Channeling his documentary filmmaker character, LaRosa shares images spanning from his arrival in Bristol all the way through opening night.
I arrive in Bristol, PA, to my house. There are many separate apartments within. Quite charming in the sunset. What I didn't know was what was on the other side of the house!
James LaRosa
So this was the surprise waiting for me once in my room. Out my window is the Delaware River. This is the view during my stay here.
James LaRosa
Walking to rehearsal or to the coffee place, there are some beautiful grounds. This garden area is part of the Grundy Museum and Memorial Library.
James LaRosa
This dog was looking out the window at me while I was taking some pictures and I felt I needed to capture him. How very "Mark Cohen" of me.
James LaRosa
The Bristol Riverside Theatre! I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to play one of my dream roles in their 25th Anniversary Season.
James LaRosa
The theatre is of course, on the river, as the name would suggest. Right behind the stage door is the beautiful Bristol Lions Park. I love the gazebo!
James LaRosa
Awesome statue right outside the stage door.
James LaRosa
The BRT Managing Director Amy Kaisser and Production Manager Andrew Deppen happened to be sitting in the park with Bumpy, the dog from the other picture!
James LaRosa
I was so thrilled to see huge banners all over town advertising our production. Like this one!
James LaRosa
Meet the cast
James LaRosa
Some of the company during rehearsal for the "I'll Cover You" Reprise. A very intense moment to say the least.
James LaRosa
Meera Mohan (Alexi Darling), Tara Tagliaferro (Mrs. Cohen aka My mom) and Nadine Zahr (Bag Lady / Mrs. Jefferson) giving us a great smile during a five.
James LaRosa
Rehearsal for "Goodbye Love." Can't wait to get on the set!
James LaRosa
The Artistic Director, and also Music Director for the production, Keith Baker at the keys.
James LaRosa
After about two weeks in the rehearsal studio, we moved into the theatre. The set looked so cool. I couldn't wait to get up there!
James LaRosa
"Test. One. Two. Three. Anything but that." Here is Jamila Sabares-Klemm (Maureen) getting her mic fitted for the first time with our sound designer Adam.
James LaRosa
Julian Alvarez (Angel) checking out one of his wigs for the first time. Happy New Year perhaps?
James LaRosa
"Look it's Santa Claus!" Tyrone Roberson (Collins) made some risotto for a bunch of us. Just like to Collins to feed the troops.
James LaRosa
First time in costume, Mark Willis Borum (Roger) contemplating, to scarf or not to scarf?
James LaRosa
Brit West (Mimi) performs "Out Tonight" for the first time with lights, mic and set. It's all coming to together. Can't wait to see the costume!
James LaRosa
I wonder whose legs those could be... relaxing in the green room.
James LaRosa
Sheesh. I am really starting to feel like Mark Cohen with all these pictures. Here, from left to right are Anthony D'Amato, Michael Hogan and Tara Tagliaferro trying to sell me their best street merchandise.
James LaRosa
This shot features me, James LaRosa. Thank goodness someone else was taking pictures while I sang "Halloween" on the set for the first time. "How did we get here?"
James LaRosa
Tracie Franklin (Joanne) at first dress rehearsal with full costume, lights and all. Looking good even though she stole Maureen from me. Grrr!
James LaRosa
Carl Nathaniel Smith rocking out. I stepped down to audience level to capture the moment.
James LaRosa
Brendan Norton and Tara Tagliaferro taking a moment for a photo opportunity. Just some of the characters you see walking around my neighborhood.
James LaRosa
Running through "Rent" for the first time with all technical elements included. So thrilling! It looks awesome. I had no idea it looked like that from the house.
James LaRosa
Me with my new glasses and Founding Director of BRT, Susan D. Atkinson in the green room.
James LaRosa
Joseph Michael O'Brien (Benny) during "You'll See."
James LaRosa
That's my Maureen rocking out during "Over the Moon." From left to right: Jamila Sabares-Klemm, Joseph Michael O'Brien, Mark Willis Borum and Brit West.
James LaRosa
This show really is an emotional roller coaster. The awkward moment when I interrupt "Life Support."
James LaRosa
"La Vie Boheme!" From left to right: Meera Mohan, Julian Alvarez, Mark Willis Borum, Brit West, Carl Nathaniel Smith and Tara Tagliaferro.
James LaRosa
"To days of inspiration…" This has got to be one of my favorite numbers to perform. Look at the cast rocking that great Stephen Casey choreography while I sing on the tables.
James LaRosa
The BRT staff prepared the greatest opening night party for us. All RENT-themed of course. A Renthead's dream come true! They basically spray painted this mirror.
James LaRosa
In honor of Angel, you could toss an Akita, and if you managed to get one in the bucket, you won a prize! Loved it.
James LaRosa
Our Stage Manager, Michael Andrew Rodgers and Tracie Franklin looking wonderful on opening night.
James LaRosa
Me and Lindsay Galbraith, our amazing ASM rocking out a color other than the traditional backstage black.
James LaRosa
Tracie Franklin, Jamila Sabares - Klemm, and James LaRosa. Aka Joanne, Maureen, and Mark. Happy opening!
James LaRosa
Lastly, a final shot of Mark Willis Borum and me closing the title song. "Cause everything is RENT!" Ryan J. O'Gara really rocked those lights! Come see us through June 3!
James LaRosa
Bristol Riverside Theatre concludes its 25th anniversary season with the Pulitzer Prize-winning Jonathan Larson musical Rent, which runs through June 3.
Directed by Jose Zayas, the cast features Julian Alvarez, Mark Willis Borum, Tracie Franklin, James LaRosa, Meera Mohan, Brendan Norton, Tyrone Roberson, Jamila Sabares-Klemm, Tara Tagliaferro, Brit West and Nadine Zahr with local actors Michael Hogan, Joseph Michael O’Brien and Carl Nathaniel Smith.
Rent, according to production notes, "tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side in the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet City, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS."
The creative team also includes set designer Jason Simms, lighting designer Ryan O’Gara, costume designer Carla Bellisio and choreographer Stephen Casey.
Tickets are available from $30-$50, with discounts for students, military and groups. Tickets are available by visiting brtstage.org or calling the BRT Box Office at (215) 785-0100. Bristol Riverside Theatre is located at 120 Radcliffe Street in Bristol, PA.
