University Union presents film and stage actor, original ‘Rent’ cast member Anthony Rapp Feb. 13

University Union presents film and stage actor, original ‘Rent’ cast member Anthony Rapp Feb. 13February 08, 2006Jaime Winne Alvarezjlwinne@syr.edu

The University Union Speakers Board at Syracuse University will present film and stage actor Anthony Rapp Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Goldstein Auditorium in the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center. Rapp’s lecture, “Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss and the Musical ‘Rent,'” will discuss his career as an actor and how the themes of the musical “Rent” – AIDS, homosexuality and death – have played a role in his life and American culture.

Rapp will share his experiences of performing in “Rent,” as well as his personal struggle with losing his mother to cancer. His memoir of the same title, which will be released the same day as his lecture at SU, will be available for purchase at the lecture.

Rapp is best known for originating the role of Mark Cohen, the lovestruck filmmaker and narrator in the Tony Award-winning rock opera, a musical about bohemians in New York City’s East Village. “Rent” explores their struggles with life, love and AIDS. Rapp shared an Obie Award with the rest of the “Rent” cast for his performance. He recently appeared with other members of the original cast in the film version of the musical.

Tickets?available at the Schine Box Office, (315) 443-4517?are $5 for the general public and $3 for students with SU I.D. Paid parking is available in Irving Garage.

For more information, contact UU Speakers Board Co-Director Clarence Cross III at (315) 443-2724 orclcrossi@syr.edu.