Anthony Rapp's Without You

Anthony Rapp in Without You at the Panasonic Theatre until Jan. 6, 2013.

Best-known for originating the role of Mark in RENT, Anthony Rapp is back on stage performing his one-man show Without You, an 80-minute musical monologue that uses the backstory of the creation of Jonathan Larson’s hit musical to launch into a personal story about the loss of his mother. Now playing at the Panasonic Theatre as part of the Off-Mirvish Series, the show is making its North American debut in Toronto before moving to New York.

Accompanied by a five-member band, Rapp takes us back to his first audition for RENT in 1993. As he talks about the show’s beginnings, we learn about his relationship with his mother, a gentle woman based in Joliet Illinois, who is battling cancer. Rapp refuses to accept her illness at first, distracted by the sudden death of Larson on the morning of RENT’s opening night off-Broadway. He takes us through the pain and shock of that day, including his memories of performing a stripped-down version of the musical for the writer’s friends and family. Of course, RENT went on to be a huge success, and a life-changing experience for Rapp, who was forced to leave the show temporarily when his mother’s health began to fail. The last part of Without You focuses on his process of letting her go.

Featuring original songs such as “Wild Bill” a Western number about his mother’s tumor, and popular tunes from RENT, including “Another Day,” “One Song Glory” and “Seasons of Love,” Without You is a touching, insightful and uplifting exploration of Rapp’s journey through grief. RENT fans in particular will not want to miss this one.

Without You runs until January 6 at the Panasonic Theatre. Visit mirvish.com for more information and to buy tickets.

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