Tag Archives: Rent

International Impact, Notes on Music

Life for Rent: interview with Jake Bhanji

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Ahead of the Music Theatre Society’s production of Rent which starts this Wednesday, I talked with the show’s Musical Director, Jake Bhanji.

DH: What’s your involvement with the show this year? And what does that mean?

bhanjiJB: I’m the Musical Director for Rent which means I work with the band, preparing and perfecting the vast accompanying music for the show and come performance time, conduct and play the keyboard. I rehearse the band twice a week, and also work closely with our brilliant vocal director, Steph, and awesome director, Alick, in ensuring amendments in the music and the cues are noted. Now at this later stage, we’re working on bringing the band and the cast together, so the cast can get used to the music, and the band used to the singing.

DH: And what are the challenges of working on this show?

Jonathan Larson certainly knows how to keep the musicians on our toes! The shear amount of music, filled with changes in time signatures, keys, tempo, and much more as been a challenge, but we’ve met them well, and I’m immensely proud of the band for coping with it all! Despite its complexity, the music is still great and both the band and the cast love it.

DH: So what have you most enjoyed working on?

To be honest, there is so much to choose from, so it is really difficult to choose just one I’ve enjoyed. Well, Out tonight is definitely a favourite! As well as the big opening number Rent’ it really brings the whole show to life, kicking it off with a bang, which just keeps getting better! Speaking with the band, I know unanimously La Vie Boheme is definitely one that we all leave rehearsals still singing!

DH And you’re in the Gulbenkian this year, rather than your usual haunt, the Whitstable Playhouse ?

Yes, it is great to use the fantastic facilities that we have here on campus. The Gulbenkian offers brilliant theatre space, and I’m really looking forward to getting in there, and putting it all together, it’s like the final part to the puzzle. Speaking of facilities, the music department here, has been brilliant putting up with our band rehearsals and loaning out equipment. It’s been so beneficial to make use of the new sound proof band room, pianos and drums, without which would really make our band redundant.

DH:  Why, thank you: glad to help! Can you give us a hint as to what we’re in for on the night ?

JB: You’re in for a night full of rockin’ music; virtuosic singing, acting and dance, and a story that’ll make you want to get up and start singing and dancing with the cast! Not to mention a treat for both the guys and girls, trust me! And a show that you’ll never forget!

The production runs this week, from Wednesday to Friday. at the Gulbenkian Theatre: details and tickets online here.

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Notes on Music

Life for Rent: interview with Steph Richardson

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When not involved in Chamber Choir, conducting Sing! or gigging with the University Big Bands and vocal trio ‘The Canterberries,’ third-year Drama student and Music Scholar Steph Richardson is also working on this year’s production of ‘Rent’ with the Music Theatre Society. In a break from her hectic schedule, I caught up with Steph and asked her what it’s all about…

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DH: What’s your involvement with the show this year ? And what does that mean ?

RichardsonSR: I’m vocal director, which means I teach the music and harmonies to the cast and cover the musical side of the show until the band comes in a few weeks before the show goes on stage (at which point Jake, our musical director, comes into the mix).

DH: What are the challenges of working on this show ?

SR: As it’s sung-through, there is so much music to get into your head before blocking and staging can even happen. Although the score is brilliant, it is only brilliant because of Jonathan Larson’s ruthless changes of time signatures, rhythms and keys, which keep the cast on their toes. Saying that, a week before the tech run, these difficulties are being ironed out nicely and the cast are on top form!

DH: What have you most enjoyed working on ?

SR: Specifically, although Seasons of Love is the most well-known song, La Vie Boheme has been the most fun to work on. Everyone is so enthusiastic and they really bring the stage to life! I love working with the creative team too. Alick is a great director and works really well with the team. He knows exactly what he wants from the show, which is fantastic, and it looks like the cast, crew and band are going to do him justice.

DH: And you’re in the Gulbenkian Theatre this year, for the first time ?

SR: That’s right: and we’re very happy about it! It gives all Kent Uni students the chance to experience this lively musical as it’s right on their doorstep this year. The Whistable Playhouse is a great space, but it’s nice to bring it onto campus.

DH: Can you give us a hint as to what we’re in for on the night ?

SR: n the night, though you should be prepared for your heartstrings to be tugged a little, you’re alo in for an evening of rockin music, super acting, and a witty and very raunchy look at bohemian life in the 1990s.

The production runs next week, from Wednesday to Friday. at the Gulbenkian Theatre: details and tickets online here.

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Now Hear This!

How do you measure a year ? Music Theatre Society presents ‘Rent’

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It’s that time of year when the University Music Theatre Society is bracing itself for its annual production – previous shows have included ‘Into the Woods’ (read the review here) and ‘Carousel,’ and this year, the Society is really breaking new ground.

In this, the twentieth-anniversary year of its original performance, Musical Theatre Society is presenting ‘Rent,’  Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical based upon Puccini’s tragic opera, La bohème.

rent_headerThe production runs from 27th – 29th March at the Gulbenkian Theatre, with shows starting at 7.30pm; tickets available online here.

It’s the first time that the Music Theatre Society will bring its annual production to the Gulbenkian, and it will leave you crying, laughing and loving every minute, so don’t miss out! Find out more on the production’s Facebook page here.