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| transcribed by Tina December 15, 1997 |
DCLA Host: Hello Everyone.... welcome to the Digital City Auditorium. DCLA Host: We have with us today members of the cast of the hit musical, RENT. Our host today is the one and only Alexandra Pollyea, also known as screenname Commeca. DCLA Host: The cast of RENT will be taking your questions. CommeCa: Hi There! It’s great to finally be online! I want to introduce the cast members we have with us. Right now we got two of the cast, D’Monroe and Andy. Please say hi to our audience guys! (Andy) DCLARent1: Hello, I'm Andy (D'monroe) DCLARent2: Hi CommeCa: OK, what we’ve got here are two of the cast members. We’re going to have the other members on a little later. (Andy) DCLARent1: That’s D’Monroe. CommeCa: Is this the first time you guys have been in a chat? (D'monroe) DCLARent2: Yes it is. CommeCa: Well maybe we should just get to the audience then. DCLAHost: Here’s our first question... It’s from Rolandsim... Question: Hi! How do you (the cast) feel about the fans that come and see the show constantly, and how they interact with you while onstage... how has this changed since the lottery system for tickets has started? (D'monroe) DCLARent2: It is great seeing some of the same faces. It feels like family. CommeCa: By the way, Rent 1 is Andy Senor and Rent2 is D’Monroe. (D'monroe) DCLARent2: Since they have switched to a lottery we get to meet a whole host of new fans. (Andy) DCLARent1: I feel that all the people who come see the show often give us alot of energy and add to the experience for the regular audience. CommeCa: How about another question! DCLAHost: Well here’s a comment....quite a nice one in fact! Comment: I just wanted ya’all to know that I was in the hospital during the time of one of your performances. I had to sneak-out, but it was well worth it. I had the best time of my life! (Andy) DCLARent1: Hope you’re better. :-) (D'monroe) DCLARent2: Don’t kill yourself for the show. DCLA Host: Here’s a good question....from KewlKid27.... Question: Hi, my name is Dana...I just wanted to know how you guys got started as actors and actresses and how I might get into this? (My dream is to be an actress in the movies or on broadway). (Andy) DCLARent1: I started in HighSchool and then continued on to college where I majored in theatre. CommeCa: By the way, If you’ve just joined us, this is Rent Chat, with Andy and D’Monroe currently chatting with you. CommeCa: Welcome Brenda! DCLAHost: We have a fan with us. We’ll try to invite her on stage... CommeCa: Why don’t we get a little more detail about your backgrounds. What did you guys do before you were in Rent? Andy, I think you said you were in graduate school? (Andy) DCLARent1: I was still finishing up college and auditioning for graduate schools. (Andy) DCLARent1: I.......Andy CommeCa: What was that story about how you connected with Michael at an audition? (Andy) DCLARent1: Michael Greif (Director) was connected to UCSD, a school I was auditioning for, and that’s how I got my Rent audition. CommeCa: That is really amazing Andy! (D'monroe) DCLARent2: As far as the acting goes. You should audition for as many things as possible. Start with community theatre and get a feel for the business. CommeCa: Where did you do community theatre, D’Monroe. (D'monroe) DCLARent2: I have never done community theatre. I started in college. CommeCa: How about an audience question? DCLAHost: Here’s a good one for you... Question: What type of music do you listen to right now? CommeCa: That’s a great question! (Andy) DCLARent1: Everything...... especially musicals. CommeCa: Like what Andy? (Andy) DCLARent1: I love the new Lion King soundtrack. (D'monroe) DCLARent2: I listen to everything from R&B to classical. CommeCa: What’s your favorite musical Andy? D’Monroe, fav artists? (Andy) DCLARent1: Godspell, Gypsy.....the ones that start with G. CommeCa: Andy, lol. (D'monroe) DCLARent2: The Artist formerly known as Prince. He is a genius. CommeCa: Are you a musician, D’Monroe? (D'monroe) DCLARent2: