Last night I had the chance to see a first ever performance of Rent by a high school theater group. Of course, this was not just any high school. This was Truman High School, one of the most acclaimed and recognized high school theater programs in the nation.

As the story goes, Truman was approached in February with the idea to perform a high school version of the Pulitzer Prize winning show. No one really knew how a community, administration, or even students would react to such a controversial story. Local papers criticized the subjecting young students to such adult themes. Truman students stepped up to the challenge, and showed the community how mature they were.

As Truman theater director, Lou Volpe, stated in the program guide, "...you are faced with the challenge of directing a show that many coming will know every word and tune." Of course there are things that needed to be taken out of the original story, but any Rentophile would barely notice the subtle changes. Like the original story, you still embrace the collection of characters as they are introduced, and you still feel the pain as their family is broken apart. Each song still delivers it's meaning, emotion, and strength. Jonathon Larson would have been proud.

The stage set was magnificent with it's many details and diverse settings. I believe the New York group would not have had a problem performing here. The cast was incredible. I have to keep reminding myself that these are high school kids (15-18 years old). The subject they sang about and characters they portrayed seemed just to large for such young ages, but you can see each student was out to prove everyone wrong. I was waiting for a butchering of Larson's edgy storyline, but things I thought WOULD be taken out were done with veraciousness. I applauded their efforts more then I did for any Broadway show I've seen.

**Quick side story. I first came to Philly in 2000ish, and a friend of mine told me that a high school was performing Les Mis (I'm a huge fan. Seen it 11 times). I head down to Truman and was completely blown away at the talented students performing such a prodigious musical.**

Needless to say, I am completely overwhelmed by the performance last night. Jonathon Larson's father showed up on opening night and made a very touching speech to the audience, students, and family. It made quite an impression on everyone by the closing performance.

If you have a great drama/theater program in your community, tell them to contact John Prignano at Music Theatre International (MTI owns license rights to most major musicals), you'll love the chance to see your students perform.

~Philly