When Laura Sisco was passed the torch of directing the annual East Hampton High School musical, she was faced with finding a show that would reignite the student body’s dwindling interest in musical theater.
Looking at the catalog of offerings, she skimmed over traditional high school fare and set her eyes on a show that rarely makes appearances on school stages: Jonathan Larson’s rock opera “Rent.”
Although it made its Broadway debut 20 years ago, the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, inspired by Puccini’s opera “La Bohème,” continues to resonate with young people through its close examination of human relationships under the strain of social injustice and poverty in the midst of the HIV/AIDS epidemic of the late 20th century. With a modern rock score, serving as both accompaniment and dialogue, the show tells the story of a handful of friends living in New York City’s East Village as they find love, cultivate friendships and struggle to survive.
“I’ve always loved ‘Rent,’” said Ms. Sisco, a 2006 East Hampton High School graduate. In years past she has acted as choreographer and assistant director, before becoming director this year. “When I got the position I thought we have to do something fun and new—something that would get them excited about theater again.”
Once the show selection was announced, questions began to arise about the musical’s subject matter. “Hearing ‘Rent,’ a lot of people automatically go to what they associate with the show,” she said, referring to mature themes of drug use, sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases.
Ms. Sisco held a meeting to explain to the parents and community that students would be performing a special school edition through licensor Musical Theatre International that excludes most expletives, physical displays of affection and sexual references.
“It’s more about the friendships, relationships and struggles of these young people,” Ms. Sisco said. “It’s about them trying to find their place in the world.”
The director had the full support of East Hampton High School Principal Adam Fine, who sent out an email further explaining that the school-friendly edition was “way tamer” than the Broadway version.
“In the ’90s it might have been controversial, but with what kids have access to now?
“It doesn’t say, ‘Go be a drug user, go take an apartment and not pay …’ It’s about living in the city and facing challenges,” said Mr. Fine, adding he was excited to see the school raising the bar with the unique production.
Nick Pucci, 18, echoed the same sentiment, saying the material is no worse than what this generation of students sees every day, whether on the news or in life.
“It’s out there and we know it’s out there,” said the senior who plays the ex-drug addict musician Roger. “It’s not a musical about sex and drugs. It’s about a community that’s struggling.”
Despite initial concern, the cast of nearly 50 students has taken the slight controversy in stride.
Freshman Frankie Bademci, 14, said he engaged in considerable research before stepping into the role of Angel, a cross-dressing, gender fluid, HIV-positive street drummer.
“It’s been an experience,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of fun with it, but I’ve also learned a lot. You get to understand what Angel went through as a gay person in the ’90s.”
In the show, Frankie explained, Angel acts as a catalyst in bringing the core group of friends together despite hard times.
“That’s my favorite part of playing Angel … just seeing everyone’s reaction of how one person can pull everybody together—that just one person can make everyone else so much happier.”
Senior Yean Franco, 18, who plays Angel’s lover Collins in the show, said ‘Rent’ allowed him to channel emotions he has never had to deal with in other productions, especially when performing the heart-wrenching funeral scene of one of the lead characters.
“It’s been a great experience for me to grow as an actor and as a performer because I never really expected something like that to happen to me on stage,” he said. “Most musicals are very happy, cheery, but this one is very serious and touches on topics that people really need to hear about and learn about because they’re important in everyday life.”
Gage Lynch, 18, who plays the narrator in the form of filmmaker Mark, said he is eager for the community to see the final product. “I think it’s really good for our community and helps show the students how this is kind of overshadowed by something bigger.”
And for seniors like Nick, Yean and Gage, ‘Rent’ couldn’t be a better choice for their final show at East Hampton High.
“It’s been awesome. I’ve been here every night for two months and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. I love this show,” Nick said. “I love being here and I’m going to be sad when it’s over.”
“Rent” will be presented by The East End Young Arts Initiative on Friday, March 4, at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 5, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 6, at 3 p.m at East Hampton High School, 2 Long Lane, East Hampton. Tickets are available at the door for $15 and $10 for children 12 and younger.
Jaime Zahl on Feb 26, 2016