MTG production takes stage Oct. 9 at Succop Theater
Cast and crew are preparing for the next Musical Theatre Guild production, “Rent,” which will open Oct. 9 at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College.
Jonathan Larson's musical, loosely based on Giacomo Puccini's opera “La Bohème,” won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical and the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for drama.
The story is set in the late 1980s and early 1990s in Manhattan's East Village where a group of friends struggle to pursue their dreams. Destitute, they grapple with drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, social tension, and political unrest, among other hardships.
Songs include “Seasons of Love,” “Take Me or Leave Me,” and “La Vie Boheme.”
The MTG show is under the direction of Brent Roberts with Barb Osche and Justin Anderson producing and Karen O'Donnell as music director.
The character of Maureen is being portrayed by Lindsay Pingor, 28, of Delmont. “She is a young, self involved, naive, and hopeful spirit. She lives in the moment and is never afraid to be herself, whether other people like it or not,” said Pingor who has twice performed this role with Clarion University and Split Stage Productions.
She last took the stage as the character “Sheila” in a production of “Hair” with Split Stage.
The Roger Davis character is being played by Joel Fitzpatrick of Tarentum. The 29-year-old electrician was happy to play a musician because he, too, is one.
“Roger is a very introverted, struggling musician coping with his former heroin addiction as well as the suicide of his girlfriend, April,” Fitzpatrick said.
“I can really relate to Roger's struggles in trying to make an impact with his music,” he added.
Fitzpatrick played the same role in a production at Clarion University in 2010 and fell in love with the musical.
“When I saw that there would be an audition coming up, I jumped at the chance to be a part of such an amazing show,” he said.
The role of Benjamin Coffin III has been assigned to Will Scantling, 31, of Pittsburgh. By day he works as a field training consultant for McDonald's based in Oak Brook, Ill., and by night he brings life to the role of Benny.“I think I bring a level of maturity to Benny. He has been described as an underplayed character. I think that my portrayal will bring something different to him than what we are used to seeing,” Scantling said.“Benny is a friend of Roger, Mark, Collins and Maureen who married into a wealthy family. He is misunderstood, trying to do better for his friends but is seen as a sellout,” he said.Scantling's last role was in March as Judas Iscariot in “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Comtra Theatre in Cranberry Township.Nicole Uram, 23, of Butler Township is playing the role of Mimi Marquez. “She is a young girl, living alone in New York City, searching for who she is and her purpose in life. She has a false sense of confidence and hides behind her looks, but is just looking for someone to love her and be with her,” Uram said.She has been dreaming of playing this role and finds it to be a learning experience.“I'm learning that I can stretch myself out of my comfort zone more than I ever thought I could,” she said.“I have always wanted to play Mimi, but I never thought I would get the chance. Being able to do this role has made me open up so much as an actor, and for that I am truly grateful.”The show also features Brad Griffiths, Brady Patsy, Whitney Reudiger and Joseph Fedore. Also appearing are Daniel Terwilliger, Victor Aponte, Jacob Krupitzer, Travis Dane, Kristen Double, Rikki Woodling, Veronica Mortimer, and Adria Streitman.
WHO: Musical Theatre GuildWHAT: “Rent”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 and 10 and 3 p.m. Oct. 11WHERE: Succop Theater at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $17 for adults or $13 for students with student ID, available at May’s Music Shoppe, the BC3 box office or www.mtgbutler.org
