Anthony Rapp at UMD

[SayitSomehow]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 11:29pm

Anthony Rapp came and spoke on behalf of his memoir tonight at the University of Maryland. He really did a wonderful job of being serious in his discussion of Larson and Rent but also providing some hilarious memories and witty comments. Seems like the coolest guy. A couple notes of interest:

-He mentioned his workshopping for 4 or so new musicals. One being Feeling Electric which he said had an amazing rock style score and is getting really great responses. Another was Pretty Dead Girl where he plays a necrophiliac who works in a morgue (people looking for love in all the wrong places). He said the score was written all on guitar so it has a folky, rock, unique sound, unlike anything you've heard.

-To the question, "What is your current favorite show?" The answer was, surprise surprise, the revival of Sweeney Todd. He said the way it is performed is so exciting and intriguing and a real awesome experience.

-He sang a solo version of Seasons of Love which was really restrained (on the bridge you could hear his real talent shine through).

-He signed autographs for everybody with a smile on his face and lots of nice comments.

Otherwise he was ecstatic about the 10th anniversary concert and seems to have the most true passion for Rent, his cast mates, and everything else Rent has brought about in his career.

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 11:31pm

This man is like a superhero. How he has maintained the grueling travel schedule for his book tour is beyond me (though it has quieted down somewhat).

[donna_darko_23]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 11:34pm

From videos I've seen and things...I agree he does seem to have the most genuine passion for Rent. Not that the others don't, but he sure seems to being in the front of the line. It isn't suprising seeing as how he and Daphne were the very, very originals from way back in the workshop. I read his book too (loved it), and it makes sense why it's so important to him, and it's always great to see him so passionate about it.

[donna_darko_23]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 11:35pm

and lucky you seeing him! I wish his book tour come over to the midwest somewhere...

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 11:41pm

Aww, he was at Maryland? I didn't know, I would have told...my entire graduating class...to go see him!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 11:43pm

wheeeee, his book tour comes to my school on Sunday and I'm exciiiited.

... even though this will be my third Without You book signing. heh.

I know a bunch of people at UMD. I wish I had known so I could've told them to go!

Updated On: 4/27/06 at 11:43 PM

[collins]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 9:28am

I met him last Saturday when he came to Macon, GA. It was pretty much the same show as SayItSomehow described. I kinda felt bad for him because not many people showed up (50-75), but it was nice not having to fight a big crowd! It was a very special day for me, because I never thought in a million years that I'd ever meet one of my theater people. I wish more of them would come to the smaller towns.

[Renthead#1]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 10:15am

I was there to when he came to Macon Ga. Whoa

[Color and Light]

Posted: 4/28/06 at 11:27am

Oh, neat. He's coming to my school (University of Delaware) on Tuesday, and I get to do a master class with him beforehand. I'm very excited! And also very glad that he enjoyed Sweeney Todd.