I have never experienced a show that moved me to tears as much as I did while experiencing Anthony Rapp’s one man show, “Without You.” I have never seen an actor be so vulnerable, so giving, so amazing in telling his story and that of the musical that relaunched his career—Jonathan Larson’s “Rent.”
Rapp starts his story from when he was in his early 20s and was late for his audition for “Rent.” As he takes the audience on his journey, you see how candid he is. His story touches on his introductions to the musical, its creator, the late Jonathan Larson, and also on what was happening in Rapp’s personal life with his mother.
This play, with music from “Rent,” will have you feeling so much. This 90-minute production talks about all the bold topics that were touched upon in this musical. This was a musical that was revolutionary, as it openly talked about the LGBTQIA+ community, people with HIV and AIDS, drug addicts, exotic dancers, and the other characters that are part of this musical. These characters were friends that formed a tight-knit community. Larson took on subjects that were taboo, but he did it with love. He did this because many of his friends told him they had HIV and AIDS and then they were gone, and he wanted to remember and honor them. He wanted the world to know that these people deserved to be recognized and loved just as much as anyone else.
Larson’s “Rent” dealt with the subject of death and friendship and how we as human beings have difficulty with both. Rapp takes on so many hats with this production. Not only is he the actor, he also did the book, music, and lyrics for some additional songs. It is beautiful to see how Larson, through “Rent,” honored his friends and how now Rapp, through “Without You,” is continuing the tradition.
As he takes us through his very personal story, we get to know another side of him, Larson, and he creators behind “Rent,” including the director and some of the other actors who performed in the initial production at New York Theatre Workshop. Throughout the show there are either excerpts or the full rendition of captivating and moving “Rent” songs like “Rent,” “Seasons of Love,” “La Vie Boheme,” “Without You,” “We’re Dying In America,” “One Song, Glory,” and “Finale B/No Day But Today.”
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While I cried in silence throughout the telling of this incredible story, I often heard people around me sniffling as they let the tears flow. Rapp’s life has been full of fantastic moments, but also of devastation and sadness. However, like Larson, he is using his talent to make sure that people know who Larson was and what this rock opera meant in his life and the lives of so many people who were marginalized prior to its existence.
“Without You” is playing at New World Stages on West 50th Street. It features brilliant direction by Steven Maler, additional music by David Matos, Joe Pisapia, Daniel A. Weiss and musical direction by Daniel A. Weiss. The technical aspects also enhanced this stunning production and featured scenic and lighting design by Eric Southern, costume design by Angela Vesco, sound design by Brian Ronan and projection design by David Bengali. This play is based on Rapp’s memoir of the same title. Marvelous live music is provided by a band that features Clérida Eltimé (Cello), Paul Gil (Bass), Jerry Marotta (Drums), and LeeMoretti (Guitar).
If you have lost anyone who is dear to you, this production will make you reflect on what you are feeling. Sadly, I have recently lost someone very dear, and watching Rapp share his pain gave me the ability to release some of mine. It was healing. Please make sure that you go and experience this transforming performance and take someone you love!
For more info, visit www.withoutyoumusical.com.