News Reporter
CMU’s 2012-13 theatre season will open with “RENT,” a rock musical expected to attract a large crowd. Cast members have expressed their excitement and spread the word all over Grand Junction.
The show opens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and will run through Sunday with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. There will also be showings the following Wednesday through Saturday. Student rush is this Thursday and next Wednesday for $4.
Much preparation has gone into ensuring that the show will be a success.
“I’ve been ready to perform this since they announced we were doing RENT. I can’t wait,” Senior Music Theatre major Ben Carlson said.
Carlson will play the role of Roger. The cast has been rehearsing since the second day of the fall semester.
“It is thunderous and awesome,” Carlson said. “We have new speakers in Robinson and we all wear body mic’s. You’ll be able to hear everything,”
Tracey Bonner, co-director and choreographer, believes this musical will attract a younger audience with its rock music and rebellious characters. It is not a traditional musical, and despite controversial material, it has themes of love, “forget regret,” and “no day but today.”
“I’m not fearful of the show,” Bonner said. “This show gives a very New York atmosphere, and that is something that a lot of students here may not have experienced yet.”
The show has a strong positive outlook on a love for family and friends. She explained that RENT teaches that the thing that makes you stand out is what actually makes you special.
“You are a gem and this show teaches you to learn to love yourself,” Bonner said.
Bryan Carlson, Ben’s older brother, plays the role of Benny in RENT.
“This show really speaks to our generation,” Bryan said.
He believes that since the Broadway show was also turned into a movie, the audience base is even wider.
“I have a feeling our audience will be more receptive to our message,” Bryan said.
He explained that whenever musicals and plays are turned into movies, usually a younger audience blooms.
“I’m ready,” Bryan said. “There’s always more work to be done but I’m ready to perform. I feel extremely positive about the show. It’s timeless.”
Tickets for RENT can be purchased in the box office at Moss Performing Arts Center or online.
lstroman@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
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