Welcome, Anthony Rapp! — Page 14

And just because I can...

*Bump*

More answers to questions...

from insomniak --

"Ok, one more- what did you think of tick, tick... BOOM! and Raúl Esparza's portrayl of Jonathan?"

I'm a big admirer of Raúl's, and I thought he was very good in tick, tick...BOOM! I think there are amazing things about tick tick, and I'm glad it's out there getting seen and heard, but I do think of it as an early work of Jonathan's, and as such it's not as complete an achievement as Rent. But it is still incredibly powerful in many ways, and further proof that we all lost an incredibly gifted human being when Jonathan died.

from Fairlith --

"I'm curious to know whether you have any souvenirs from shows you've been in - costume pieces, props, etc."

the only big souvenir I have is my Mark costume, minus the coat. They couldn't give that to me. But I have the original sweater, scarf, cords, and boxer shorts. And somewhere I have the glasses, too, I think. My boyfriend Rodney went to a Halloween party last year in my Mark costume, which I thought was hilarious.

From TGIF --

"Would you learn puppetering to be in Avenue Q? I imagine that would be alot of work!"

I actually have gone through their puppet training, and as far as I know I did pretty well with it. It is hard work, but it's a lot of fun. I have the utmost respect for puppeteers, and would be honored to get to do that show and do my part in achieving some respectable craft at puppeteering.

from Delphine

"Alright, silly question (but what the hell): What are you cats names?"

Our 14-year-old black-and-white tuxedo cat is Sebastian, our 7-year-old brown tabby is Emma, and our year-old yellow tabby is Spike. Spike has a role in my brother's movie Winter Passing, which he filmed when he was a tiny kitten. So you'll get to see him when you see that film, which will be out in the spring. Oops, there I go being a shill again!

from Adampascalgal --

"I am curious to get your opinion on whether or not you think Bare is anything like Rent. This has been a long standing issue that people have disagreed on, but I know the show has been critized a bit for it. It did envoke some of the same thoughts and feeling that Rent does for me, but I have mixed emotions when people say that it is trying to be the new Rent or critize it for being TOO much like Rent. (not that it really matters now, but still just wondering?)"

When I saw it I thought that it was definitely very much inspired by Rent, but I'm not sure that's a bad thing. I'm glad that Rent has made an impact in the subject matter and styles of music that new composers and librettists are willing to take on in this medium. It didn't bother me at all, but I can see how people might object.

from NotThatGirl --

"What's the worst/most awkward thing you've ever had happen on stage?"

I really only have one great anecdote in this vein, and I have to save it for when I finally get to be a guest on Letterman or something. Sorry, don't want to spoil it here.

from Insomniak --

"What has been your favorite role to date, and did you ever expect Rent to go as far as it did?"

I'm not just saying this because of the board I'm posting on, but Mark Cohen has been my favorite role, and working on Rent has been my favorite experience. Close seconds would probably be Hedwig and Henry V.

And no, I didn't expect Rent to become an international pop culture phenomenon. I expected it had the chance to make a splash, but I figured it would be like a downtown kind of splash, like on the scale of Blue Man Group or Stomp or something. If that makes any sense.

from BroadwayBaby --

"just have one question... Being that Halloween is tomorrow, what was your best halloween costume ever?"

I have a favorite, which I wore to my high school. I was a white trash housewife, complete with ratty housecoat, slippers, handkerchief covering my head, unlit cigarette dangling from my mouth, and a lipstick-stained coffee cup. Fun stuff. I have no idea if it looked as funny as I hoped it did, but I enjoyed doing it.

from ponine --

"if you could choose one role to play on broadway, what would it be and why?"

I think I answered this earlier, but of roles that have already been written, probably the emcee. Because of the darkness, the comedy, the sexiness, the bite, the great songs, the opportunity to drive a show. Maybe I'll still get a chance at some point...

from Stacey --

"Out of curiosity, do you/ have you ever played an instrument?"

I can plunk out a tune on a piano, and play some chords on a guitar, enough to write some of my songs. When I was younger I briefly picked up the clarinet.

from DJ --

"What was the hardest part about breaking into the world of Broadway (or the theatre in general) as a profession?"

When I was in the flop Broadway musical The Little Prince and the Aviator when I was ten years old. We previewed for two weeks and never opened. That's enough to depress a little kid.

from Kyle --

"any advice on starting a GSA?"

Persist and keep standing up for what you believe in. It might not happen immediately, but the groundwork you're laying will bear fruit at some point. Thanks for being a wonderful ally to the GLBT community.

"I have just one question, how do you manage to keep your character fresh and exciting night after night? Especially twice in the same day! That always amazes me to no end with all performers..."

I've never found it that hard... I enjoy performing so much, and I've been lucky to work on material that is fun and/or challenging in all the right ways, so it sort of takes care of itself.

from mywonderwa11 --

"random question: did adam playing the role of Emcee in Cabaret spark a little jealousy in ya!? haha"

jealousy would be too strong a word. I was very happy for him -- and very very very proud of the work he did in the role -- I mean wow, is that man charismatic onstage! -- but I was a little bummed that he was going to be closing the show, so my chance was gone. But I didn't begrudge him his opportunity, not at all.

from Kates --

"I was wondering if you still keep in touch with any of the OBC of Rent.."

The people I've maintained the most contact with are Adam, Jesse, and Daphne. I'm also very close to Michael Greif. We're all very very busy, so nobody gets to see anyone all that often, but we are in each other's lives and always will be. And over the next several months, some of us will get to spend a lot of time together, which will be wonderful.

