It will begin performances at the E4 Cowbarn in Bristo Square, Edinburgh Aug. 1, for a run through Aug. 26, then transfer to London's Menier Chocolate Factory, beginning performances Aug. 29 for a run through Sept. 15.
(Prior to the overseas engagements, Rapp will offer Without You at Boston's Modern Theatre at Suffolk University June 19-24. For tickets, priced $60, call (800) 247-4360 or visit www.withoutyoutheshow.com.)
According to press materials, "Rapp was working at a Starbucks in 1994 and about to audition for Rent a new musical by a young guy named Jonathan Larson. An inspiring story about friends and artists struggling in New York ’s Lower East Side, it was based loosely on Puccini’s La Bohème. He got the part, but Jonathan died suddenly the night before the musical's Off-Broadway premiere. This is where Without You begins. He shares his experience of being a part of Rent – his audition, the casting process, rehearsals and his view from the stage during the tribute performance on the night after Jonathan's tragic death. The show, based on his personal memoir, also details his relationship with his mother during this turbulent time."
Rapp is backed by a five-piece rock band in a show that features a mix of original music and songs by Larson and R.E.M.
His other Broadway credits include Precious Sons, a revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and John Guare's Six Degrees of Separation. Film credits include "Love and Other Impossible Pursuits," "Adventures in Babysitting," "School Ties," "Dazed and Confused," "Six Degrees of Separation," "Man of the Century," "David Searching," "Road Trip" and "A Beautiful Mind" (SAG Award nomination for ensemble). He has also appeared in "Winter Passing," a film written and directed by his brother, Adam Rapp. TV credits include "The Lazarus Man," "The X-Files," "The Beach Boys: An American Family," "Kidnapped" and "Law & Order: SVU." In 2000, he released his debut album, "Look Around." Direction is by Steve Maler; set design by David Korins; lighting design by Justin Townsend; sound design by Gareth Owen. Musical direction is by Dan Weiss with additional arrangements by Tom Kitt. It is produced by Menier Chocolate Factory Productions.
To book tickets for the Edinburgh run, contact the box office on 0844 545 8282, or visit www.underbelly.co.uk. For the London run, which goes on sale to the general public June 20, contact the box office on 020 7378 1713, or visit www.menierchocolatefactory.com.
