Rent

‘Rent’ was first presented as a workshop production in 1993 before its off-Broadway premiere in January 1996. It transferred to Broadway in April of the same year and ran for 12 years, making it one of Broadway’s longest running shows. It perhaps seems a little dated now but it was a ground breaking musical, set at the time when young people were facing the challenges of the HIV/Aids crisis, drug addiction and loss, as well as living in poverty because of their lifestyle. It’s not uplifting entertainment but somehow it manages to depict hope and most certainly has a cult following.

I had not seen the musical before and unfortunately found it a little difficult to follow the story which was mainly due to the volume of the accompaniment. I wonder if perhaps it could have been less loud so as to hear the words to the songs more clearly, especially as there is so little dialogue in the show.

Having said that it was quite clear that the audience of mostly younger people didn't have the same problem – or were already familiar with the show?

The set depicted a scantily furnished loft, a realistic fire in a bin and an upper walkway. A string of coloured lights brightened the atmosphere – it was Christmas after all - for the disparate group of young people who were living there, each with a problem which was either frowned upon or feared by society.

Jack Stark played the budding film maker Mark Cohen, filming the lives of his friends from one Christmas to the next, and Christian Tyler-Wood played Roger Davis who, having overcome drug addiction and knowing he has HIV, is desperate to compose a memorable song before he dies. They were both excellent in their roles.

As Mimi, Roger’s new girlfriend, Emily Costas was commendable and her ‘I should Tell You’ was notable.

Alice Jones and Holly Parsons, in the roles of Maureen and Joanne respectively, acted well as the couple in a tumultuous relationship. They were an unlikely combination of personalities. Maureen a performance artist, bursting with energy and Joanne a lawyer who is seeking stability. The ‘Tango Maureen’ number with Mark was particularly enjoyable.

In the role of Benjamin Coffin III - the ex-room mate who marries into money and is now their landlord - James Fuller gave a good performance.

Ronnie Jenkins made a very credible philosophy professor/activist Tom Collins and his love for Angel was expressed beautifully in the songs. I enjoyed ‘I’ll Cover You’. Angel’s death was handled sensitively and brought a tear to my eye.

The role of Angel requires just the right person to play the part. Cody Leahy definitely was that person – he was captivating! Such a good all-rounder too with his ability to act, sing and dance.

There was a great deal of chorus involvement and numerous smaller named roles which allowed others in the company to have their moment in the spotlight. I loved the various ‘phone calls to/from the mothers.

Choreography by Lucy Keyser was first rate. Right from the opening number through, it was absolutely right for the piece. The mood was set from the start with a rebellious feel to the dance routines and the cast’s facial expressions reinforced the impression.

With very little dialogue in the show, it was down to the musical Director Anisa Bharmal to bring the cast up to performance level in the six weeks available for rehearsals, and she had clearly worked incredibly hard to do just that. The whole company performed and sang strongly and their commitment to the piece was apparent.

Vocal ability of the whole cast was impressive. Their voices were powerful and they coped superbly with music that’s not always straightforward and which tested the range of each performer. The harmonies were especially noticeable in the company numbers which were well-balanced. All of the musical numbers are big; even those that are sentimental/moving are not toned down much in volume. ‘Seasons of Love’ I already knew and others that I especially enjoyed were ‘Today’, ‘America’ and ‘Without You’ which was really beautiful.

Jack’s direction was as always innovative and well thought out. Having listened to the music at home I feel I would like to see the show again and become more familiar with it. I could end up being one of the cult followers!

The musical explores friendship, love and resilience whilst experiencing the terrifying epidemic of HIV Aids and It was all there for the audience to see.

Lighting was very good and enhanced the emotions on stage.

Summing up, the production was well thought out and presented with a strong cast of very talented performers.

Your programme is nicely presented, I like the fact that it’s your own cast on the front cover, and it’s well set out. 

 

It was quite amazing that you all, back stage, on stage and the production team managed put the show together in such a short time – well done everyone!

 

Thank you for inviting me to see ‘Rent’ and as always for your kind hospitality on the evening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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