Class proves to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the teen cast of ‘RENT: School Edition’
On Wednesday, July 2, original Broadway cast member of Jonathan Larson’s international hit “RENT,” Obie Award-winner Anthony Rapp spent the day teaching a masterclass to the high school students of Gateway Playhouse’s upcoming production of “RENT: School Edition.” The class was part of Gateway’s “Gateway to the Arts” summer-education program.
Rapp, who originated leading roles in “RENT” and “If/Then” with screen time in movies and television shows such as “Adventures in Babysitting” (1987), “A Beautiful Mind” (2001) and “Star Trek: Discovery” (CBS All Access, 2017-’24), spent Wednesday working with the student-actors on character development, music and movement while relaying beautiful personal stories with the students.
“We’re still in awe (and) trying to process the incredible experience we had with Anthony Rapp, the original Mark from Broadway’s ‘RENT,’” said Katie Calvi, Gateway’s board president. “His insight, storytelling, direction, and musical guidance laid the foundation for something truly extraordinary. Our Gateway community is stronger, our understanding of the material deeper, and the path forward for this production is lit with purpose. We will carry his words, and Jonathan Larson’s legacy, with the care, pride and love it deserves.”
Gateway to the Arts is an annual intensive educational initiative that reaches students from diverse backgrounds, providing them with a supportive, inclusive space to grow not only as performers but as empathetic, creative and empowered individuals. The program is divided into three age groups – “Musical Munchkins,” ages 7-9; “Shining Stars,” 10-13; “Rising Stars” 14-18 – and empowers kids through theater and encourages them to develop a strong comfort level for performing. Each session culminates with a full-blown production. This summer, the “Rising Stars” will produce “RENT: School Edition,” following a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn directly from Rapp, who was the heart of the original Broadway production.
“Having Anthony Rapp join us for this masterclass was an extraordinary gift to our cast and creative team,” said Gateway Artistic Director Phil Pallitto. “His willingness to share his personal journey with ‘RENT’ and the legacy of Jonathan Larson infused our theater with a sense of purpose and urgency. It reminded us that we are not just performing a musical, we are carrying forward a story that has changed lives and continues to inspire a new generation to embrace authenticity, community and love.”
“RENT: School Edition,” will run 1 and 6 p.m., Aug. 8 and 9. Tickets are $15 at GatewayByTheBay.org. Gateway Playhouse is located at 738 Bay Ave., Somers Point.