I play a little piano, only for writing purposes. CommeCa: OK, lets switch our cast members online. (Andy) DCLARent1: I’m switching to mark.........bye from andy... CommeCa: Rent1 will be Mark Leroy Jackson. Christian will be Rent2. By the way, if you just joined us this is Rent chat! Please say Hello Christian and Mark. (Mark) DCLARent1: Hey there.....it’s Mark. (Chris) DCLARent2: Hola, here is Christian. CommeCa: Anything to say in particular to your fans out there? (Mark) DCLARent1: Whuzup?!!! (Chris) DCLARent2: Hi, guys.... CommeCa: OK Let’s have a question. Why don’t you say what roles you play? (Mark) DCLARent1: I, (Mark), play Tom Collings in the show. Andy plays Angel. (Chris) DCLARent2: I play Roger....this is still Christian. (Mark) DCLARent1: Oops! I mean Tom Coliins. (Mark) DCLARent1: Oops! I mean Tom Collins, Yeah I got it right! CommeCa: Isn’t it great that on their night off they are chatting with us! CommeCa: How about another question? DCLAHost: Here’s a good one.......From Smaillw4..... Question: Whats the worst thing thats happened on stage during a show, like somebody tripping? (Chris) DCLARent2: Once I jumped on the the table in the opening number, and it slid about 3 feet. I felt like I was surfing. (Mark) DCLARent1: Mark......... I once totally forgot the words to my song and could not find my place. Everyone onstage was waiting for me to figure out what was going on. How embarrasing! CommeCa: Do you ever have to make up lines you forget? (Chris) DCLARent2: Yes. (Mark) DCLARent1: Well you can’t make up lines, but you do what you have to do. The show must go on! CommeCa: By the way, Tina, Andy says hi! CommeCa: Okay how about a new question. DCLAHost: Okay.... Here’s one from RDooley.... Question: You all sing such difficult music night after night, and the intensity and quality of your singing is excellent. How do you keep in “vocal shape”? What do you do? (Mark) DCLARent1: Oh you take care of yourself....you must know your own body and your own voice. (Chris) DCLARent2: You have to be disciplined and get alot of rest. Also, you have to work on your technique and act accordingly. Each person has his or her own limits. CommeCa: D’Monroe has decided not to eat carrots anymore. CommeCa: D’Monroe will say a few words here. (D'monroe) CommeCa: This is D’monroe for just right now...... I ate a carrot today and scratched the back of my throat. Talk about a freak accident. DCLAHost: Before we get to a question, here’s a compliment for all of you... Comment: I JUST saw RENT 3 weeks ago, after wilson left to join the NY cast -- just wanted to tell you what an amazing job you all did, and that I found your performances extremely profound..... THANKS!!! (Mark) DCLARent1: Mark........... thanks! CommeCa: How about another question? DCLAHost: Here’s a question from BobbyF... Question: I saw Rent, and loved it! What does it feel like to be involved in such a great show? CommeCa: I want to second that! It was great! Do you guys feel like stars? (Mark) DCLARent1: Mark......... its such a rush. We get to go to work everyday, and I mean everyday.... and have a great time doing what we love to do. What more could you ask for. (Chris) DCLARent2: It is a life changing experience. You truly get to see the messages incorporated into your own life. (Mark) DCLARent1: It’s also cool to be recognized in the mall or grocery store. I never thought that would happen. CommeCa: Where are you Julia? CommeCa: Julia is now joining us as Rent2. CommeCa: Hi there, Julia! (Julia) DCLARent2: Hi. CommeCa: Next question please. CommeCa: Are there any fans you want to say hello to out there? Julia? Mark? (Julia) DCLARent2: Hi, Tina!!! (Mark) DCLARent1: Hey Tina. CommeCa: OK, let’s have another question. DCLAHost: I guess Tina is a popular fan.... (Mark) DCLARent1: We’ve seen her alot :-) CommeCa: Here’s one I bet you guys can sympathize with.... Question: Hi! I’m seeing RENT for the first time this friday night! Anyway, I’m an actor in high school right now, and I was wondering what kind of advice you would give someone to have a good audition? Thanks! ~Rachel (Mark) DCLARent1: Advice for auditioning.....be yourself. (Julia) DCLARent2: Rachel, this is Julia --- Just be yourself and give the best heartfelt performance you have. CommeCa: Were you guys scared when you auditioned? Mark, didn’t you go to an open call? (Mark) DCLARent1: Mark........ I wasn’t scared at all. I had a great time at my audition. I went to an open call, waited 7 hours in line, and barely got in on time. I had a friend with me, we just hung out and had a ball all day. CommeCa: How many people were in line for the audition, Mark? (Mark) DCLARent1: Mark........ about 1500 at that particular one. There have been many others. CommeCa: Do you get to know your fans? (Julia) DCLARent2: We often get a chance to speak to the fans and find that most are warm. CommeCa: Julia, didn’t you say something about your fans going to see you at another show you did as a benefit? (Julia) DCLARent2: Yes, some fans came to see some of the cast members in the Worlds Aids Benefit. CommeCa: How about a really off the wall question DCLAHost? DCLAHost: Okay.... This one’s from ATureen... DCLAHost: It’s not THAT off the wall...:-) Question: RENT had been described as a work that transcends the boundries of race, religion, sexual orientation and lifestyles. Do you agree? Do you beleive RENT transcends all social classes? CommeCa: Wow, you let this intellectual into the room? (Mark) DCLARent1: Short answer.....yes! (Julia) DCLARent2: Julia....... yes it does transcend all classes and categories. CommeCa: Okay guys, that was a really zen-like answer mark... care to expand on it! CommeCa: What does Rent mean to you? (Mark) DCLARent1: Winnie the Pooh is my hero! :-) Rent is about relationships. People of all kinds have relationships. Rent shows people as they are in real life, like real people. (Julia) DCLARent2: Julia......Rent is about love! CommeCa: Andy has brought by a strange mascot. CommeCa: Andy come tell us what you have in your hand? (Mark) DCLARent1: Andy brought little piggy! CommeCa: (Andy is Commeca for the moment). (Andy) CommeCa: This is Andy - I have a little oink pig in my hand that I “found”. (Andy) CommeCa: I mean pink.. not oink. hee hee hee. This was Andy by the way. CommeCa: How about another question.... our next question is... DCLAHost: Here’s a good one from ...... IvyEyes..... Question: Hi all, my question is: What do you find as your “motivation” each night in order to keep your performance new and “in the moment”. CommeCa: Now on Rent1 we have D’Monroe. (D'monroe) DCLARent1: The music itself is enough for me. However knowing the message we are putting out every night makes it all worth while. (Julia) DCLARent2: Julia.....digging into the roles essence and as mimi that can be sometimes painful. CommeCa: What is that message D’Monroe? (D'monroe) DCLARent1: There are so many of them. Acceptance of others, love, and friendship. Thats just to name a few. DCLAHost: Before we have another question, how about some more praise... This one is from a fan the cast all knows... Tina.... Comment: I just wanted to say that I am so glad I got to meet all you guys.... you rock and have made my rent experiences very memorable...thanks so much for always being there and being great! (Julia) DCLARent2: Julia.........Tina you rock, babe! CommeCa: Tina you are a Great fan! DCLAHost: Here’s a question specifically for Julia... From JungShado. Question: Julia, do you feel weighed down by the part of Mimi and the reputation that goes with it?...by the way, I think you are fabulous. (Julia) DCLARent2: Julia... sometimes some think, I actually carry that street tough attitude. DCLAHost: Here’s a question for you, D! Question: Do any of you have other projects that you are currently working on other than rent? (D'monroe) DCLARent1: I’m working on my music. That’s from D’Monroe. CommeCa: What have you learned about yourself in the course of doing this play? (Julia) DCLARent2: Julia... I’ve learned plenty about myself through the people I work with. Like for example I will