Some of the details have faded like the lights from an ending stage-show scene. But Mary Hill remembers that actor-singer Adam Pascal’s passionate vocals moved her to tears when she saw the rock-oriented “Rent” on Broadway nearly 20 years ago.
“And I don’t cry easily,” Hill said.
The Seymour resident is among those who already have bought tickets to see Pascal team again with longtime pal and “Rent” co-star Anthony Rapp when the pair headlines “Acoustically Speaking,” the next Columbus Indiana Philharmonic Cabaret at The Commons Aug. 25 downtown.
Pascal originated the role of musician Roger in “Rent,” which went from stage to the big screen in 2005. His performance earned a best actor Tony Award nomination. His other stage work includes “Aida” and “Cabaret.” Rapp originated the role of filmmaker Mark in “Rent.” His other stage roles include “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” and “Bright Lights, Big City.”
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“’Rent’ was the most touching musical I have ever seen,” Hill said, adding that the struggle of those amid the HIV/AIDS community was heart-rendering. She has seen more than 20 different Broadway shows alone.
Curtis Smith II of Hope bought his cabaret tickets recently. He has watched the movie version of “Rent” numerous times.
“It really touched me mostly because of the storyline focusing on AIDS awareness,” Smith said.
His favorite tune from the show is Pascal singing, “Your Eyes.”
Pascal and Rapp aim to present original material — some of Pascal’s early rock renditions on his independent-label releases suggest pipes with the depth and flavoring of David Bowie — plus tunes from “Rent” and other shows. They will each sing solo and also perform together, according to promotional material.
Some video clips have shown the two singing together on “What You Own” from “Rent.”
“‘What You Own’ is my favorite,” Pascal told The Washington Post in a 2012 interview. “I love being in front of a big rock band … and I just love singing with Adam … . Our voices are really different, but they blend really well.”
The two also plan to backspace through memories and share stories with the audience.
Most recently, Rapp has busied himself with the national tour of “If/Then,” reprising a role he originated on Broadway. Pascal recently appeared at Broadway’s Nederlander Theater where “Rent” ran, and starred in “Disaster!”
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What: The Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s Cabaret at The Commons with Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, former stars of the Broadway show, “Rent.”
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25. Reserved dinner served from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m.
Where: The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus.
Tickets: Preferred, $35, and general admission, $20. V.I.P tickets are sold out. Tickets can be purchased online at thecip.org or by calling the Philharmonic box office at 812-376-2638.
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