Actor Guji Lorenzana recently unveiled a surprising twist in his journey with the upcoming Manila 9 Works Theatrical staging of the iconic musical ‘Rent,’ on March 12.
The 43-year-old singer-songwriter revealed at the Mirror Theater Studio in Makati City that he should have been part of the 2010 Philippine production of the same musical. Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, he was forced to opt-out.
“This feels like a full circle moment for me,” Lorenzana shared. “I’ve always wanted to be a part of ‘Rent’ since the very beginning, and I’m incredibly grateful for this second chance.”
Despite initial hesitation about his age being a barrier, Lorenzana embraced the opportunity as a welcome return to the stage. “I thought I might be too old for this now,” he admitted. “Coming back to theater and being involved in this production is truly a blessing.”
‘Rent,’ the brainchild of Jonathan Larson, is a rock musical that throws viewers into the lives of young artists battling for survival in 1990s New York City. The harsh realities of the HIV/AIDS crisis cast a long shadow over these characters, forcing them to confront societal issues alongside their struggles.
Struggles in ‘Rent’ are very much alive.
Meanwhile, Lorenzana, who plays Mr. Jefferson and Benny, discussed the themes explored in the musical are still very much relevant today.
“The pandemic, AIDS, HIV, misinformation that’s out there. People still struggle the same way, and that’s what resonates well in these stories and the stories doesn’t just mean entirely about HIV or AIDS but it can last forever,” he said.
The story of ‘Rent’ runs so deep that as a father, he teaches his children to embrace who they are and what they want to be in life.
“These are lessons that need to be taught to generation to generation. So this story, with all the technology and the things that don’t make sense today, that message still makes so much sense and will continue to make sense for generations to come.”
“It’s time to spread the right message,” he added.
The upcoming Manila production of “Rent” boasts a talented cast, including Lorenzana alongside Anthony Rosaldo, Molly Langley, Thea Astley, Reb Atadero, Justine Peña, Jasmine Fitzgerald, Garrett Bolden, Adrian Lindayag, Lance Reblando, Mica Fajardo, Fay Castro, Ian Pangilinan, Kai Banson, Misha Fabian, and Markki Stroem.
‘Rent,’ a 9 Works Theatrical version, will be performed from April to June at the RCBC Plaza, Makati.
