Without You at Menier Chocolate Factory

[theatrepaul]

I spent last evening at the Menier to see Without You which brings to life some of the memoir written & published by Anthony Rapp in 2006. It's a passionate story of love and loss, love for the brilliant Rent and his starring role as Mark Cohen, which first hit the stage in New York in 1994 and for Rent's author Jonathan Larson who died tragically on the eve of the off-Broadway premiere, intermingled with memories of the loving relationship with his ailing mother and her sad, untimely death.

Rapp is joined on stage by a 5 piece band, performing in Rent's, rock style. The cello played by David Edmonds particularly resonated for me, perfectly capturing the tone and feel of the show.

Featuring excerpts of several songs from Rent, including Seasons of love, La Vie Boheme, Without You, it begins with Rapp performing REM's Losing My Religion, his audition piece for Rent. The evening also includes several songs written especially for this production.

Rapp performs all the numbers with the soaring, powerful voice that served him so well in Rent. Always engaging, he delivers a beautifully moving performance as he recounts this turbulent period in his life and the people in it including Larson, Rent director Michael Greif, members of his family and most poignantly of all, his mother.

I hope this latest visit to the UK, first in Edinburgh and now London will be the catalyst for future visits here to work because Anthony Rapp is a talented actor. This show is not just for Renthead's. Anyone who likes honest, heartfelt theatre will enjoy this show. Recommended.

[SoonerOrLater]

Really glad to hear you enjoyed this, I'm going down on 11th to see this and I'm very excited.

If you haven't read his book of the same title I recommend it. Just don't do what I did and re-read it while supervising an exam-I was sniffling at the back of the room!

[theatrepaul]

I was in New York when the book came out and bought it there. I read it from cover to cover on the flight home as I just couldn't put it down

[DeNada]

I haven't seen this yet, but did read the book. I felt that Rapp didn't come across particularly well - a lot of anecdotes about him being very angry and a bit "entitled" at times, although obviously the situation with his mother must have been horrible - but it was definitely an interesting read and I'm glad he's managed to turn it into interesting theatre.

[MusicalBoy]

Unfortunately, I've heard too many questionable stories about him over the last few years to ever look at him the same way again...

[SoonerOrLater]

theatrepaul I totally agree-I read it when it first came out and couldn't put it down, likewise on the second read (which was for research purposes as I use Rent in my PhD research) I'm intrigued as to how it translates to the stage.

[Boybooshka]

Saw this in Edinburgh, and i have to say although it had it's moments and his voice was in fine form, some of it was absolutely cringeworthy, and he did come across as very self obsessed / entitled.

[FrontRowDress]

We saw it last night and I'm totally with Boybooshka. I can imagine it working well as a book, but I cannot understand how and why he does it night after night. It's basically an hour and twenty minutes of therapy where he offloads his guilt and veers towards mawkish on too many occasions. Loved hearing the songs from Rent though and he did get a stading ovation from about 75% of the crowd. I've put some thoughts on my blog at the link below, but not an awful lot.
Rent

[AngusN]

I had a very different experience with Anthony and found him to be an incredibly caring and considerate person.
Although I lived in the UK when Rent opened in the US, I saw the cast perform on the David Letterman show and fell in love with the show. When it was announced the show was opening in the West End I sent the cast a 'Good Luck' card for opening night (God knows what I was thinking, but I was young - haha!). Anthony sent me a 'Thank You' card back and we stayed in touch via cards/letters. I had just came out at the time and he counselled me through it, sharing his experience with me. When I went down to see the show he stayed behind afterwards and chatted for a long time with me. We continued to stay in touch for a while after, and he was always very considerate and caring. He certainly helped me through a very difficult time in my life and I'm very grateful for that, not many performers would take the time to help a fan the way he did.

[SoonerOrLater]

I saw this Tuesday night and I thought it was a great piece of theatre. I really enjoyed how the songs from Rent are incorporated into the show and the combination with new material. Hearing different arrangements of the familiar songs and hearing Anthony's versions of them was also a highlight.
As I mentioned I'd read the book and I thought the approach taken to putting it on stage was really effective. Perhaps this type of show isn't to everybody's taste but I found it very moving as well as entertaining-I loved the way the different characters were brought to life across the piece.

I don't want to get into a great debate about Anthony himself, but I will say he very generously gave up his time on Tuesday to talk to me about my PhD and couldn't have been kinder or more helpful in doing so.

[SoonerOrLater]

I saw this Tuesday night and I thought it was a great piece of theatre. I really enjoyed how the songs from Rent are incorporated into the show and the combination with new material. Hearing different arrangements of the familiar songs and hearing Anthony's versions of them was also a highlight.
As I mentioned I'd read the book and I thought the approach taken to putting it on stage was really effective. Perhaps this type of show isn't to everybody's taste but I found it very moving as well as entertaining-I loved the way the different characters were brought to life across the piece.

I don't want to get into a great debate about Anthony himself, but I will say he very generously gave up his time on Tuesday to talk to me about my PhD and couldn't have been kinder or more helpful in doing so.

[dgjbear]

Anthony, move on.

[Boybooshka]

lol, indeed!