RENT

It has taken me some time to write this review. Mainly because I was torn in ways that so far this year I have not been. Let me say first of all that this was the first time I had seen "Rent." Of course, I knew about it and its themes and had read reviews of both the film and the stage musical and listened in wonder as "Seasons Of Love" was showcased at one after another awards night (and why not!) So I came to it fresh with a little preconception, but no prejudice.

So what made me so torn and unsure how to write this review?  It was not a two way split in my mind either. I had formed an opinion of "Rent" as a piece of musical theatre, another about its relevance to theatre and society in 2019 and yet another about the production itself. 

To start with the concept and theme of "Rent" being about the 90s AIDS crisis and ensuing angst in America. This was a massive issue for the gay community. Its importance can not be understated. A life-threatening, horrible phenomenon that literally destroyed lives. Even to consider creating a popular musical about such a subject is bold, to say the least. However we have moved on, thankfully, and the problems of the 90s, although not to be overlooked and dismissed as irrelevant as we continually learn from the lessons of history, are not those occupying our minds at the end of the second decade of the 21st century.  I was not drawn into the action. The musical itself does not allow us to become particularly interested in any of the characters: their challenges maybe, but not them as individuals. As a consequence "old tales" have even less of an impact than when this piece hit the stage all those years ago. Yes, it was rightly feted, awards came its way, yet its light has faded. A slow-burning candle that has at length guttered and gone out. Such was my reaction as I left the theatre.

Now, what about it as a musical?  Here again, I was not convinced. There is only one real standout song, one strong piece of performance art but the rest is mainly narrative recitative which is hard to follow if one is not familiar with the lyrics. Neither is it really a rock opera so can not be judged as such. All these thoughts influenced my reaction to the piece as presented to me. And yet I am not here to comment on the work but I can not proceed without stating my position. Quixotically I would actually like to see it again. I have researched the lyrics and spent a lot of time looking at past performances down the years. I was moved.

This production was like watching something partly obscured behind a veil. Like viewing a classic movie such as "Cinema Paradiso" without the subtitles. One is aware something significant is happening but one is not sure with complete assurance what it is. To work its obvious magic "Rent "must be communicated, we must hear, as far as is possible, the lyrics. They are cutting and incisive, as I now know. The problem with this production is that it did not reach beyond the footlights. The band was far too loud, the drummer especially. The musicians insistence in being heard above the actors prevented the audience appreciating the meaning of the immense passion that was being belted out by the wonderfully proficient actors. It is not for me to suggest a resolution to this problem, but basically, by some means, the band must never again to be allowed to hamper a performance by this highly talented company again. It was a tragedy. 

The cast was one of the most enthusiastic, well-drilled teams I have seen this year. This added to my genuine sorrow for them, working so hard only to have all their efforts diverted at the nearest raised tom! And what actors. Please forgive me for not mentioning you all. But let me say again how much I appreciated all you did. The costumes were appropriate and the set a marvel, carefully evincing the gloom, cynicism and murkiness contained in the musical.  I am really looking to be "theatrically grabbed" again by this company. Rich Brennand's direction was excellent. The groupings on stage were natural and unfazed. The movement by Millie Hall was smart.

I feel I have not really given the show a review at all. For the reason stated above.

My conclusions are that this is a team I want to see again. It is strong; not afraid to be challenging and to be challenged. This production died because of an over-enthusiastic band of musicians. It was a massive pity.  

PRM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.