RENT

Postcard Review by Caroline Russell-King

Show – RENT

Playwright/s/Composer/s – Book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson.

Production Company/Theatre space – The Honest Collective, The Beddington Arts Centre

Length – 2 Act, 2 hours, 45 minutes (one intermission)

Genre/s – Musical Tragedy

Premise – A young documentarian shoots the lives of his created family over the course of a year which encompasses, love, living with AIDS, loss, political struggle, poverty and addiction.

Why this play? Why now? – While decades old the threat of death from HIV has dropped considerable in North America the issues of the unhoused and those with substance abuse disorders are still, sadly, relevant. Artistic Director Alex Bergen has persevered with his company, and I can’t wait to see what happens with his 4th show.

Curiosities – Why don’t theatre creators of this show consult with the generation of people who lived through the era for authenticity? In a winter of freezing temperatures and no heat, why do characters have rolled up sleeves and open neck shirts? Why does the program have 4 blank pages? Why do some couples on the stage move freely in provocative poses while others seem somewhat stiff and chaste?

Notable Moment – The last dance between Angel and Collins upstage in the shadows. Beautiful.

Notable writing – This Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning script was revolutionary when it first appeared. Firmly entrenched in the cannon of great American musicals this show is marked by the poignant note that the creator died the night of it’s opening on Broadway and never got to see its global success. Seasons of Love is an iconic anthem.

Notable performances – There is a range of acting and singing ability in this cast of 14. At the top of the talent pile is Mitch Lukinuk who has done the role before and is completely grounded and believable in his role. Playing the icon character of Angel, James Lintag shines. Evan Willams who has the unenviable costume of sweaters and scarves under all of those hot lights delivers a cool performance.

Notable design/Production – Emmett Noon delivers a two-tier functional set. Not all musicals benefit from being mic’d this was one of them. Some singers were belting, and in the mix of music track and was off. Sometimes we lose the clarity of lyrics, PLUS THE LEVELS WERE SET FOR A MUCH BIGGER VENUE.

Notable direction – Emmett Noonan successfully lights a metaphorical candle under their cast and along with choreographer Danielle Demarais delivers a decent show.

One reason to see this show – It’s a wonderful time to support plays and productions during Pride. Measure in love.