Thanks again for all of your questions. I've found this to be very invigorating, and I really appreciate your enthusiasm and interest.

hi Anthony, thanks so much for doing this for us! I'm Erin, originally from MI (yay midwest!) but going to college in NYC.

I also went to Interlochen for a summer, but for music. what'd you think of the dorky colored belts and socks? and those horrible knickers the girls had to wear... *shudders*

I can't really think of any other questions right now... oh, i noticed that you have a midwestern accent in parts of rent. do you find it hard to drop those nasaly "A"s? I love hearing them, it's like a little taste of home!

Once again, thanks so much for answering our questions!

Updated On: 10/31/04 at 07:51 AM

Haha! I hear Actors' Studio and I think of Will Ferrell doing James Lipton on SNL. "I am booorn anew in yooour geeenius..."

Anthony, do you like sushi? And what's your favorite kind, if you do?

HAHA Dear lord no, Type!!! I've actually talked about this here before which is why I didn't rehash it all again lol

I used to work with the tours that came through my hometown, so I worked Rent when we got it in..... 2001 I think it was? Must have been, but I'm too lazy to check

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God, this IS starting to sound like a dating service/game. LOL

Bachelor #1, if we went on a date and I spilled red wine all down the front of my dress and my top became see thru. What would you do?

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"What did you think of the play? (I'm assuming you saw it.)"

Gompers was so sad, like rip your heart out sad, I wept both times i saw it. I think it hit me so hard because it felt so real- the characters felt like real people with real problems- it was a very honest portrayal of struggling people. And it didn't feel like their problems were being either trivialized or exploited.
I wasn't quite sure what to do with the blue jesus concept, but i liked the urban legend-ness of it. The golden greyhound I understood, because I can relate to having some small random thing that makes all the difference in your life. That thing that you can't quite wrap your mind around why it makes you feel the way it does, but it becomes a touchstone that makes you feel better- that keeps you there, keeps you alive.
I was impressed with all of the performances, they did an excellent job casting the show. How fabulous was the actor who played White Steve?
Carlos broke my heart. I agree with what you said, that he's a character with a lot of dignity, and that was very clear in your portrayal. Watching the play you really understand the choices that he makes, from taking on the Carlos persona to what he asks Stromile to do.
I think, with the way the story was told, it couldn't have had a better suited ending... You singing that song as everyone's lives take a turn- for better or worse or both....on the verge on tears just thinking about it.
Ok, i'm done rambling, i hope that made some sort of sense.

~rachel

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"If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?" lol

The last questions Lipton asks always amuse in responses though, don't they?

I personally like most favorite and least favorite word (and favorite curse word...)..sooo,
Anthony, what is your favorite word? What is your least favorite word? hehe (No need to answer, especially if you're saving all these answers for when you actually go on Mr. Lipton's program...)

Thanks for asking my instrument question, by the way. There's usually a connection with an instrument at some point if someone is into music as any aspect of a career, etc, and I was just wondering...

(I've played the violin for about 8 years, but as a hobby as I was never forced to play (though at times I regret not chosing a more band-like instrument...); I've always loved musicals especially and an ecclectic sampling of music...hehehe->my mom got me a banjo for my birthday because you can tune it to have all strings an octave lower than the violin...I'm trying to teach myself but as a violinist I'm awful at chords... That was a completely unnecessary and nobody-wanted-to-read-that anecdote, sorry:) )

Oh, I have another question-- Do you remember all of the lyrics and lines to musicals, plays and films you've done in the past?
(Big example would be Rent but I'd think you definitely would remember all of that; I guess better would to ask, for example, do you remember all of the NYTW version of Rent or your lines from Adventures in Babysitting, that type of thing...)

Ooo...One more popped into my head.
You've said you preferred stage to screen, I think somewhere in this or the other Rent Discussion forum: Do you see big differences in both of these communities? Do you prefer theatre in the communal aspect? (From a third person perspective it seems the nature of theatre and how these live arts are created and performed each night has created a more open community atmosphere, but maybe that's just me...)

(And have you ever wanted to direct?)

I feel bad I'm bombarding you with questions... Thanks for taking time to answer them (even if you don't answer any questions in this post, I mean thanks for questions you've already answered, mine or otherwise)! It's greatly appreciated and I think I can say makes everyone feel, well, I don't know, maybe more intheloop or something, if that makes sense. Again, it's so nice to see you actually care about informing us and taking the time to connect!

"On the tackysappy note. I was wondering if you, as a kid, had an idea of yourself as an adult and, if so, is your inner-kid happy?"

That's a great question, actually! Even if it couldbe looked at tackysappy, it's still an interesting thoughtprovoking question.

Oh, yes!

A Happy Halloween to all !!! Have fun tonight/today (whether going out, staying in or anything!) !

Updated On: 10/31/04 at 01:37 PM

your responses to these questions as I have seen from reading them are quite thoughtful and funny and I think make us question things which is always good. Just wanted to say how it is great you are posting here and that I have been a fan every since Charlie Brown. you have such a wonderful voice and such a sweet down to earth type of guy. thank you so much for taking the time to post.

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I know this has already been expressed numerous times, but . . .welcome, Anthony!

This summer I attended Interlochen Arts Camp, and I know you went there as well. I think we were taught by the same director (Dr. Stephenson). So my questions are:
A) How did you like Interlochen?
B) Were you Broadway-obsessed as a teenager?

Thanks so much!

-Molly

EVELYN! I am a freshman theatre major at Northwestern! I've been following these Rent/Anthony Rapp threads but I haven't said anything until now. Are you in any shows this quarter?? I have run crew next quarter but I think I still might audition for student theatre just to get the practice...

Anthony, you are possibly the coolest person ever for talking to everyone like this!

That's my two cents.

-- Carly