Teens Rock in the Musical "Rent" at Pied Piper Youth Theater
This weekend Pied Piper Youth Theater’s teens tackled the challenging and touching musical “Rent” . Based on the Puccini opera La Bohème, RENT depicts the lives of a group of young, struggling artists in NYC during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s in the East Village
Although this is a school edition, the show has adult themes and language that are critical to the essence of the musical. Usually youth theater companies and schools stay away from shows like this, but Pied Piper defies the norms by doing shows like “Heathers”, “Avenue Q” and now the popular rock musical “Rent.” And with their wealth of young talent they have made a wise choice. These students relate to the music and the topic. They embraced their characters with enthusiasm, energy and understanding.
Pied Pipers’s Rent has two casts performing this weekend. I saw Cast A that will perform Saturday, May 12th and a special encore performance on Monday, May 14th at 8pm and Cast B will perform May 12 at 1pm. Performances are held at 275 White Pond Road in Stormville, NY. Tickets are selling out fast and can be purchased online.
Cast A had outstanding performances by their lead actors. Anthony Velez played Angel to perfection. He truly embodied the character’s warmth and sassiness with amazing vocals and some awesome dance moves in heels! Jovani Perez as Roger rocked his songs with expressions of his torment and conflict. Molly Doyle’s Maureen was bravely uninhibited and captivated the audience. Along with strong performances by fellow leading actors William Meyers (Benny), Allie D’Orazio (Joanne), Stephanie Ricker (Mimi) and Robby Gray (Mark), the cast brought you into Bohemia.
Their supporting cast of characters played multiple roles and brought energy and life to this vibrant show. Each performer has moments to shine. The black box stage is simple and fits the show well and with performances like this you don’t need a fancy set. The costumes were amazing and represented the iconic Broadway attire, from Angel’s Christmas outfit to Mark’s scarf and maroon sweater with the grey stripe.
Director Andrea Marano, is to be applauded for taking risks and staying true to the script with teenagers. Music Director, Daphne Sasson and an amazing rock band did not overpower the actors but provided an excellent blend for this amazing score.
RENT cast includes Alexandria Romano of Dover Plains, NY, Charles Rusciano of South Salem, NY, Hannah Loughran of Patterson, NY, Jovani Perez of Stormville, NY, Katie Thompson of Brewster, NY, Lauren Hoffmann of Patterson, NY, Liza Tananbaum of Sandy Hook, CT, Madison Battinelli of Yorktown, NY, Molly Doyle of Southbury, CT, Mya Millan of Brewster, NY, Robby Gray of Newtown, CT, William Meyers of Holmes, NY, and Abigail Anastacio, Aidan Wilk, Allie D'Orazio, Allison Sanel, Amelia Bohmer, Anthony Velez, Ashley Suppa, Benjamin Hitchcock, Bodhi Williams, Deanna Prekpalaj, Hailey Rose Colon, Melissa Rice, Nicola Kelly, Rowan McGlynn, Stephanie Ricker, Victoria Salves, all from Carmel, NY.
For more information about Pied Piper Youth Theater visit their website at www.pipertheater.org.
Photo courtesy of Pied Piper Youth Theater