Elphieisperky's experience of a lifetime Rent workshop

[elphieisperky]

Posted: 12/4/05 at 8:27pm

Hola chicas and chicos! I'll start by saying that my theater company just became the best place in the world, due to what they let us do today. Yesterday we had a workshop, singing Rent, and doing scenes. But today, we met Philip Dorian McAdoo in some studio. Philip is a swing and the understudy for Collins and Benny. Very cool guy, we did our scenes for him, and he gave me a great compliment. So we went from there, and met 3 people at BB Kings, one girl covers the roles of Amber, Penny, and Velma in Hairspray, an ensemble member from Spamalot, and a guy who was nominated for a Tony for his performance in Big River (that's all I know). They were all great, very sweet and kind. So then we saw the show. Think of it, 30 people, mostly girls, sitting up there in the highest mezz. Let me just point something out. I was the biggest Renthead there, which was rather funny. I'm making a complete fool out of myself, like "Hey look, it's Antonique, she's Mimi," and "Aw darn, Colin isn't on tonight for Gordon!" I was a bit strange to them, but I figure you guys can understand. So here's my review of the show, or better yet, the actors:

Joshua (don't know the last name), Roger-Okay, this is what I came to, tell me if it's wrong. Cary Shields left (who I was hoping to see again), and they're looking for someone to fill in, so they got Josh for now. Am I right? Because in the playbill, you see Roger.........then no name. It's weird. So that's my theory. But Joshua was pretty good, my friend thought that he looked constipated in One Song Glory. I liked his voice though. Talented guy.
Kenna Ramsey, Joanne-I think that's her name. Well I was very bummed to hear that Merle left about a week ago, I liked her. But Kenna (is that her name?) was amazing, I loved her Tango: Maureen.
Ava Gaudet, Maureen-I had low expectations, but her Over the Moon was outstanding. Whoa. Great voice, great acting, great presence. Better than Kelly, IMO. Almost reminded me of Ms. Menzel.
Matt Caplan, Mark-I love this man! He's so cute! He played Mark amazingly, and had a great voice. My friends and I agreed that he was better than Drew Lachey. By far. Oh, and his Tango: Maureen was hilarious!
Destan Owens, Collins-I also went in there with low expectations for him, but he blew my mind. I'll Cover You Reprise was out of this world. I got very choked up, he had an incredible voice. I saw Mark Richard Ford in this role last time, and Destan was by far better.
D'Monroe, Benny-Small part, sadly. But he was decent, interesting voice. I've seen him before, so I knew he was good.
Justin Johnston, Angel-Good, very good. He seemed very out of breath in Today 4 U, which worried me. But besides that, he was cool. I saw him before as well, so I knew what was up. During Contact, I leaned over to my friend who had never seen Rent before, and I was like, "That's Angel above the sheet," and she screams back to me, "I know!!" Alrighty then.
Antonique Smith, Mimi-Praise the Lord! She was amazing! Not crazy about how she approached Mimi, but her voice was unbelievable. Out Tonight gave me extreme goosebumps. Great, great job.

Well, the rest of the cast was perfect, Frenchie Davis was perfect, as always. Bummed that Diana Kaarina left her part as a swing, she'll always be my Eponine. And something is strange. Karmine Alers left Mimi a little while ago. Yet, she is now Mimi's understudy. I take it she's looking or rehearsing for a show, and doesn't want to be Mimi constantly? Anyways, amazing experience. We have a workshop for Wicked in April, so that's going to be cool. But today was clearly a magical day. Thanks for listening!
-Elphie
Updated On: 12/4/05 at 08:27 PM

[Fantabulous428]

Posted: 12/4/05 at 8:52pm

Josh has been with RENT on and off since 2000 I think. This is his first times as full time Roger on Broadway. Cary just left and Josh will be Roger for the next month I think, then they're bringing in Will Chase (from Lennon) for a bit and then they're bringing in someone new. It's all very confusing...