Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2009

©2009 Joan Marcus

Japanese audiences are getting a special treat this month, when the touring production of Jonathan Larson’s Rent comes to Akasaka’s Act Theater. The musical itself is nothing new here—past years have seen several English- and Japanese-language runs. But the big draw this time is the appearance of Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal, who both starred in the original Broadway production (as well as Chris Columbus’ 2005 film version). The actors showed up at HMV in Shibuya recently to talk about the show and perform two musical numbers for a few lucky fans.

Based on Puccini’s opera La Boheme, Rent centers around two “starving artists” who share a rundown apartment in New York’s seedy Alphabet City. Mark (Anthony Rapp) is an aspiring filmmaker, while his roommate Roger (Adam Pascal) is a troubled rock musician suffering from AIDS. The show won four Tony awards when it premiered on Broadway in 1996, and is widely credited with re-introducing stage musicals to a younger generation.

As the actors responsible for originating two of the most recognizable characters of late 20th-century theater, Rapp and Pascal were understandably moved by the chance to return to those roles more than a decade later—and getting to perform in Japan is, they say, an added bonus. For Pascal, the tour is an opportunity “to give to audiences who didn’t get a chance to see us on Broadway, and an opportunity to come back and finish the Rent experience.” Rapp agrees, adding, “This show began in New York, but it has life all over the world… I want to give a performance that’s strong and pure and with as much heart and passion as this show needs.”

But what is it like to inhabit the characters again as older and, in many respects, different people? “In a lot of ways, it was as if I pressed a button and it was all there,” Rapp explains. “It was like seeing a younger version of myself, as well as the character—almost like time travel.” Pascal is also grateful for the opportunity. “I think these particular characters benefit from maturity,” he says. “They’ve benefitted from our personal maturity as people… I think they’re richer and more fully realized.”

Both actors are also looking forward to enjoying all the sights, sounds—and cuisine—that Japan has to offer. Pascal, in particular, is a “huge foodie,” which means that the sole Japanese cast member, Yuka Takara (who plays a TV producer named Alexi), has been tasked with shepherding her costars around Tokyo’s restaurant scene. “We got in, and everyone said they wanted to go to Shibuya,” Takara says with a laugh. “So we spent the night drinking at this tiny bar.”
Through August 30, Akasaka Act Theater. See stage listings for details.