Without You

 TNT

It’s almost two decades since Anthony Rapp first became involved with Jonathan Larson’s award winning rock-musical Rent, when he won the role of independent filmmaker Mark in its first workshop production. Based on Puccini’s La Bohème, it moved the setting from Paris to a modern multicultural New York threatened by AIDS and went on to be performed all over the world. Cruelly, on the eve of its first off Broadway performance, Larson died suddenly at the age of 35.

Hardly surprising then, that the musical and the events surrounding it still resonate with Rapp, and in part his narration, interspersed with Larson’s songs, is a tribute to the composer and lyricist. But, even more, it’s a personal account of the decline of his own mother who was terminally ill at the time of his New York success.

Backed by an on-stage band, he’s a compelling (if indulgent) performer – delivering the poignant “Without You” with heartfelt intensity. And though you never really feel you get to know him, all these years down the track, he still delivers those rock numbers with the persuasive conviction you’d expect from an opening night.

Menier Chocolate Factory
53 Southwark Street, SE1 1RU
Until 15th September
£29.50 (Meal deals £37)
Tube | London Bridge
menierchocolatefactory.com