What should audiences expect from this latest production of RENT at the Sydney Opera House? We ran the cast of RENT through The Quick Five to find out
The Joan Sutherland Theatre is set to transform into the vibrant streets of New York City’s East Village as Jonathan Larson’s multi-Tony® Award winning musical RENT is set to take over the Sydney Opera House in an electrifying, critically-acclaimed new production.
Running from the 27th September to the 1st November, audiences will have the chance to discover the musical that took Broadway by storm, where dreams are born, friendships are tested and the power of love prevails against all odds. With direction by Shaun Rennie and choreography by Luca Dinardo, RENT will also offer special performances for die hard fans.
Theatre Thoughts heard from cast members Henry Rollo, Kristin Paulse, Imani Williams, Tana Laga’aia, Calista Nelmes and Jesse Dutlow as we ran them through The Quick Five to find out more about themselves, their love of the 90s and what audiences should expect from the production.
Angel
Maureen
Benny
Joanne
Mimi
Mark
Get your friends together and sing your hearts out to this special Singalong performance on Thursday 23 October at 7:30pm! With on-screen lyrics guiding you through the big numbers, you’ll know exactly when to join in. Come dressed in your East Village best or as your favourite bohemian and soak up the atmosphere – it’s going to be a night to remember.
Read the full Quick Five below and then book your own tickets to RENT from the 27th September here.
What’s your go to karaoke/audition song?
Henry Rollo: ‘Creep’ by Radiohead- or on special occasions, ‘The Thong Song’ by Sisqo.
Kristin Paulse: ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ by Alicia Keys.
Imani Williams: ‘Alone’ by Heart, but my go to audition song is ‘I am Here’ from The Colour Purple
Tana Laga’aia: ‘Downtown’ by Macklemore. A vibe from start to finish.
Calista Nelmes: ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ by Whitney Houston.
Jesse Dutlow: ‘No Scrubs’ by TLC. It has everything you need! Gets everyone singing along and perfect opportunity to serve attitude! Favourite audition song? I do love ‘Family’ from Dreamgirls when the vibe is right.
Tell us your favourite lyric from RENT.
JD: “I think they meant it when they said you can’t buy love, now I know you rent it. A new lease, you are my love.” (Angel and Collins in ‘I’ll Cover You’) This is my favourite line because I always love when they say the title of the movie IN the movie!
KP: “Wanna wail at the moon like a cat in heat?”
TL: “Will I” would have to have my favourite lyrics. The entire song is only 15 words, but the way it’s written is so incredibly impactful. “Will I lose my dignity? Will someone care? Will I wake tomorrow from this nightmare?”
IW: “Measure your life in love.”
CN: “I think they meant it when they said you can’t buy love, now I know you can rent it.”
HR: “To being an us for once, instead of a them.”
What’s the one thing you’d bring back from the 90’s?
HR: I’d say bring back the classic 90’s choker but I’ve been wearing one around my wrist for the last decade.
JD: Destiny’s Child and there’s no runner up. I need a new album, girls! Get in the studio TODAY!
TL: I think, if I could, I’d bring back the lack of social media. That, or housing prices.
CN: The Spice Girls!!!
KP: RnB
IW: Blockbuster movie nights.
If you could play one other role in RENT, who would it be?
TL: If I could play one other role in RENT, I would love to be in the Ensemble. They get to have such complex and fun journeys throughout the show, as well as being able to dance in some killer numbers.
CN: Angel, hand me those drums.
JD: I would looooove to play Mimi!! Her and Angel really bring the drama in RENT but I’m so excited to see Kristin bring her to life.
HR: Maureen- no question!
KP: Maureen
IW: Probably Maureen.
What makes this production of RENT stand out?
HR: RENT is one of those special shows that can attract a real motley crew of performers. I think this production stands out because we’ve got an incredible ensemble of such interesting, dynamic and unique artists.
KP: It’s in THE Joan Sutherland Theatre at THE Sydney Opera House!
IW: Every creative aspect feels fresh and intentional and really builds on the story from staging to choreography, direction and lighting every aspect is thought out.
TL: The cast. The connection. Calista Nelmes.
CN: The humans on stage are what makes RENT beautiful and we have some of the best in the business.
JD: This cast is going to bring something fresh to these roles that audiences have never seen. I’m so excited to be working with such a talented bunch. I pinch myself everyday in the rehearsal room. Don’t miss it, Australia!
Book your tickets to RENT now at the Sydney Opera House from 27th September to the 1st November
