My Angel tory
(also long)...
ZealforLeal
Before the Angels came to San Francisco, I had seen Rent on Broadway and in London. In every city, the show touches me deeply. I missed the opportunity to see Daphne with the Angels. But finally, my chance to see this cast came. At first, I wasn't sure what to think. Mark had long dark hair. Roger was played by a Canadian who plays the role very differently than Norbert, Adam or Peter Eldridge. Collins was a tenor. I had seen both Shaun and Sharon on Broadway, so I knew to expect excellence from them. From the moment Trey said "We begin on Christmas Eve", I had a sense that something special was about to happen. By the end of Rent, I knew that Trey was going to be my favorite Mark. Dean, however, I didn't like the first time. I was so busy whining about how he doesn't have the voice or the look of a Norb or Adam, that I failed to notice how incredibly well he acted the part. The same was true with MLJ. I wanted to hear a deep voice and couldn't just enjoy the new twist Mark added to the role. But I instantly fell in love with Kamilah, Erin, and Brian Love. Overall, the show blew me away and I had to return.
On my second trip to the GG theatre, I began to really appreciate the special talents of the Dean and MLJ. It had become somewhat fashionable to bash them both in town. Dean had many fans, but many also commented on his lack of the original Roger look and sound. MLJ seemed almost to be fanless in this town. At the second show, I realized that Dean brought a level of drama to the role that I had never seen before. Also, I started to notice how well he performed certain songs, like OSG. I noticed how he and Sharon were believable up there. By the end of show two, I was a confirmed Dean fan. While I started to notice the beauty of Mark's voice as Collins, I still was not completely sold. He just didn't seem to be acting the part well, and I was still longing for the deep voice. After show two I was not only convinced that Trey WAS Mark, but I was fairly convinced he may be the best performer I have ever seen on stage. Sharon's vocal and physical beauty continued to impress me. Erin, Brian, and Shaun became their characters on stage. After seeing TM or TMOLM a second time, there was no doubt in my mind that Kamilah was destined to become a hero in SF. At the second show, I began to appreciate some of the cast in the smaller roles. In particular, Christian as Roger and Cheri as Alexi made an impression on me. Robin Walker did a wonderful job on the SOL solo. Seeing the show a second time in SF just made me want to come back again.
An interesting thing happened the third time I saw it in SF. MLJ totally rocked the show. He was showing off his vocals in ways I hadn't heard in the first two shows. I felt myself no longer missing the bass voice and wishing that Collins had more solo songs so I could hear his voice more. I am in the music business, and I have taken many of my friends who are also in the biz over the months. These people know a great singer when they hear it. Almost to a person, each commented on the outstanding vocal performance of MLJ. Many also commented on how pleasant he was to look at. By the time I left the theatre, I was a hardcore MLJ fan.
I have seen many shows since. I have seen Christian/Cheri as Roger/Mimi. I have seen Erica as Mimi. I have seen Evan as Angel. I have seen Alan Mingo Jr as Collins and Benny. I have seen Mark played by both Matt Murphy and Josh Greene. I have grown to adore folks like Lambert in his squeegie role. One thing remained constant no matter who was up on the stage--the excellence of this production. Each night they spoke to me about love, hope, tolerance and self-respect. Each time I cried for Angel. Each time I related with Mark and Roger. Each time I longed for Mimi. Each time I realized how delicate life is.
Jonathan Larson has left us a great legacy. The Angel cast has left us with some great memories. I look forward to today's show with a profound sense of loss and joy mixed together.