Director’s Notes:
When RENT premiered on Broadway in 1996, it changed the face of musical theater. Here was a show that spoke to the outcasts, the struggling artists, the poor, and the activists. Before RENT, musical theater consisted of singing cats and revivals of The Sound of Music. These weren’t really shows that spoke to the 90s youth who were more highly aware of death, disease, and the aftermath of the gluttony of the 1980s. Sure, the material was edgy, a tad controversial (at least at that time), and it was a rock score, but its underlying themes of love, family, and embracing life while you have it spoke to so many people. Rent went on to win numerous Tonys, as well as the Pulitzer Prize and make stars out of the likes of Idina Menzel, Adam Pascal, Taye Diggs, and Anthony Rapp.
Fast forward 19 years, and here we are producing the RENT: School Edition at Mount Pleasant High School. RENT: School Edition marks my fifth musical for MPHS and it’s by far one of the most daring and beautiful productions we’ve done. The students really connect with the music and message. Many of them had no idea what RENT was until we auditioned for this show back in January. Once they listened to the score or watched the recorded version of the final Broadway performance, they got it. They understood that this show had an important message that spoke to many people who left this world before them and many people who are still here today.
It also helped that my wife, Kimberly Turner, was able to arrange a special one-night event with Anthony Rapp, who starred as Mark in the original cast of RENT on Broadway. Mr. Rapp took the time to sit down with MPHS Drama and Music students to discuss life as an actor, life in the theater, and the show RENT. The students walked away feeling empowered and understanding why this show is so important to so many.
We live in a time when the media is so focused on the negativity in this world and paints all young people as self-absorbed, hate-baiting, social media fiends. RENT: School Edition, is proof that not all young people are negative or evil. There are many out there who see the beauty in life, in differences, and want to share it with the world.
I hope you enjoy tonight’s production. I know that every night the students are leaving their hearts and love on the stage. And I am proud of each and every one one of them.
Chris Turner
Drama Director, MPHS Drama
