An Inside Look: Rent el Musical in Barcelona
Last week, Theatre Trip had the chance to see Rent el Musical at Teatre Condal in Barcelona, Spain! This was my first time ever seeing Rent in a language other than English. And I’d say that seeing a show in a foreign language is definitely an experience worth adding to your bucket list. This version of Rent will be playing in Barcelona until May 26th!
Location: Barcelona, Spain
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Our experience at Rent el Musical in Barcelona
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story of Rent, it’s a rock musical about a group of struggling young artists who are living in NYC during the 1980s/90s when the HIV/AIDS epidemic was at its peak. This Spanish version of the show in Barcelona hit many of those vulnerable moments of pain, while still capturing that beautiful perseverance and optimism that we all love in our favorite characters.
I was particularly impressed by Anna Herebia’s depiction of Maureen Johnson. Her energy of unpredictability and honest sexuality was just spot on. And lots of kudos to Albert Bolea for pulling off the role of Angel Dumott Schunard.
Related Topic: An Inside Look at La Jaula de las Locas in Barcelona
But somehow for me, the highlight of the night was the band! Although they were small in size, they were fierce! It was almost hard to believe that the music was live. The music direction of Miquel Tejada (see below) was on point, and every musician was at the top of their game. Actually, one of my favorite moments in the show was when Pol Barbé➝, the bass player, took center stage for his solo in “Santa Fe”.
* Theatre Trip would like to award a special 
to the entire band of Rent el Musical.
At Theatre Trip, we love getting to know inspiring people in the industry. And that’s why we had a chat with two of the musicians from the amazing Rent band! So keep reading for valuable insights for new musicians, especially those who are aspiring to play in musicals one day!
Theatre Trip’s Interview with Miquel Tejada
Miquel Tejada is a musician, composer, singer, and songwriter. He is currently the musical director and keyboardist for Rent el Musical in Barcelona.
Theatre Trip: When did you first discover your love for musical theatre?
Miquel: That’s a funny question because the first time I played in a musical was RENT, hahaha! I was 18 years old at the time.
Theatre Trip: What has been one of your happiest career-related moments?
Miquel: There were many moments! But maybe I could point out conducting Fun Home. It has been one of the best musicals I have seen!
Theatre Trip: Is there a musical that you would love to be a part of one day?
Miquel: Sure! The one I would love to be working on right now is Frozen. I love it!
“Accompany as many singers as you can. This is a good way to understand the singer’s behavior, and to get to know that very special instrument: the voice.”
Theatre Trip: Do you have any advice for new musicians?
Miquel: The first thing I would say to a new musician is to study and acquire the most conducting knowledge as you can, work, and play! And then, probably to accompany as many singers as possible. This is a good way to understand the singer’s behavior, and to get to know that very special instrument: the voice.
Theatre Trip: What’s next for you?
Miquel: Well, right now I’m working on the composition of an international animation series. However there’s also something in sight that I can’t share just yet… hehehe.
Theatre Trip’s Interview with Adri Mena
Adri Mena is a composer, songwriter, producer and musical director. He is currently playing guitar and keyboards for Rent el musical in Barcelona.
Theatre Trip: When did you first discover your love for musical theatre?
Adri: It was back in 2012 when playing the guitar in 13, the Musical. I fell in love with that show, and I’ve been working in musical theatre since then!
Theatre Trip: What has been one of your happiest career-related moments?
Adri: I think the opening night of Hamlet, the first musical I wrote, was one of the happiest. That’s a day to remember!
Theatre Trip: Is there a musical that you would love to be a part of one day?
Adri: Hamilton, no doubt. Or, wait, maybe In The Heights? Big fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda!
“Play, play and play. And above all, play for the show, not for you!”
Theatre Trip: Do you have any advice for new musicians?
Adri: Play, play and play. And above all, play for the show, not for you!
Theatre Trip: What’s next for you?
Adri: I’m now playing in Rent and will soon be working in my studio composing new music for upcoming productions. Also longing to play in another musical after Rent closes!
Have you ever seen Rent el Musical?
Or have you ever seen a musical in a language other than your first? Let us know in the comments! And in the meantime, you can always check out our blog post archive of past theatre visits for some insight on what’s going on in theaters around the world!
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* The featured image is by David Ruano.
* A special thanks to Rent el Musical for inviting us to the show!
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Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She holds a BA in theatre, a TESOL drama certificate, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.