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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (April 24, 2000)
4 _ Monday, April 24,2000 Arts JLJLJL l/CJ 472-1756 In the rarest of cases, the voice thaj: ends up ^peaking the loudest is the one that Degins as a whisper. ’ It is bom tiny and quiet, with out the strength to scream, and suddenly, without notice, explodes into something it never thought it could be - something that res onates throughout the world, into the ears and eyes of people of all colors, ages and mindsets. This is most definitely the story of “Rent,” the musical that, arguably, has left a smear on pop culture that will never be erased. Inspired by Puccini’s “La Boheme,” the opera about a elaque of struggling Parisian artists in the early 19th century, “Rent,” a modem day rock opera, encapsulates present day bohemia in New York’s East Village - including artists, drug addicts, transves tites, drag queens and S&M dancers. The people of “Rent” struggle wit! the same issues of those in the origin* opera - love, heartbreak and poverty with one •‘90s update!- the plague of tl AlDb virus. Off the stage, the hype surrounding “Rent” becomes more poignant in the per sonal story of its creator, Jonathan Larson, who died before getting the chance to see his creation achieve its phenomenal status. His story has been described as many things, but most often it has been described as for Drama. Each of the show’s characters represents something different to someone dif ferent, Keaney said. Take, for instance, her character, Maureen. “She is a lesbian performance artist - or try ing to be,” Keaney said of Maureen. “She has _ put together a piece that will bring awareness to what’s happening in the show.” Maureen performs her piece in protest against a moneymaking scheme one of the other characters is brew ing. “Her girlfriend helps her,” Keaney said. “The show deals with the relationships and how these kids are dealing with life and where they are.” Keaney said the show finds acceptance even in “conservative” cities and that she thinks the run in Omaha 9 will be no different. we am me snow m bait Lake City (Utah), and it sold out,” she said. “The theme is simple - it’s one of love and supporting the people you love through doing good. “Although it may discuss situations that some people aren’t familiar with, what they are familiar with is love and understanding. If they can’t see themselves or some one they know in it, they can relate to the relationships and love and death and coming together as a family. That’s universal.” Keaney said the show 9 attracts a singular crowd each time it is performed. the voice of a generation. This'continues'to be its unintended moniker. It’s a moniker that keeps audiences coming back again and again. “It’s the music and the message,” said Erin Keaney, who plays Maureen in tomorrow night’s Omaha debut of the musical. “I think people have a good time - it’s like a rock concert. It’s definitely a musical with an edge and with a theme,” she said. “Different kinds of people come for different things. “It’s a very personal show.” This company represents the second to tour tile United States, the first did the same begin ning in 1997. The show won the 1996 Tony award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize .. “There are people of all Courtesy Pho to different ages and sizes,” she said. “Some people leave at intermission who don’t enjoy it, and some are there for the sixth or seventh time.” To continue one of Larson’s goals sur rounding the show, the first two rows of seats will be reserved for students and will be sold at a lower price. The “Rush Line” offers seats for $20 and will be at every performance. Keaney said the line adds to the already incredible dynamic of the show. “Jon Lareon wanted to do a show that was accessible to younger audience members, and they can’t put down $80 to see a show,” she said. “There’s a lineup at every show - people are always talking about it” Those who have attended the show more than once, usually numerous times, have titled a near-religious fervor. Mandy Murphy, a UNL freshman vocal performance major and self-proclaimed “Renthead,” has seen the show four times and plans to see it again in Omaha - at least once. “We got tickets, and we plan to wait in line to get more tickets,” Murphy said. She’s seen the show four times so far - twice in New York, once in Kansas City and once in Des Moines. It was difficult for her to pin down just one reason why the show appeals to her. “I think the music is really powerful,” she said. “It’s just a great story.” The play, in some ways, does represent her generation, she said. “It brings up issues but doesn’t focus on them,” she said. “That’s not what you’re think ing about while you watch it. You know the peo ple for who they are, not what they are.” Keaney agreed, saying the audience - espe cially younger audience members - will have something to think about when they leave. “They will think, ‘What a great voice for our generation,”’ she said. “They will be hum ming the songs and at the same time feeling really good about where we are going as a group of people. “It’s like an anthem for acceptance.” dUHUjfli 1 1 j i I ■? «1 M ■ it i 11 Melanie Falk/DN STORY BY SARAH RAKER Courtesy Photo