‘Rent’ brings raw emotions, rock music to Weathervane
- Weathervane Playhouse is kicking off its summer season with the musical “Rent”
- The musical kicks off Thursday and continues until June 13.
- For more information, go to weathervaneplayhouse.org or call 740-366-4616.
NEWARK – When Weathervane Playhouse surveyed audience members about the shows they wanted to see, the rock opera “Rent” was always on the list.
“Several of them mentioned, ‘If you don’t do it, I probably won’t get the opportunity to see it,’” said Managing Artistic Director Adam Karsten.
This year, Weathervane is granting those wishes, bringing the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical to its stage as the first show of its summer season.
The production, which tells the story of a group of friends living in New York City at the height of the AIDS epidemic, kicks off Thursday and continues until June 13.
Many things have changed since the show opened on Broadway in 1996. But Karsten believes the message of the musical is timeless.
“The larger message is one of love from community and family, and how that supports people in need,” he said. “ That was the message we wanted to send. One of hope and love and support.”
In a world where many people spend more time on cellphones and social media sites than having conversations, the show stresses the importance of finding meaning through love and in-person interactions, said Joe Essig, who plays Roger.
“Most of the characters feel alienated from their own group and that’s still prevalent today,” he said. “It’s about overcoming that through human connection.”
When a show has been around for almost two decades, many people are familiar with the music and the characters. New generations were exposed to the production when the movie version came out in 2005. But at Weathervane, fans will get the chance to see a version of “Rent” they’ve never seen before, Essig said.
Karsten has re-imagined the sets and costumes and has encouraged the cast to be more physical in their acting. Audience members will get the chance to see a very dramatic version of the show, full of raw emotions.
“It’s not something a lot of people in Newark would usually experience,” said Emily Crawford, a Lakewood High School graduate who is in the show’s chorus. “There are so many different emotions. It’s really important that anyone who gets the chance to see it will go.”
Karsten’s goal with many of his productions is to make people think and learn, then discuss new ideas. But with “Rent” he knew he wanted to give audience members the chance to do more than just talk.
Jonathan Larson, the creator of “Rent” created the show to honor many of his friends, who were battling HIV and AIDS. Several of the show’s main characters struggle with the symptoms of the illness and the stigma that comes with it.
The disease still affects thousands in the U.S. and around the world, Karsten said.
During the performances at Weathervane, audience members will notice red buckets around the theater. Any donations they make will be given to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
The organization supports programs that provide services to those fighting HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses.
Those who feel moved by the show will have the opportunity to give back, Karsten said.
“That’s what I believe theater does,” he said. “It provides individuals and communities the opportunity to make a difference in each other’s lives.”
Audiences can expect a show with great music and an uplifting message, Essig said.
“You can’t not connect with this show,” he said. “I hope everyone laughs and cries and taps their feet the whole time.”
ajeffries@newarkadvocate.com
740-328-8544
Twitter: @amsjeffries
IF YOU GO
What: “Rent”
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and June 9-13, 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Weathervane Playhouse, 100 Price Road, Newark/
Cost: $33 for adults, $31 for seniors, $22 for students $12 for children
More info: Go to weathervaneplayhouse.org or call 740-366-4616. Donations will be collected for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS during all performances.