First of all, I hope all my fellow RENTheads living along the East Coast are safe and sound following Hurricane Irene. I realize this weekend was pretty scary for a lot of people, so I hope this blog post finds you well.
In decidedly happier news, I had the chance to shoot off some questions at Andy Señor Jr., former Angel and Michael Greif’s assistant for the new production. He had a lot of interesting things to say about the show's new life at New World Stages in New York City...
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| Andy Señor Jr. |
ANDY: After being in RENT for so many years with five different companies I'm thrilled to be part of the creative team assisting Michael Greif. I have always wanted to direct as part of the future vision I had for myself. When the opportunity came along I really felt so lucky. It’s a very easy transition to begin this journey with a show and team I know so well. It felt like a perfect fit. Onstage or offstage, I think many people who have worked on this show in any capacity can say that it is very special experience. I love being able to watch the actors discover the show for the first time as I once did. It's a beautiful thing!
PAUL: With the announcement of this revival, my (and many other RENTheads') initial reaction was "Already!?" What were your thoughts on the announcement of a revival, and did you feel it was too soon?
ANDY: It's never too soon for RENT. People want to see this show. People love it.
PAUL: We're seeing a common thread throughout this production. We have the return of Michael Greif to the director's seat, Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum and Allan Gordon producing again, Angela Wendt doing costumes, etc. What do you think of the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" mentality?
ANDY: I don’t think anything is being fixed, but rather explored. I think it’s great that we get to return and see the show again from a different perspective. We get to listen with fresh ears and eyes and go on a journey as if for the first time.
PAUL: Though we do see a lot of familiar faces during this revival, as you've mentioned, this is very much a new staging, and a new production. What are some of the new aspects of the show that excite you the most?
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| MJ Rodriguez as Angel. Photo by Joan Marcus. |
PAUL: RENT obviously takes place in a much different New York than the one we see today. How do you bring RENT to a new generation and still make it relevant?
ANDY: How? You just do. The show is written with so much truth and love...two things that can never be outdated.
PAUL: I've talked with Drew Hodges and Jeffrey Seller, and they are both fans of I'll Cover You and the Reprise, and they both have a particular fondness for Collins. So, I must ask, what is Andy Señor Jr.'s favorite character/song, and why?
ANDY: I love Roger. I love his willingness to continue to want to create something lasting and impacting despite the circumstances he faces. It takes something to still be willing to pick up a guitar and write a song. There must be an undercurrent of hope and life still inside. I think that’s beautiful. That’s what I love about the show. I feel that all the characters do this.
PAUL: And for favorite song?
ANDY: I love Without You. Why? Because it's humanity never fails to move me.
I want to give a big Thank You to Andy for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk with me. And for you reading, be sure to keep checking back here for more great interviews with the cast and creative team!
Paul
Click here to view Andy's photos of the RENT cast in rehearsal. (You must log in to Facebook to see these photos.)
Follow Andy on Twitter: @andysenorjr
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