Home »
Rent proving a unique experience for young cast
By Jason van Zyl
My name is Jason van Zyl, I am in Grade 10, and I play the part of Angel in the upcoming Selkirk production of Rent (School Edition).
I am excited that our school chose to do this musical and I am looking forward to the challenge of playing the character of Angel. This is my third musical at Selkirk Secondary School. I played the part of the Beast in last year’s production of Beauty and the Beast.
Rent is a rock musical that focuses on issues facing the poor and homeless in New York City in the late 1980s. This is a time when HIV and AIDS were becoming a problem amongst the poor in New York.
Angel is a transvestite living in New York. As you can imagine taking on a role like this has been a challenge. It is hard for me to play the role of a transvestite. I have had to learn how to walk in heels, how to sing in a higher range, wear tons of makeup, and be confident while doing all those things.
Costumes are another extremely important part of this character. Angel is stylish, but doesn’t have the money to buy top-of-the-line clothing. Laura Stoddart has done a great job of finding costumes that look fashionable, but on a budget. Keep in mind this is also the ‘80’s.
My director, Mr. (Sven) Heyde and I are working to build a character that is both believable and relatable. Angel has AIDS. He knows he has AIDS, but almost seems to forget about it at times because he is so caught up in the beauty of life and love. As the script says, Angel is “unafraid to say I love you.”
I am very grateful to Mr. Heyde for giving me this opportunity and I know it’ll be a unique experience.
Rent School Edition is playing at McKim Theatre from April 6-9 daily at 7:30 p.m. There is no usual Saturday matinée performance. Tickets will go on sale late February and are $10 for students and seniors and $15 for adults.
Tickets will be available at Selkirk School office and The Snowdrift Café in Kimberley, and Lotus Books in Cranbrook.
Please note that Rent School Edition is rated PG 13 and may be inappropriate for some audiences. It is intended for a high school or older audience due to mature content. Youth under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent.
Lead image: Jason van Zyl in character as Angel, with Brooke Janzer as Mimi (centre), Mac Ramsay as Roger (left) and Emma MacLeod and Sora Shimokawa (background).
