The Triangle Explorer

The Company of Rent 20th Anniversary Tour
(Photo Carol Rosegg, 2016)

RENT, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning landmark rock musical written by Jonathan Larson, will returns to DPAC next week with shows running October 11 through 16.

Twenty years after opening on Broadway RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. The 20th anniversary touring production is a re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, following an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love.

David Merino – Rent 20th Anniversary Tour
(Photo Carol Rosegg, 2016)

I saw a revival of RENT back in 2004 during a brief stint when I lived up in New York and I’m excited to see the latest production and talented new cast. In preparation for the production’s visit to Durham next week I spoke with David Merino, who stars as Angel, a drag queen and street musician suffering from AIDS. It was a pleasure to speak with David about  what it is like to take on such a challenging role and I look forward to seeing what he brings to this iconic character when the production visits Durham next week.

How did you land the role of Angel?
“First let me just say that this is my dream. When I first saw the movie, it was a milestone in my life.  It was one of the first times in my life I saw all kinds of people, colors, and sexuality celebrated. This is my first paid theater role. I signed up to audition for the national tour but was way down on the waitlist. In the meantime I played the role of Angel in school at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and somebody from casting saw me and I got the call to audition. After five callbacks I got the part!”

You are in school now at NYU. How does that work with performing on the road?
“I’m actually taking a year off from school, but I will come back next year to finish my degree. Finishing school and getting my degree will definitely happen, but in the meantime I am so excited to tell the story of RENT and bring the character of Angel to people across the country”

Is there a particular city you are excited about performing in?
I haven’t done much traveling so I am actually excited about every city we are visiting. But I am originally from California so I am particularly excited for when we perform there since my friends and family will be able to see it.”

Angel is a complicated character. How do you prepare for that role?
“Yes, Angel is a very complicated role. Angel is a boy who embraces his femininity. It is what he lives to do and has fun doing it. Angel has AIDS so he knows he/she has an expiration date – life could end at any moment, so his/her philosophy is let me do everything I want to do and embrace whatever I want to be. The character is both funny and tragic. It can be very mentally exhausting at times, but it is always beautiful.”

How is this production different from the original of the 1990’s?
“The numbers remain the same, but we are a new generation of theater performers approaching a period piece. Each of the actors puts their own take on these characters. The show continues to share an important message that people need to hear.”

RENT plays at the Durham Performing Arts Center October 11th through the 16th. For more information and to order tickets visit http://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/rent.

If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend there are three great events going on that I recommend checking out. No matter what you do, I hope you get outside and get a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather. Happy Exploring!

Friday & Saturday – Sept 30th & Oct 1st
Wide Open Bluegrass StreestFest – Raleigh
As part of the free Wide Open StreetFest, Raleigh will host 90+ bands on 5 stages, a dance tent, artisans and local vendors, concessions, youth performances, and more. Visit the Raleigh Convention Center for FREE access to the Exhibit Hall, the Masters’ Workshop Stage, and plenty of jamming. You can view a schedule of all the free performances here.

Satruday – October 1st
TerraVita Grand Tasting on the Green – Chapel Hill
The TerraVita Grand Tasting offers edibles from more than 40 exceptional chefs & artisans from across the state and features more than 120 sustainably-produced beverages from around the globe, including microbrews and spirits, craft sodas, organic coffees, & biodynamic, organically-grown and natural wines. Get tickets here.

Sunday – October 2nd
Pepper Festival – Chapel Hill
PepperFest is at the perfect time of year to celebrate the harvest, enjoy cooler weather, and savor the deliciousness of Carolina peppers!  It’s a chance to hang out with your friends, listen to fantastic live music, and sample all you can eat of pepper-themed dishes and beverages, made by dozens of star chefs, brewers, distillers and more, from central N.C.

Kinky Boots National Touring Company (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

Back by popular demand, Kinky Boots, the smash-hit musical that brings together four-time Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (Book) and Grammy® Award-winning rock icon Cyndi Lauper will return to the Durham Performing Arts Center next week for shows September 13th-18th as part of the Encore Broadway at DPAC series.

Aaron Walpole, J. Harrison Ghee and the cast of the National Tour of Kinky Boots (Photo by Matthew Murphy

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family shoe business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

Tiffany Engen in the National Tour of Kinky Boots (Photo: Matthew Murphy)

In preparation of the productions run in Durham next week I had the opportunity to speak with one of the leads – Tiffany Engen, who after enjoying roles in the age productions of Legally Blonde and Rock of Ages, and roles in films like Hairspray joined the Kinky Boots cast last November.

Can you tell me a little bit about your character?
“I play Lauren who is one of the workers in the shoe factory and the love interest of Charlie – the owner of the business who takes over after his father passes away. I love my character because she is unique, funny and strong but sensitive. She is actually the one who has the “Light bulb” moment and comes up with the idea of finding a niche market to save the factory.”

Do you get to wear the Kinky Boots?
“Yes, actually at some point all the characters in the show wear boots. We all have our own pair. It is quite fun during rehearsals when the performers put them on for the first time – especially the guys. They look like bambi on ice, they slip a lot at first, but they get the hang of it!”

What is your favorite number in the show?
“There are so many great songs in the show, but I really like one my character does called “History of the wrong guys” which has a very strong Cyndi Lauper vibe. Actually Cyndi did all the music and songs for the show – original tunes. Many people don’t realize all the different influences she pulled into her music for the show. There are of course rock-n-roll influences, but also pop, gospel, and disco references.”

What is the overall theme of the show, the message it leaves with the audience?
“The show has a wonderful message. It is all about not judging a book by it’s cover and accepting yourself and accepting those around you. Living your life with pride and leading with love.”

Kinky Boots  plays at the Durham Performing Arts Center September 13th through the 18th. For more information and to order tickets visit http://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/kinky-boots-1.

The Upper Neuse Greenway is one of my favoritae places to run in Raleigh. Starting at Falls Dam the flat paved trail stretches for more than 27 miles along the river all the way down to Johnston County. Along the way you’ll experience nice views of the river, cross winding boardwalk areas over wetlands, and enjoy a lush wooded landscape. If you haven’t done so already I recommend checking it out. Now is the perfect time of year to explore the trail! For a map of the trail visit the trail website here.