never eat escargo (snails) again. CommeCa: What is that all about julia? I thought they tasted like chicken? (Julia) DCLARent2: Julia...... I figured I’d try something new. (D'monroe) DCLARent1: I love escargo! Julia you are crazy. It’s great! (Julia) DCLARent2: Julia...... too fleshy! CommeCa: Julia stop with the snails! CommeCa: OK, I still want to know what it was like when you first all met in San Diego? (D'monroe) DCLARent1: For me, D’Monroe, it was a little sad and exciting. I was with the first national company before this. CommeCa: Christian’s band is here!!!!!!!! DCLAHost: Welcome Maracujah! CommeCa: Hi guys! Maracujah: Hey out there! (Chris) DCLARent2: Whats up Rubim. CommeCa: What is your band doing these days Christian? (Chris) DCLARent2: We are currently writing new material. CommeCa: You are talking with the cast of Rent here at digital city! CommeCa: What kind of music do you play? (Chris) DCLARent2: We play latin influenced soul rock. CommeCa: That covers alot of ground christian! Maracujah: Don’t forget reggae and ska! CommeCa: Oh yeah maybe some power pop too! CommeCa: Do you play an instrument or just sing? (Chris) DCLARent2: I play but rarely on stage; I feel it takes away from connecting with the audience. CommeCa: Have you got any albums in the works D’monroe? (D'monroe) DCLARent1: I can’t say right now. But its in the works! CommeCa: Mystery! (D'monroe) DCLARent1: Lets talk about snails again! CommeCa: D’monroe... you are a terrorist with those snails! (D'monroe) DCLARent1: Everytime I go to a french restaurant thats what I get! CommeCa: So where can you get CD’s of the band, Christian? (Chris) DCLARent2: You can find it at musica Latina or at Aarons Music Maracujah: About the CD..... call “Spirit River” ar 403-482-7510. CommeCa: Here is a quick comment from Youngfool7. Comment: Julia, I just wanted to say that each time I see you, your performance gets better and better, you always seem to amaze me... -Max CommeCa: Okay so we are going to be winding things up here pretty soon. So D’monroe anything you want to share with the fans? CommeCa: Mark, after D’monroe finishes, please hop on to say goodbye. (Chris) DCLARent2: Julia, who is this Max? (D'monroe) DCLARent1: I’m out. Peace, Love, Joy, Happiness, but most importantly............. God bless everyone. CommeCa: Thank you D’monroe! CommeCa: Julia after Christian finished could you hop on to say bye too. CommeCa: Christian what was that number again for your CD! DCLAHost: I remember it.....403-482-7510. (Chris) DCLARent2: To quote Ferris Bueller “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and take a look you might miss it.” Much love, Christian Mena! CommeCa: Mark, why don’t you say goodbye as Rent1! CommeCa: Julia, why don’t you say goodbye as Rent2! (Julia) DCLARent2: Julia...... well I guess this is almost goodbye. CommeCa: Yes, Julia, who is Max? CommeCa: You are chatting with the best troopers in the world. The Cast of Rent in LA. Who waited till we were back online! (Mark)
DCLARent1: Much Love, Everyone. Its been great chatting with you all.
Maybe we’ll see you on the road! DCLAHost: Here’s some great praise for all of you from DopeyWong. Comment: Rent has changed my life. Its given me the confidence to be myself. You all have a made a positive impact on my life. DCLAHost: Thank you Alexandra for doing a great job as host tonight... CommeCa: Thank You Ethan, Host extraordinaire. We’ll be thanking you! (Julia) DCLARent2: Julia.......is it really over? CommeCa: Yes!!!!!!!! Thank you wonderful Cast! (Julia) DCLARent2: Julia.....no problem! CommeCa: Julia say goodbye! CommeCa: No more snails Please! (Julia) DCLARent2: Julia....... Goodnight! CommeCa: Dearest rent chatters and audience! See you at the show! DCLAHost: Most of all, a HUGE thank you to the cast members from Rent.... You are incredibly patient... We appreciate it! DCLAHost: And one last thing... you should all GO SEE RENT!!! And if you’ve seen it, see it again! CommeCa:
Yes, see Rent! Goodbye and Goodnight. |
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