Rent

Rent
By Jonathan Larson
Directed by Mark Harborth
Produced by The Gallery Players

Nomination: Dwayne Washington is nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Featured Role

                Photos by Bella Mucari

About this Production
As Gallery has developed a reputation for reimagining these iconic pieces, President Mark Harborth (Chess, Dreamgirls) promises a unique experience for audiences already familiar with the show. “You won’t see a striped winter scarf in this production (or a sexy Santa suit for that matter) but you will hear every note of Jonathan Larson’s passionate score performed by one of the most dynamic and talented casts and orchestras Gallery has assembled.”

Actor Dwayne Washington shares his experience of performing in this cathartic production.

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What attracted you to this project?

Dwayne: The show has a beautiful sense of truth! These characters go through real emotions and they allow the actor to really pull from life experience. It allows you to fall in love every night and experience loss and triumph. It’s all a very cathartic experience. No matter what, your thought process and how you see life is evolved with every lyric.

What was your favorite part of working on this production?

Dwayne: I most enjoyed developing the relationships with the cast a crew and working with some phenomenal talent to bring these characters to life. People were discussing real issues that are still so relevant today. This cast bled and cried to find honesty. I believe that these types of experiences are breathtaking. Paying tribute to those that brought these characters to life prior to us, but evolving them through our personal truths. As well as getting to share that with people every night and allowing them to leave the theater feeling heroic in their stories and truth.

What was the most challenging part of working on this production?

Dwayne: The most challenging part to this production was seeing it end.The show finally had its wings, that final night was electric. Everyone was on, maybe it was because the lyrics lined the room and danced with each measure. The words never spoke so loudly. You fought back tears in places and smiled in others but it was all real and raw emotions spoken though Jonathan Larson's great lyrics and melodies. Never stop loving, living and being who you are in this world to make it better.

What was the most memorable moment for you during the creation of this production?

Dwayne: We had an amazing time as a cast, we became a crazy dysfunctional family (in all the right ways). This show was suppose to happen with this cast in it. It was awesome how magnetic the energy was, we had people sliding down stripper poles, Lunch outings, tears, candles, and 525600 minutes, it was just right!