Against the stark backdrop of a New York winter, a young heroin addict navigates her first serious relationship. A street performer grapples with a terminal diagnosis. A budding filmmaker captures it all in the span of one year.
This November, Capital City Productions brings "RENT, The Musical!" to Jefferson City.
The adult-themed show runs Nov. 10-12. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m., with a 1 p.m. matinée on Saturday. Dinner is not served with Spotz! On the Artists Productions.
"My sister really got me into this music," director Gordon Knatcal said. "When I was a kid, I would listen to the CD over and over. She had to take it away from me a few times because I'd sneak it out of her car."
Knatcal was not alone in his obsession. After its Broadway premiere in 1996, "Rent" quickly became one of the most beloved rock musicals of all time, winning a Pulitzer Prize for drama, as well as four Tony Awards. While writer Jonathan Larson died mere months before his play's premiere, his characters have endured over two decades.
"They're living the bohemian lifestyle, and they really are trying to make it," said Knatcal, who in addition to directing, takes on the role of aspiring musician Roger Davis. "In the midst of that, they have to deal with poverty and AIDS -- and hence the title -- rent, the cost of (it) in New York is unbelievable."
Roger's roommate, Mark, played by Tim Campbell and understudy Tyler McCutchen, views life through a lens -- a detail not lost on Knatcal.
"He's literally telling the story through his camera," he said. As he began to piece the show together, Knatcal was determined to obtain authentic props. "Mark used a 16-millimeter Bolex; we're actually using one step down, which is an 8-millimeter. (On stage), it looks the same."
Costumes are true to the Broadway original as well, as Knatcal explained: "I actually went out and found people who make and sell them, but I had to dig and dig and dig," he said, laughing. "It was not an easy task, but it's all there."
Despite a concerted effort on his part, Knatcal is quick to honor his cast.
"They've been great to work with. Just sitting in the music rehearsals alone, I was glowing," he said. "I can't wait to see the audience's faces when (the actors) are up there doing their thing."
In addition to the vocal score, "Rent" incorporates a live band led by Louise Whitworth.
"They're going to be phenomenal," Knatcal said. "Actually, the bass player, Artie Langston, he's already played this show at MU, so he's really in the know about it."
Along with Langston, musicians include Denice Maxwell on piano, Zane Henderson on drums and Jim Little on lead guitar.
As opening night approaches, Knatcal expressed his elation over bringing "Rent" to the CCP stage: "I want to give this cast as much props as I can. I told the actors to make these characters theirs, and they did."
Online:
Capital City Productions at ccpjc.org
Capital City Productions presents "RENT, The Musical." (Shaun Zimmerman / News Tribune photo)
Capital City Productions presents "RENT, The Musical." (Shaun Zimmerman / News Tribune photo)
Capital City Productions presents "RENT, The Musical." (Shaun Zimmerman / News Tribune photo)
Capital City Productions presents "RENT, The Musical." (Shaun Zimmerman / News Tribune photo)
Capital City Productions presents "RENT, The Musical." (Shaun Zimmerman / News Tribune photo)
Capital City Productions presents "RENT, The Musical." (Shaun Zimmerman / News Tribune photo)