Rent

YMTC’s was a definitive production of RENT.

RENT demands full use of a unique bag of mixed emotions for each character.

Featuring a cast of mainly over 20’s added to the believability of this production.

Giving some cast members the opportunity to draw on their own life experiences!

This production left no room for inhibition from either performers or audience!

From the moment Mark spoke his first lines the audience was engaged.

Mark (Rob Tilke) is a double role not only is he the nice easy going self - involved hyper intellectual film maker he is the shows narrator!

Rob also found the humor in Mark and perfectly displayed it when dancing Tango Maureen. .

This production was wholly reliant on every member of the company to bring out the light and darkness!

Everyone visible was working but in a way to enhance not to draw focus.

RENT demands full commitment to play such diverse characters.

Ian Pring as self absorbed Roger the love burned H.I.V positive rock guitarist was a privilege to watch and you could feel his angst watching his frustration wanting to love Mimi !

Charlie Hamilton’s portrayal of Mimi the drug-stoked girl ever high!

Was a highly credible one, the temptress with her candle?

James Newton powerful portrayal of Tom Collins stirred every emotion, from anarchist to cradling his love Angel as he was slipping away, not a dry eye in the house!

Angel is a demanding role both physically and mentally and George Heath was one of the youngest cast members so this was a huge ask!

Playing a transvestite is not something many young men would or could to do,

But George’s innocence was key to his performance and he more than fulfilled the role.

Paige Brunton is a natural actor and comedian, she had no inhibitions as flirty, fun loving Maureen and her Over the Moon was hilarious.

In complete contrast Joanne is a more sober character but Leah Farmer found the fun in her especially as she danced Tango Maureen with Mark. 

Ensemble work and singing of Christmas Bells was both humorous and poignant.

Dialogue accents and delivery were strong.

One of the highlights and lighter moments was the hand ballet of La Vi Boheme

Dancers were totally uninhibited when performing the highly charged raunchy moves.

Thoughtful choreography was key to capturing the most intimate moments.

The simple set was uncluttered so you could focus solely on the players.

This production was compelling to watch....

Well done.

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