City Theatre To Present World Premiere Of Rapp's 'Without You'

City Theatre announced a surprise special engagement, Without You, written and performed by Anthony Rapp. Directed by Steven Maler and featuring a rocking four-piece band, Without You will run on City Theatre's 272-seat Mainstage from August 28 thru September 21, 2008.

In 1994 Anthony Rapp was working at a Manhattan Starbucks and about to audition for a new rock opera by a young guy named Jonathan Larson. This is where Without You begins. In his new one-man show, Anthony shares his audition for Rent, getting cast, rehearsals, and his view from the stage during the tribute performance on the night after Jonathan's tragic death. Without You also details Anthony's achingly beautiful relationship with his mother during this turbulent time. Featuring Anthony's own lyrics and melodies, stories adapted from his memoir, and the landmark songs of Rent, Without You is a valentine to the groundbreaking musical and celebrates all of our seasons of love.

The Music Director/Guitarist for Without You is David Matos, and musicians include Daniel Tomko (Bass) and A.T. Vish (Drums). The design team consists of Tony Ferrieri (Scenic), Angela M. Vesco (Costumes), Andrew David Ostrowski (Lighting), and Dave Bjornson (Sound). Patti Kelly is the Production Stage Manager.

Without You is adapted from Anthony Rapp's book, Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical Rent, published by Simon & Schuster. Anthony is best known for originating the role of Mark Cohen in Rent and performing it on Broadway and in the 2005 film adaptation. He is also well known to Pittsburgh audiences for his role in City Theatre's production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Photo Credit Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.