The Alaska Theatre of Youth (ATY) and Theatre Artists United (TAU) are bringing the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning musical "RENT" to the Center. This local production features a blend of some of Anchorage's most sought-after adult talent standing toe-to-toe with the cream of the crop of Anchorage's teen talent. Leading the production are two extraordinary gentlemen with strong ties to the facility – Steven Alvarez, Music Director and ACPA Board Member and John Fraser, Stage Director and CenterTix Director of Ticketing. Both have collaborated on many theatrical endeavors from GMA's "Forever Plaid" to TAU's "Little Shop of Horrors," from Anchorage Opera's "La Boheme" to Anchorage Symphony Orchestra's "One Vision: The Music of Queen.""RENT" is a rock opera inspired by Puccini's classic opera "La Boheme." Much of the show very closely parallels important plot points of the classic opera while simultaneously updating them with 90s music and themes. "This show inspired a whole new generation of young adults and showed them that theatre can speak to them. That's what makes it such a natural choice for collaboration between these two companies," says John Fraser. As a first time director, John praises the "boundless energy" that the cast brings to rehearsals. "Their enthusiasm coupled with the unparalleled talents of choreographer Kristen Vierthaler and music director Steven Alvarez have produced a dynamite show that is fun to watch."
As a resident company, Alaska Theatre of Youth is always looking for opportunities to challenge youth to grow and learn stagecraft in a professional setting. An important element of achieving that goal is using the Sydney Laurence Theatre as their home. Bringing the actors into these professional surroundings elevates the experience of all the youth that work with ATY. Coupled with opportunities like "RENT," where the most talented of ATY's teenagers share the stage with the local veterans of TAU, Alaska Theatre of Youth ensures that the youth of our community are encouraged to perform at the highest possible standard.
Theatre Artists United, co-founded by Steven Alvarez, is a regular producer of high-caliber theater in Anchorage. Their credits include highly-acclaimed productions of "Cabaret," "Evita," "Little Shop of Horrors," "The Rocky Horror Show" and "Tommy." TAU chooses material that challenges as well as entertains. "RENT" does both.
Check out Mike Dunham's article in the ADN.
