Every director knows that having talented singers, actors and dancers in a musical production is essential for a successful show. But for Angelique Goitia-Daugherty, director of "RENT," which will be presented by HALO Productions at the Paramount Theatre on Nov. 6 and Nov. 7, that is not enough.
"Vocal talent is No. 1 in this show, then acting, then dancing," Goitia-Daugherty said. "But someone could have all of those things and still not get the passion of the show. I needed to find the passion in the people who auditioned. I had cold readings with the script and partnered performers up with people they did not know to see how they developed their characters. I also had them say the songs, not sing them. So that showed me how they would interpret the meaning of the songs."
The musical "RENT," with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, is a modern version of the opera "La Boheme." Set in New York's East Village, "RENT" is a stirring story of a community of young artists and musicians struggling to live and celebrating life. "RENT" won 1996 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Original Musical Score and for Best Book (musical). The show ran on Broadway for more than 12 years.
In addition to directing "RENT," which is being produced by Joseph Robinson, Goitia-Daugherty is the founder, artistic director and co-owner of HALO Performing Arts Academy Inc. in Plainfield. HALO Performing Arts Academy is a not-for-profit community theater arts company that offers instruction and performance experience in voice, dance and drama.
"The illness referred to in the opera was tuberculosis. In the late '80s and early '90s, when 'RENT' was written and performed, the epidemic was AIDS. There is a certain line in 'RENT' that says: 'Your own blood cells betray you.' Many people who have health issues may feel trapped in their own body," Goitia-Daugherty said.
Goitia-Daugherty believes "RENT" appeals to audience members because many people can identify with it.
"It speaks to all ages," she said of the show. "The music ranges from rock to R & B to Latin. Also, people can relate to the social issues it touches on. It talks about how you have gone off a path and how you find your way back again and about being triumphant in everyday trials and tribulations. The way that the music brings that out, you can connect with one or more of the characters."
Because the musical deals with the AIDS issue, some people consider the show to be a bit controversial. Goitia-Daugherty is OK with that.
"Any topic that people do not have enough information about, they fear," she said. "Then that becomes controversial. I want to address that.
"In this show there are the issues of anti-gay, anti-whatever statements; hate crimes; and living for the moment," she continued. "It addresses how we should not treat people with disrespect. All of these are great messages, but the biggest message is a message of hope. It is something powerful; it is something passionate."