Book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson
Directed by Meghan Lynn Allen Produced by Rebecca Johnson and Lori Rodriguez
Musically Directed by Bill Martin Choreographed by Amy Meek
September 30, October 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 2011 at 8 pm and October 2, 9 and 16, 2011 at 2 pm.
REVIEWED BY B.K. GRANT
RENT WINS AGAIN!
The winner of four Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1996, Rent is a trip – a trip back to the days of dreams, aspirations and loving your neighbor. It’s a journey many of us remember well, one remembered fondly or with pangs of regret. Exit 7’s production of Rent tells the story of a year in the life of a group of young people from various sides of the street who strive to resolve conflicts, salvage their relationships and ‘make it’ in New York City’s Lower East Side.
The rent is due. There’s no heat. The electricity goes out regularly. Everyone’s nearly broke. It’s Christmas.
The company’s rendition of “Last Year’s Rent” expands on this scenario with a musical decision not pleasing to their landlord, Benjamin Coffin, III. In his first appearance on the Exit 7 stage, Silk Johnson is smooth in the role of a former member of ‘the group’, now a well-to-do property owner who, while appreciative of their situation, still wants the rent due him.
Josiah Durham offers a great portrayal of Mark Cohen, good friend and the play’s narrator, who weaves the tale of the characters’ personal circumstances regarding HIV and sexual identity. A struggling film maker, he feels capturing snippets of his friends’ lives just may net him that elusive contract.
Tom Collins is a computer genius – one of few in the group with a steady job. Josh Osborne lends his strong voice to this brainy New Yorker, projecting a self-assured persona. His romantic interest is Angel Dumott Schunard, a street entertainer and drag queen. Michael Garcia is perfectly cast as the sexy Angel, complete with five-inch heels and tights.
Michael Lorenzo is wonderful in the role of Roger Davis, Mark’s roommate and frustrated song writer. He evokes all the feeling of a tormented artist’s desperation to accomplish his goal before leaving this world in “One Song Glory”.
Roger meets and eventually falls for Mimi Marquez, an exotic dancer. Kyle Boatwright is a steamy and sensual Mimi as she tempts and teases Roger. They are both disillusioned, sometimes hopeless in their particular situations, but there is a tangible attraction between them which offers some hope.
The introduction of Joanne, a lawyer (another ‘decent’ vocation) and Maureen, a performer and Mark’s former girlfriend, rounds out the main characters of the play. Christine Green, cast as Joanne, is wonderful as Maureen’s strong, not-so-silent, take charge lover. Maureen is dedicated to Joanne and to the cause; Nikki Wadleigh nails Maureen’s feisty free spirit flawlessly as she commands audience participation in her hilarious “Over the Moon”.
Act Two opens with the company’s out-pouring of the well-known “Seasons of Love” as they look hopefully toward the New Year. The lyrics are clear and heartfelt, as is every number presented for one’s overwhelming enjoyment. The musical tribute to their departed friend brought this reviewer to tears.
The individual stories within the play are emotionally intense, exploring all aspects of loneliness, fear of commitment, love and expectation. While the main characters shoulder most of the action, this production would not be as great without the Ensemble, namely: Marie Allie, Tina Clark, Ryan Duchesne, Susan Duncan, Steven Grabowski, Jess Miller, Kait Rankins, Dawn Rendell, Joey Stankiewicz and Andrea Wilson-Pierce. The troupe induces sadness, joy and everything in between throughout the audience. All the actors are deep within their respective characters, grasping every mood, every sensation, every gesture, and delivering ten-fold. Jonathan Larson would be bursting with pride.
Collectively with the cast, director Meghan Lynn Allen, producers Rebecca Johnson and Lori Rodriguez, musical director Bill Martin and his orchestra (Stephen Foster, Bonnie Germain, Jonathon Hagopian and Dane Scozzari) choreographer Amy Meek, technical director Paul Hamel and many more talented, dedicated people are to be congratulated on this great achievement. What an emotional journey! When leaving the theater, this reviewer was speechless. There are not enough superlatives in the English language to adequately describe this performance.
Exit 7’s production of Rent is not just a great show or a superb show; it is an incredible rollercoaster of poignant experiences which grabs hold of you, heart and soul, taking you on the ride of a lifetime. No Day but Today.
Don’t miss it!
This show is for MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY
and contains material NOT APPROPRIATE for the younger audience.
RENT is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Music Theatre International (MTI), 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019, Phone: 212-541-4684, www.MTIShows.com.
RENT was originally produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon and New York Theatre Workshop. Musical arrangements by Steve Skinner, original concept/additional lyrics by Billy Aronson, music supervision and additional arrangements by Tim Weil, Dramaturg, Lynn Thomson.
