certainly choking up, brushing back a tear, then doing it again a few minutes later. Some cried more, some less, and some not at all, perhaps, emotional variety being the heart of live theater."
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5 comments:
When i saw Rent for the first time it was indeed a moving experience,. just the raw emotions that came through so clearly were simply stunning. I did not get a chance to see Rapp's show but accidently stumbled into one of his rehearsals as i was researching City Theatre for Susans project. I was greatly moved when i heard his voice sing some of rents most memorable songs. I have not heard them for a while and forgot how touching and affecting they are! I as truly blessed.
i'm really sad i missed this not for the history recap on rent but on rapps personal story with his mom and his voice. the story of Rent and its creation seems to me not only retold as many times and as often as will allow but also seems to a tale as old as time. however to hear a beautiful voice like that tell such a personal and touching story of love (while being another tale as old as time) sounds like the beautiful theatrical experience which theatre is really all about.
"Art helps us face death."
Rapp being in the priginal cast of Rent shouldnt play a mojor role in his performance in his one man play but obviously we all make the connection. Unfortunetly, I did not see this performace but I did hear a lot of mixed emotions about from both ends of the spectrum. Rent was an emotional rollercoaster and I am one of those people who really loved it. ?Now it is a bit of a classic-old news type show but the study of human nature is always something everyone can/will relate to. His one man permance would probably been pretty amazing but also, it is really difficult to assume what a "character" is like, playing themselves.
Anthony Rapp came to visit a theatre near my hometown. They borrowed my digital camera to take pictures with him. They said he was very nice. I feel a little bad, because I feel like he's been riding the fame of RENT for a long time, which is sad because he is pretty talented and could do other things.
This seems like an egocentric self-stroking production. Mr Rapp needs to discover some new music rather than relying on Jonathon Larson's work. Though it is impressive that he drew relationships between his own life and the RENT music, he should find something new and original.
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