Despite the cooler weather, fiery live productions are heating up Los Angeles stages. This autumn, star-studded casts and beloved stage shows will leave audiences with much to be thankful for.
Carlsbad-native Alisa Melendez returns home to take the stage as Sophie Sheridan in the Broadway SD musical which kicks off its US tour in San Diego on November 7, 2023.
Since Rent’s 1996 Broadway debut, Michael Greif’s gritty-polished production has been mimicked in high schools, community theaters, and regional houses across the country. At Paper Mill Playhouse, Zi Alikhan’s rendition immediately distinguishes itself. Yes, there are still baggy sweaters and colorful folding chairs, but as a production this Rent is as much elegy as it is musical.
The composer dissects the 24-track cast recording, revealing his classic rock influences for the songwriting and sharing details about the collaboration with Cameron Crowe, the musical's (and the film's) writer.