Reneé Rapp captivated an enthusiastic audience at the Cal Coast Credit Open Air Theatre on October 18, where her “Bite Me Tour” stop drew fans from far and wide. With her striking silhouette illuminated by red lights, Rapp commanded the stage even before uttering a word, causing an uproar among the crowd.
Despite tickets being added just a month before the performance, fans quickly snatched them up. Domenica Garma-Nieto, who has followed Rapp’s career for nearly five years, expressed heartfelt admiration for the artist. “She really helps me become comfortable with who I am,” Garma-Nieto shared, citing Rapp’s authenticity and outgoing nature as inspirations for her own self-acceptance.
Rapp first rose to fame after winning the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in 2018. Her Broadway debut as Regina George in the musical “Mean Girls” solidified her status, and she reprised the role in the movie adaptation set to release in 2024. Additionally, Rapp gained recognition on HBO Max’s series “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” although she departed the series during its third season to focus exclusively on her music career.
Throughout her tour, Rapp has leveraged her platform to advocate for important causes. Collaborating with Save the Children, a humanitarian organization, she pledged that proceeds from select merchandise would be donated, and she encouraged concertgoers to contribute through a displayed QR code. The tour also featured REVERB Action Village, where various organizations, including the UC San Diego chapter of PERIOD., raised awareness about healthcare inequalities and period poverty.
Rey Hunyady, a trans fan who traveled from Arizona for the concert, spoke of Rapp’s inclusive advocacy, expressing appreciation for her support of trans rights. Rapp’s concert began with a playful video showcasing her acting as different characters, setting an energetic tone for the evening.
As Rapp launched into her new music, the audience quickly joined in for songs like “Kiss It Kiss It,” where attendees participated in a light-hearted “kiss cam” moment. The crowd vibrated with energy during hits like “Talk Too Much” and “Poison Poison,” with Rapp encouraging them to embrace the lively atmosphere.
One of the more intimate moments occurred when Rapp perched on a grand piano to perform “That’s So Funny,” contrasting it with the raw emotion of “Poison Poison.” She shared personal anecdotes, revealing the depth of her songwriting process and connecting with the audience, many of whom were students from nearby San Diego State University.
Her performance of “Snow Angel” showcased her resilience in the face of adversity, underscored by an orchestral arrangement that intensified the emotional weight of the piece. The concert included an interactive segment during “Pretty Girls,” where the stage lighting reflected vibrant colors associated with the lesbian pride flag.
Rapp teased her audience with a potential performance of “Not My Fault” from the upcoming “Mean Girls” film, but the concert concluded on a high note with “At Least I’m Hot.” In a delightful surprise, Jennifer Beals made a special appearance to deliver lines during the closing performance.
As Rapp expressed her gratitude to the audience, she emphasized how joyful it was to perform in San Diego, leaving fans excited and hopeful for more music and advocacy from the young star. Her combination of entertainment and activism highlights a new wave of artists who aim to make a difference while engaging with their audience on a personal level.