"Rent" cast profile: Gerri Sterne

Gerri Sterne is having the time of her life as an ensemble member of "Rent"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
GS: I am in the ensemble of Rent! I play a handful of characters, including Mrs. Jefferson (Joanne's Mom), person in Life Support, a police officer, and a homeless person.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
GS: I was in "Anything Goes" at GCP during the summer, which was the first time I had done any performing since high school. In high school, we did some fun shows, including "All Shook Up," "Little Shop of Horrors," "Once Upon a Mattress," and "Sweet Charity."

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Rent"?
GS: "Rent" is absolutely one of my favorite shows. I saw it recently at UCF and was blown away. I remember walking out the theater saying, "Wow, that show is incredible, I will never have the opportunity to be in a show like that." Obviously, I should learn to never say never, because here I am doing the seemingly impossible.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
GS: I absolutely LOVE doing "La Vie Boheme" and "Rent" because it is just so much fun and everyone gets really into it. I also really love singing the finale all clustered together watching the film. I hope I am not only one in the cast who has noticed how that number has evolved throughout the rehearsal process. I remember Erin giving us the direction to "pretend like we like each other." And now it is so effortless. I also love listening to and watching "Take Me or Leave Me" and "What You Own."

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
GS: I don't think I can pick just one. Going to rehearsal was the absolute highlight of my day, and I think most of the cast felt the same way. The excitement over getting the opportunity to do such a unique show has been palpable since the very first read-through, and even possibly since auditions.

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Rent"?
GS: People should see "Rent" if they have a open mind and love the combination of musical theatre and rock music. It is definitely emotional and thought-provoking, even abstract at times, but I think it is a show that everyone (well, maybe not young kids) can find something in to relate to. I hope that audiences see beyond the surface of the show; there are some really moving messages and metaphors throughout. If we just make one person feel something, then in my opinion the show is a success.

GCP Girl: Which musicals would you like to see GCP produce in coming seasons?
GS: I think doing "Rent" has opened a lot of doors for GCP. I would like to see more shows like this is the future. Everyone loves a fun, comedic musical, but it is nice to change it up sometimes and do something more emotive.

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is thinking of auditioning for a show at GCP?
GS: Take a deep breath and show up. Sometimes all you need a is a break. I auditioned for several shows at GCP without getting in before I got into "Anything Goes" and now "Rent." However disheartening it is not to make it, I never gave up trying and it paid off in an incomprehensible way.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
GS: Getting involved with the GCP is probably the best decision I have ever made.

Aw, thanks, Gerri! Now, everyone at home, shut down the computer and go see "Rent"!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Rent" cast profile: Steven Butler

Steven Butler returns to the GCP stage as the effervescent Angel in "Rent"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
SB: I play the role of Angel, who is a drag queen street percussionist living with AIDS. Angel is a creative, fun-loving, flamboyant character to all those who are lost, hurting, and in need of compassion.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
SB: I was last seen on the GCP stage as Moonface Martin in "Anything Goes." Some of my other shows include, "Joseph," "Baby," "La Cage Aux Folles," "The Pajama Game," "Cabaret" and "Emma la Dolce," just to name a few.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Rent"?
SB: Would you believe me if I told you that someone dared me? LOL

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
SB: Actually I have two favorite musical numbers: "Seasons of Love" and "Without You."

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
SB: My favorite part of this experience so far has been the joys and challenges of doing a rock opera, and the poignant part has been remembering I witnessed such a turbulent time in our society and the loss of many friends to AIDS.

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Rent"?
SB: I would hope people would be able to recognize the various themes in the show that exist within every human life on this planet...the quest for love, connection, and understanding in the face of adversity.

GCP Girl: Which musicals would you like to see GCP produce in coming seasons?
SB: "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Sweet Charity."

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is thinking of auditioning for a show at GCP?
SB: If you get cast in a GCP production, be prepared to give it your all and be committed because in the end, everyone wins.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
SB: Once this show gets going and my family finds out the role I'm playing, I should be expecting a call from my mother saying, "What are you doing?" "Really?" LOL

Thanks, Steven! "Rent" continues tonight at the Vam York!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Rent" gets a perfect 10!

Congrats to the cast and crew of "Rent," which was called "perfection" in the Gainesville Sun review!

"Rent" cast profile: Stephen Griffin

Stephen Griffin makes his stage debut in the "Rent" ensemble!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
SG: This is my first show of any kind. I’m the new guy.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Rent"?
SG: I’ve always wanted to be in a musical. It’s been a dream for a while, so I started looking around for things to audition for. My dear friend Anthony Minzie inspired me to Live The Dream.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
SG: My favorite song of the show is "I’ll Cover You (Reprise)." Collins is amazing and it’s a very moving song. "Seasons of Love" is also a lot of fun.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
SG: Every part of this experience has been amazing. From auditions to practices and stage preparations, I’ve loved it all. Everyone involved has been a pleasure to meet and I have learned many new things. I never thought I would ever be able to be part of something this amazing.

