Who's Best at Singing: Rent or Opera Mouse?

Next up, a couple of tasty numbers for the Fringe: this time, you can sing along.

Uncompromising Artistry Productions presents everyone's favourite musical about Alphabet City: Rent. Let's see what they've got for us...

Jonathan Larson's gripping rock musical is brought to life by NYC based Uncompromising Artistry Productions. The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning RENT took the world by storm when it premiered on Broadway in 1996. Seeking to recapture the immediacy of this modern day classic, UAProductions pays tribute to the legacy of Larson's beloved masterpiece, with creative consultation from original Broadway cast member, Anthony Rapp. 

Set in New York's bohemian Alphabet City under the shadow of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, RENT illuminates the power of community and the necessity of love in our darkest times. This production is under the direction of Nicola Murphy.

Featuring a cast comprised of young New York actors, Rapp agrees - the cast is “dynamic, authentic, and extraordinarily talented”. Featuring, fresh from Broadway, Janet Krupin (“If/Then”) as Maureen, and announcing Johnny Newcomb ("The Last Ship", "American Idiot") as Roger.

“We have such an amazing group of talented artists and also really genuine, down to earth, authentic people which was really important to us as a creative team to find because this piece is so much about community and they’re so confident in themselves as people and as performers in what they can bring, and I think we did a really good job with that”, Murphy says of the cast.

Difficult one to follow there - but if anyone can do it, I'll put my money on OPERA MOUSE.

Tilly Mouse lives under an opera house, and she just loves to sing! Her dream is to perform on stage. But whenever anybody sees her, they scream and run away. With determination, imagination, and help from her friends, Tilly proves that even a mouse can be a star! A fun and friendly introduction to classical singing, where children are encouraged to sing along, and even have a chance to get up and ‘audition’ at the opera. Featuring songs and arias from several operas, including Gianni Schicchi, Carmen and The Magic Flute. Opera Mouse was produced in Edmonton Canada, and stars classical singer Melanie Gall.

About the Artists
Uncompromising Artistry Productions was founded by Samantha Cunha, Michael Quadrino, and Erin Mizer. UAProductions aims to support new work, new artists, or new viewpoints; it may be an entirely original script or a new take on a classic. “This production is as relevant today as it was in 1996,” says Artistic Director, Samantha Cunha. “With this reputation comes many challenges, but we are up to the task - presenting this piece in a way that is as urgent and pulsing as ever with a stamp on it that says, ‘this is ours’.” 

Melanie Gall has performed in festivals and with opera companies all over the world, including the Semaine de la Francophonie celebrations in Argentina, Uruguay, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, the American Spring Festival in the Czech Republic and she has toured Opera Mouse across North America, to Algeria and Morocco. As well, Melanie is the co-host of the popular Knitting Podcast, The Savvy Girls Podcast. Melanie is also performing the historic cabaret 'Stitch in Time', also at Safari Lounge.