Japanese audiences are getting a special treat this month, when the touring production of Jonathan Larson’s "Rent" comes to Akasaka’s ACT Theater. The musical itself is nothing new here — past years have seen several English- and Japanese-language runs. But the big draw this time is the appearance of Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal, who both starred in the original Broadway production (as well as Chris Columbus’ 2005 film version). The actors showed up at the Shibuya HMV recently to talk about the show and to perform two musical numbers for a few lucky fans.
Based on Puccini’s opera "La Boheme," "Rent" centers around two “starving artists” who share a rundown apartment in New York’s seedy Alphabet City. Mark (Rapp) is an aspiring filmmaker, while his roommate Roger (Pascal) is a troubled rock musician suffering from AIDS. The show won four Tony awards when it premiered on Broadway in 1996, and is widely credited with re-introducing stage musicals to a younger generation.
As the actors responsible for originating two of the most recognizable characters of the late 20th-century theater, Rapp and Pascal were understandably moved by the chance to return to those roles more than a decade later — and, they say, getting to perform in Japan is an added bonus.
For Pascal, the tour is an opportunity “to give to audiences who didn’t get a change to see us on Broadway, and an opportunity to come back and finish the 'Rent' experience.” Rapp agreed, adding, “This show began in New York, but it has life all over the world… I want to give a performance that’s strong and pure and with as much heart and passion as this show needs.”
What is it like to inhabit the characters again as older and, in many respects, different people? “In a lot of ways, it was as if I pressed a button and it was all there,” Rapp explained. “It was like seeing a younger version of myself, as well as the character — almost like time travel.” Pascal also expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I think these particular characters benefit from maturity,” he added. “They’ve benefited from our personal maturity as people… I think they’re richer and more fully realized.”
Both actors said they’re also looking forward to enjoying all the sights, sounds — and cuisine — that Japan has to offer. Pascal, in particular, is a “huge foodie,” which means that the sole Japanese cast member, Yuka Takara (who plays a TV producer named Alexi), has been tasked with shepherding her costars around Tokyo’s restaurant scene. “We got in, and everyone said they wanted to go to Shibuya,” Takara says with a laugh. “So we spent the night drinking at this tiny bar.”
This story originally appeared in Metropolis magazine (www.metropolis.co.jp).
© Japan Today
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Tokyo_Katie
The show was amazing. To see Adam Pascal as Roger again was a major buzz. However it was really unpleasant standing up right at the back for the whole show. I think for the money we paid and the long long wait outside in the baking sun it was really unfair - we tried not to be upset but it was hard when you could pretty much not see the stage and your legs and back were cramping up. I higly reccommened even for the most non theater or non musical lovers its AMAZING ... best seen with a seat.
seriousfugu
BORING!