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Rent"?
SG: We are blessed with an abundance of talent right here in our community. The cast, crew and directors are as good as you will find in a professional performance. "Rent" shows you the importance of living every day to its fullest and not taking a single day, moment, or friendship for granted.

GCP Girl: Which musicals would you like to see GCP produce in coming seasons?
SG: I would love to see "Chicago" and "The Music Man."

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is thinking of auditioning for a show at GCP?
SG: DO IT! This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. The audition process alone was worth it. You get to meet a great group and hear some killer voices.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
SG: I’d like to thank everyone involved with the GCP. I have learned so much and been blessed in many ways over the last few months at the theater. You are all wonderful and I thank you for giving me the chance to live my dream. I am Blessed.

Thanks, Stephen! "Rent" picks back up tonight -- do you have your tickets yet?

xo xo GCP Girl

"Rent" cast profile: Kelley Addis

Kelley Addis belts it out as the long-suffering Joanne in "Rent," opening tonight at the Vam York Theater!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
KA: My character's name is Joanne Jefferson. Joanne is a Harvard graduate and practices corporate law in NYC. She is a very logical and "by the rules" kind of person...you know, the kind that likes to highlight books just for fun, or make lists organizing her book collection just so she has this on file. She is also in love with Maureen, which is scary to Joanne and where a lot of her conflict in the show comes from. Maureen and Joanne are an "opposites attract" situation in every sense of the phrase...can't live with her, can't live without her.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
KA: I was an actor in Chicago for seven years and have a plethora of shows under my belt. Everything from musicals, children's theater, plays, movies, TV...the list goes on and on. The first show I did at GCP was "Forum," where I played Domina. "Rent" will be my fifth show at the GCP.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Rent"?
KA: "Rent" has been on my "Theater Bucket List" for a while now. I originally saw "Rent" on Broadway in 1997 with most of the original cast (minus Daphne Ruben-Vega), and we even did a talk back session with Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal and Jesse L. Martin. Since then, I absolutely fell in love with the show. I would listen to the CD every single night and would sing it in the car, much to the chagrin of my mom. I am so excited to finally have an opportunity to be a part of the experience.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
KA: There are so many; almost all the songs are my favorite. I like performing "Tango: Maureen" and "Take Me or Leave Me." Those are a lot of fun. "La Vie Boheme" is a lot of energy and I get goosebumps while dancing. I love watching "What You Own," "Santa Fe," "Today 4 U"....I can't pick just one!!!

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
KA: This cast got bonded pretty quickly. You can definitely tell that everyone loves this show and wants it to be the best it can be. I've never been a part of a show to where everyone has just been SO excited throughout the entire process to perform a show and make it perfect.

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Rent"?
KA: "Rent" is not your grandma's musical, kids. It is an entirely different breed and I think will be appealing to younger (meaning college-age) audiences. However, I think Jonathan Larson did something so unique by putting in such an important message within a rock n' roll setting. That message is to live each day to its fullest. Enjoy the people around you and savor it, because you never know when they will be gone. Dealing with HIV is a big part of this show and which I think a lot of people can relate to. Even if you don't know someone with HIV, you probably know someone with cancer or with a debilitating disease or even in the military to where you don't know when they leave if you'll see them again. This musical talks about dealing with life in the best way possible, and that's what I hope audiences leave with...hope and love.

GCP Girl: Which musicals would you like to see GCP produce in coming seasons?
KA: "Sweeney Todd" and Erin's favorite, "CHICAGO"!!! (Pushing for ya Erin ;) )

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is thinking of auditioning for a show at GCP?
KA: Just do it. Everyone is very supportive and just as nervous as anyone else to get up there. It's worth it to be a part of theater and a show. It becomes your family for 3-4 months and beyond. So just do it. You don't have anything to lose.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
KA: I'm not really a lesbian, I just play one on stage...and sometimes backstage...I'm method.

