Raritan Valley Community College Takes on "Jam Packed" Musical

BRANCHBURG, NJ: Rehearsals have begun at Raritan Valley Community College for the community’s March production of the rock opera “Rent”.

“Rent” is set in New York City in the late 1980s and tells the story of a group of struggling artists and musicians dealing with love, drugs and aids. Cast member Chris Boccard said, “No matter what year you are in the story is still relevant.”

The characters have relationships with each other that stage manager Heather Mussel said were “Unique enough to love them, relatable though that you love them for being a part of you.”

Though it is her first musical at RVCC, award winning director Gloria Trombley has directed over 80 musicals in the 30 years she has taught. Trombley is a Musical Theater professor at RVCC with a masters in Theater and Dance.

“Rent” was not Trombley’s first choice of musicals, so when “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” fell through, she went with “Rent”, though it had a larger cast and over 40 songs. Without the help of RVCC’s Music department and no Musical Theater program at the school, Trombley wasn’t sure this Rock Opera would be the right pick.

With help from Student Director Hillary Stein and Stage Manager Heather Mussel who both have experience in acting as well, Trombley has an extra set of eyes on stage as well as a person responsible for all the technical aspects of the production.

Though Stein is acting as a member of the ensemble as well, this is a good experience to watch and absorb all Trombley has to teach as she hopes to direct musicals later in her career.

As for Mussel, the responsibilities of stage managing are far more extensive than acting. “Making sure everyone is one time, has what they need and all props are in place,” Mussel says is one of the most important jobs.

Trombley’s one time student and long time friend, actor Chris Boccard, was cast as Mark, has auditioned for Broadway’s National Tour Production of “Rent” many times, receiving 38 final callbacks. Though he was skeptical of a community college putting on such a big production Boccard said, “the talent is pretty darn good.” Boccard is along side Chuck LaCorte cast as Roger. LaCorte, who before acting in RENT three times since February of 2010 has never acted before. LaCorte said, “Even though I’ve done it three times...I never get tired of the show.”

“This is probably the most talented cast I’ve worked with,” as well as, “the best set I’ve ever worked with,” LaCorte said, referring to the other productions he has acted in.