Living ‘La Vie Boheme’

The Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa will engender a “Season of Love” tonight, when a touring production of the rock musical “Rent” — starring some of its original Broadway cast members — debuts for a six-day engagement.

The Daily Pilot spoke to star Adam Pascal, who originated the role of Roger on Broadway and later appeared in the film version of the musical, about the show’s longevity as well as its polarized local reputation.

Daily Pilot: What makes you stick to this role, after so long?

Adam Pascal: We’re forever connected to it and associated with it. It’s an honor to be connected to and part of something like that. The opportunity to sort of go back and revisit the show came back at appropriate times of my life, and it always seemed like the right decision at the right time. It’s just the gift that keeps on giving.

DP: Have attitudes toward the show changed since “Rent” was written?

AP: The response to the show hasn’t changed, interestingly enough, but it’s a testament to the show that it’s able to navigate through different pop culture and cultural changes that sort of go in and out with the mood of the country. So many things affect the mood of the public, and the show has always managed to maintain and gain new audience members through all that. I’m amazed at just how the show keeps finding new fans. That’s just thrilling to me.

A lot of people have come to the show just based on the movie version. I was such a huge fan of musical movies as a kid. I remember what it felt like seeing movies like that. I never got to see those shows live on Broadway. Now these kids are having the same experience, but they can come see the touring company.

DP: What have you learned personally from Roger and the other characters?

AP: It’s sort of hard to verbalize it. I think I’ve grown much more as a person from having children. (laughs) It’s a beautiful message, and you can’t help but be affected by it in some way. A lot of people call it “life-affirming,” and that’s amazing to me, to hear those adjectives thrown around with something I’m involved in.

DP: Have you heard about what happened here at Corona del Mar High School when they tried to stage “Rent?”