Thanks, Kelley! Everyone, get yourselves over to the GCP and see this show!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Rent" cast profile: Giovanni Barrio

Giovanni Barrio returns to the GCP to perform in the ensemble of "Rent," previewing tonight at the Vam York Theater!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
GB: I play a homeless person in the ensemble, and Gordon, a New Yorker who's living with AIDS and having a hard time accepting it.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
GB: In March, I played Mitch Mahoney in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" here at GCP. That was my first GCP show! Before then, I played Judge Thatcher in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," Uncle Billy in "It's a Wonderful Life," and Edward Rutledge in "1776," all at the High Springs Community Theater.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Rent"?
GB: For me, "Rent" is one of those shows that is just so enjoyable to sing. I can remember jamming out to the soundtrack when I was in high school, and I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to do it on stage with an amazing cast.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
GB: I'd have to say it's "Without You." The song really speaks to me about how you can be grateful for life, and still feel a deep sadness over the ones you love that are no longer with you. It's a beautiful song and it always leaves me with a bittersweet feeling.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
GB: My favorite part has been learning the choreography for "La Vie Boheme." It's the first real dance number I've ever been in and it was the biggest challenge for me (I can't dance to save my life), but it's so much fun when it all comes together. I can't wait for the audience to see it.

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Rent"?
GB: For me, the music is what makes "Rent" a must-see. It's fun, full of energy, and it influenced a lot of shows that came after it. I hope audiences go home feeling that they've just had a really good time, and also that they resonate with the show's invitation to cherish the time you have with the ones you love.

GCP Girl: Which musicals would you like to see GCP produce in coming seasons?
GB: I would love it if GCP did "Next to Normal," "The Light in the Piazza," "Parade," or anything by Stephen Sondheim, like "Sweeney Todd" or "Pacific Overtures."

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is thinking of auditioning for a show at GCP?
GB: I'd say go for it. Don't worry if you're nervous about auditioning, because everybody else is too. Also, being in a show is a big commitment and a lot of work, but it's definitely worth it.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
GB: If you're the kind of person who doesn't like musicals because of all the tap dancing, pretty sets and singing nuns, come see "Rent"! Believe me, you'll be glad you did. It's completely different.

Thanks, Giovanni! The box office opens at 7 p.m. tonight, so get there early because it's first-come, first-served!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Rent" preview articles!

Check out the preview articles in the Gainesville Sun and the Alligator! Will I see you at preview tonight?

Spotlight on Jonathan Larson

Jonathan Larson, the playwright and composer of "Rent," lived in poverty and waited tables in Manhattan during his seven-year struggle to bring the musical to the stage, only to die of an aortic dissection the day before the show was to preview off-Broadway. "Rent" opens this week at the GCP's Vam York Theater.
Early on, Larson attracted the attention of Stephen Sondheim, who advised him to continue composing. During the 1980s, he wrote "Saved - An Immoral Musical on the Moral Majority" and "Superbia," both of which won awards. In 1991, he wrote a rock monologue that eventually became "tick...tick...BOOM!", which contained an homage to his mentor, Sondheim, and was widely produced after Larson's death.
"Rent" is based on the Puccini opera, "La Boheme," and also draws on many aspects of Larson's own life. The setting is moved from 19th century Paris to the East Village in New York City in the 1990s; the power bill woes and Mark's relationship with Maureen are Larson's experiences. Tuberculosis is replaced by HIV. The musical realized his ambition to make musical theatre more socially and personally relevant to young people.
"Rent" opened at the Nederlander Theater on Broadway in April 1996 and ran until September 2008 -- the ninth longest run in Broadway history. The show was made into a movie musical in 2005. Larson was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize, three Tony Awards (including Best Musical), three Drama Desk Awards and three Obie Awards.
"Rent," along with Larson's own story, reminds us we have "no day but today" to live and to love those around us.

[sources: "Jonathan Larson" (Wikipedia); "Rent" (Wikipedia); "Jonathan Larson" (PBS)]

"A Christmas Story" auditions are this weekend!

Auditions for the GCP production of "A Christmas Story" are Sunday, September 25 and Monday, September 26 at the Vam York Theater. The director's staff stopped by with a few comments about auditions for the classic holiday tale!

GCP Girl: What made you want to direct "A Christmas Story"?
Staff: We are very excited to direct this show because not only is it a Christmas classic, but it's a true piece of Americana. People of various countries have different traditions surrounding Christmas, and we believe "A Christmas Story" offers a truly American take on the holiday.

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your vision for the production.
Staff: We want this to be a play families look forward to attending, are excited to come to together, bond over, and leave feeling a little more affirmed in the spirit of the season. We want parents to hold the magic of their children's joy just a little tighter...make a memory!

GCP Girl: Is there anything specific you are looking for in the children and adults who audition? If someone wants to impress you, what should he/she do?
Staff: Remember how Christmas made you feel, or makes you feel. Carry that excitement and enthusiasm into your audition -- that's the most important factor.

GCP Girl: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Staff: We'd just like to add that we are really looking forward to this whole journey. We're excited to see our auditoners, we're excited to assemble our cast and get started on what we think is going to be a fun and very worthwhile production. Everyone -- BREAK A LEG!

That's all I have! Check the Facebook event page for more details. See you Sunday!

xo xo GCP Girl