Rent

A powerful production of Rent and it’s story No Day But Today was brought to the stage of Theatr Brycheiniog by Brecon Little Theatre. With an accomplished and talented cast who gave honest and uninhibited performances which is essential for this ground breaking piece of theatre, with its basis of HIV and AIDs and all that meant to the whole generation and the community in New York City. The creator of Rent, the tragic Jonathan Larson American composer, lyricist and playwright who sadly passed away at 35 years from an aortic aneursym on the morning of his work Rent’s first preview in 1996. He was inspired by Puccini’s opera La Boheme to form this musical, and was posthumously awarded the Pullitzer Prize for Drama and many Tony Awards including Best Musical for Rent. his life lives on in these amazing works he created.

The rock element of this musical was apparent as soon as Act 1 started and the theatre came alive with this music,the skilful band taking the action along with great pace.

Chris Ramkin as Mark Cohen gave a sincere and honest interpretation of this character leading the action and making this part his own, reminding us that life is for living, working seamlessly with all his co actors to his credit.

All the other cast members also shone in their roles and their vocals Dan Price (Roger Davis), Jesse Ashby (Tom Collins), Edd Price (Benjamin Coffin III), Nia Roberts (Joanne Jefferson), Ness Beecroft (Mimi Marquez),  Angharad Allan (Maureen Johnson).

An outstanding performance by Evan James as the outrageous Angel lit up the stage with an incredible athletic dance including the splits, and his poignant scenes with Jesse Ashby as Tom Collins were special.

Act 2 and the famous number Seasons of Love showed this theme throughout with great work by all the Ensemble who worked so well, weaving their effective way through the story with excellent interaction. Fantastic appropriate costumes and set, lighting and sound all very well done.

Original choreography enhanced the scenes. Well done to all the hard working production team.

Congratulations Brecon Little Theatre, thank you for your hospitality and welcome.

 

 

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