Rodger Corser interview for RENT (1999)
Melburnians just love musical theatre and a new production will draw in the local social set. However, the response to RENT is nothing short of phenomenal, attracting a cross-section of thirty-something yuppies to fourteen-year-old groupies.
But now, the story about a group of young New Yorkers facing life’s hardships at the end of the millennium, is about to end this week. It’s attraction lies within the story, the characters and upbeat streetwise music. In fact, the rapport it shares with the audience simply tells it like it is – a conventional setting full of emotion and zest, with issues young people in the Nineties can relate to.
With no previous acting experience, Melbourne boy Rodger Corser spent the past ten years playing in pub bands, before landing the lead role of ‘Roger’ (yes, Roger!) in RENT.
“I haven’t got the musical theatre voice and that’s what they wanted,” says Corser. “With RENT, they usually go for unknowns who have a rawness, especially with my character. They didn’t want someone who’s done musical theatre pretending to be grungy, they’d rather a guy who can’t act like me!”
Many may disagree with the singer-cum-actor, who has received much praise for his sullen and poignant performance as the AIDS-stricken New Yorker. Although having only seen The Rocky Horror Show years ago at, of all places the Comedy Theatre, Rodger still drew upon a certain inspiration.
“I knew it wasn’t going to be like Phantom, but I had Hair to base it on,” he says. “That was my picture of it – a Nineties’ version of Hair. There’s the society thing, but this is not so much about battling other people, but something more personal. They’re trying to work out relationships in their little East Village.”
One can only imagine the sudden transformation from lead singer of cover band ‘Hype’, to lead actor in the world’s hippest new musical.
“It’s been a big learning experience for me, as I’ve never acted before,” says Corser. “However, I did do four years of media studies at Rusden, so I’ve sort of been behind the camera a lot, and my brother Campbell did a drama degree there.”
While Rodger lists his brother as the biggest influence acting wise, it is a diverse group of rock stars that has inspired the young hopeful who grew up in Doncaster.
“I love what Jeff Buckley did, but unfortunately he’s no longer here. I like Corey Glover out of Living Colour, and I’m hoping he does something solo. I’m also a big fan of Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam, and I grew up with Jimmy Barnes. All that Van Halen and Bon Jovi Eighties ‘glam’ I couldn’t do, so when the grunge movement came along I thought, “Cool, I can do that!””
Rent even goes as far as having its own groupies, and it’s not unusual to see a group of girls squealing from the front row, once Rodger makes his entrance.
“They’re great,” says Corser. “We really love those guys and they have even set up a little unofficial web site. I think for a young group of people, RENT is their introduction into musical theatre, and they can relate to it. There are twelve-year-olds to thirty-something young adults who would never go to a musical, and RENT doesn’t treat the audience like idiots.”
As all good things come to an end, Rodger must say good-bye to his namesake and a talented cast who have all formed special friendships.
“I’ve lived eight months with the namesake and I really like the guy,” he says. “The producers and everyone are sending us notes and emails about the closing. Once you’re in the RENT family, you never sort of leave and I think once you’re in it, there are chances for individuals to maybe do it in America or London.”
The soundtrack is a rewarding experience in itself with certain songs connecting to the audience, and Rodger is of no exception.
“The contents of the show really rams it home to you,” he says. “A lot of us have friends and relatives that have passed during this run. I’ve had certain loses, and we relate to the songs in the show. You look at the audience when Mark (Mark Richard Ford) sings I’ll Cover You, and there are people who are really affected by it. At that point you know you’ve done something good.”
Rodger has been co-writing material with a friend and hopes to shop it around now that RENT is closing. With his striking good looks, friendliness and casual approach to life, you can bet it won’t be long before we’ll be hearing from him again. It seems a far cry from the young boy in Doncaster, who would mimic Angus Young, using a tennis racket for a guitar!
RENT plays at The Comedy Theatre until July 17th. Call Ticketmaster on 132 612
My autographed program!
Watch the RENT (2005) movie trailer below
