Fall musical "Rent" premiers!

By: Carlos Camargo

November 13, 2023

Colgan’s “Rent” was groundbreaking for the theatre program, as the musical was the first instance of casting between school years as casting began around the end of the 2022-2023 school year. It’s also the first time a musical has been performed during the fall semester. 

“This show was chosen because it represents the type of musically, emotionally and dramatically challenging material that we as a performing arts school should take on to really push ourselves as artists,” said director Lanny Warkentien. 

Colgan theatre presented the musical “Rent school-edition” on October 12th which ran until October 14th .The musical contained mature themes including love, substance abuse, and individuals suffering from HIV/AIDS. “Rent “is rated pg-13 for the mature content and themes. “Rent” was an emotional and heartfelt musical following a group of friends living in the Lower East Side of New York during the HIV/Aids crisis during the 90’s and the performers did not disappoint. 

The rehearsal process was difficult as “Rent” had little to no dialogue, just singing and choreographed movements most of the time. 

“Obviously one memorizing everything, but the main thing of course was just like the mentality it. Like after rehearsal, of course I'm not just going to go home and sleep I have to go home and keep working on it. Keep working on it. It's just a super hard role to play,” said Senior Taylor Reiter, who played the role of Roger Davis.  

Even with difficulties, the actors prevailed and with filled seats and a live audience they put on quite the show.it 

“The opening night I was very excited to say the least. Obviously a little nervous, but mostly excited for the people to finally see what we've been working on” said Senior Danielle Serrano-Bremer, who played Maureen. Serrano-Bremer said she was ready for the laughs “like, especially because it's a very dark show. But my part is what made people laugh.”  

The musical achieved its vision with a filled auditorium, a well-received message, the theatre program outdid themselves once again. 

“I've seen Broadway shows before, many of them, and none of them hit me like “Rent”, I definitely think it was probably one of the best musicals I've ever seen in a live performance ever,” said Sophomore Zahila Subzwarzi, who saw the opening-night performance. “The cast included amazing people and all the little details are just phenomenal.”  

The production was selected for the Cappies Review performance, with participating schools attending and reviewing the production for the annual theater competition.