Rent

After a long 5yr wait it was finally time for Thomson Leng Musical Society to let the public see their amazing adaptation of Jonathan Larson's story of Rent. The rock musical about a group of young artists and friends struggling to survive in New York City’s East Village during the height of the HIV/Aids crisis.

Upon entering the theatre, you were immediately taken into the start of the story with an open stage filled with multiple levels and various areas broken up which were all used well throughout the production, during the pre-show the stage was filled with cast members dressing the stage, interacting with each other and showing the deprived area, they were living in.

So, to continue and create the bigger story is of course the very talented and well selected group of central principals. Tom Richmond as Mark Cohen was a delight to see with depth, meaning and true story telling ability pulling the full story together through the eyes of his camera. Connor Wilson as Roger Davis showed the characters true worth with his powerful and controlled vocals and showing so much emotion throughout. Ellen Ryder as Mimi Marquez took you on her own journey showing you her struggles with addiction whilst showing the audience so many different aspects to her. Sean O’ Rourke character Tom Collins certainly took us on a love filled story with Robert Oakes Angel Dumott Schunard character showing the gentle, loving & caring person that Angel was and how that meeting at the phone booth brought together a beautiful pairing, Sean’s version of I’ll Cover You Reprise left not a dry eye in the theatre, with so much power, emotion and genuine characterisation. Rachel Hogg as Maureen Johnson certainly had us all jumping over the moon with her faultless performance and comical mooing with the crowd, before showing us the other side to Maureen when paired up with Joanne Jefferson played by Connie Uribe. This pairing together had great strength in each other and not a moment missed when showing their very different characters. And let’s not forget Benjamin Coffin III (Benny) played by Steven Miller, the so-called friend who walked away from the group for what he thought was a better side of life, only to realise what he left was actually what he truly was in life. These principals were supported by an extremely talented ensemble each with their own characters and own stories, matched with powerful solos throughout from Rachel Weir & Robbie Lamond.

This production was filled with love, energy, enthusiasm, passion for the theatre and story telling of another level. Together with the amazing direction and choreography from Donna Bustard and as always amazing vocals and harmonies from Billy Muir really left a true impact on so many people.

There really is “ No Day, But Today “

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.