Rent (School Edition)

I was very pleased to stand in for Chris Davies in attending the Top Box Studios production of Rent. Based loosely on Puccini's La Boheme, Rent (School Edition) follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians, struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.

Predominantly a fixed black set, on two levels with a central staircase and a telephone stand located stage right, when necessary the cast moved a central table and any other items as the scenes required, with efficiency, which kept the action moving. Mark  (Riley P-E) and Roger (Corbyn G-T) opened the first scene, each with a strong voice and acting ability. They were involved in most of the action, with Mark also taking the role of occasional narrator.

‘Rent’ the first company number involving Mark, Roger, Joanne Jefferson (Darci H), Tom Collins (Dylan F-A) , Benny Coffin 111 (JT M) and Maureen Johnson (Elizabeth B) was strong, questioning  how were they going to pay their rent? The physical and emotional complications of HIV/AIDS pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi Marques(Isla C), Tom and Angel Schunard (Alex B-W).

Benny has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this musical. 

Corbyn sang ‘One Song glory’ with raw feeling and his number with Isla ‘Light My Candle’ was very good. Dylan had a rich deep tone to his voice, Alex sang well and could move with style.  Isla also expressed great vocals with ‘Out Tonight’ and Darci had a wonderful powerful voice throughout including with ‘We’re ok’.

Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art; her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble. I liked the gentle duet between Roger and Mimi near the end of Act 1.

The company opened Act 2 with the iconic ‘Seasons of Love’ and Elizabeth and Darci’s number ‘Take Me or Leave Me’ was very strong. Corbyn and Isla’s number ‘Without You’ was softer and gentler  which I liked and ‘I’ll Cover You’ led by Dylan was sung with feeling, which Riley matched with ‘Halloween’. Ella J gave good support as Alexi Darling, as did a number of other minor roles.

When Mimi came to say ‘Goodbye Love’ this was another sensitive moment and when the parents called; Roger’s Mom (Emma W), Mimi’s Mom (Eden T), Mr & Mrs Jefferson (ED K / Izzy K), Mrs Cohen (Ilana M-S), it was different and well done. When Roger expressed his love for Mimi (‘Your Eyes’) it was very well acted with feeling. After one final rendition of ‘Seasons of Love’ the company received a rousing ovation from a packed hall.

There were a large number of challenging rock musical numbers, too many to mention each one. Those unfamiliar with this musical might be excused for not catching every word that was sung, but this was more than compensated by the strength, feeling and engagement of the whole company. I understand that some of the older members of the group were participating in their last show and it would not surprise me that in the not too distant future, they will be seen again on the professional stage. Congratulations to Directors Tracy Anne Wright and Georgie Pearce and all involved.

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