Rent

Cheltenham Operatic and Dramatic Society

RENT                                          Playhouse, Cheltenham                        October 17th

Director: Darren Garraghan                                                      MD: Paul McLaughlin

Choreographer: Sophie Constantine

This is a powerful piece of theatre written in the 1990’s by American Jonathan Larson; in this Rock Musical, loosely based on Puccini’s La Boheme, consumption is replaced by AIDS, and is perfect for this smaller more intimate venue.  Set in East Village, Manhattan in 1989 it follows the lives of a group of impoverished young artists, and those directly connected to them, over the period of a year from Christmas Eve 1989 to Christmas Eve 1990. 

The set was well constructed to give many varied acting areas at differing heights, allowing the action to flow seamlessly between locations.  The furniture, which was mostly manoeuvrable blocks, and props were moved by the cast which helped maintain the pace.  The lighting had been well designed and cued, and with the addition of well-operated follow spots, created a good atmosphere for the different locations.  The sound balance was good with well-operated microphones throughout.  The costumes took us to the correct era and with appropriate makeup helped create the characters, especially the contrast between lawyer Joanne and the others. 

Choreographer Sophie Constantine had provided the cast with interesting choreography, which all added to the ambience of the show; from the more light hearted ‘Tango Maureen’ and Maureen’s ‘Over the Moon’ to the more sexy and exotic ‘Out Tonight’ to the intense ‘Contact’, everything was well executed.

The music from this show is generally not well known except for ‘Seasons of Love’, but there are some very emotive numbers.  Musical Director, Paul McLaughlin, had made sure they were all well played and sung with sincerity.  The Band was visibly set at the back of the stage and musicians and voices were always together and the singers never overpowered by the music.  The diction was clear throughout and there were some lovely harmonies.  Act 1 ended on a joyously defiant note with the energetic rendition of ‘La Vie Boheme’.

This show has relatively small cast and requires everyone to be prepared to work together as there is so much emotion interaction between the characters.  Director Darren Garraghan, obviously had a real passion for the show, and helped his talented cast understand the characters and their relationships.  It was obvious that everyone was totally immersed in their characters and gave strong performances.  They contrasted the emotional intensity and lighter moments well.

Well done everyone on a great show.

 

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