Rent

The rock musical ‘Rent’ with music, lyrics, and book by Jonathan Larson, is loosely based on Puccini’s opera La Boheme, telling a moving story of the relationships of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life in New York City’s East Village in the thriving days of bohemian Alphabet City, under the shadow of HIV and Aids.  Richard Leach was well cast in the part of Roger, a formerly successful but now struggling musician and ex-junkie who is HIV positive.  Dale Crombie played the part of Mark, the struggling Jewish-American documentary filmmaker, recently dumped by his girlfriend Maureen played by Julieann Smith who becomes the girlfriend of lesbian Lawyer Joanne, ably portrayed by Katie Angus.  Andrew Davidson made a fine Benjamin, landlord of the apartment block and Elish Brand was well cast as club dancer Mimi and Roger's love interest, also HIV positive.  Dominic Spencer excelled as drag queen Angel and the love interest of Tom Collins, competently played by Craig Carter.  The vocals and drama provided by the entire company had great attack throughout and were supported with a well balanced band of musicians on stage.  This show was well cast and although it presented certain challenges to the company, a high standard was maintained and was well received by the audience.

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