RENT: THE BROADWAY TOUR IS GOOD AND LOUD

The cast of Rent in Act 1 finale.

RENT: The Broadway Tour, written by Jonathan Larson and directed by Michael Greif. Curran Theatre, 445 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA. October 6 – October 18, 2009

RENT: THE BROADWAY TOUR IS GOOD AND LOUD

There is a theatrical axiom that states, “If the singing is not good, sing it good and loud.” The singing in Rent: The Broadway tour is very good and there is no need to increase the amplification, especially in the intimate Curran Theatre. Apparently this reviewer is in the minority. The audience on opening night not only enjoyed the blasting from the five piece on-stage orchestra, they also entered into audience participation. But, I digress.

Rent became an America rock music classic from day one when it opened in 1996 winning the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize for drama. It played for 5,124 performances closing on September 7, 2008. Even while still playing on Broadway it made the rounds with successful national and international companies, with special San Francisco engagements in 2001, 2002 and 2006. The 2005 movie version was filmed on Treasure Island. There is a multitude of Bay Area fans and will add more aficionados of rock musicals. It has a great story line.

Inspired by Puccini’s La Boheme, many of the characters and plot structure are patterned after the opera. In 1880 during Puccini’s time, tuberculosis was the plague that led to Mimi’s tragic end. In Rent, 1880 Paris is replaced by 1980s New York’s East and AIDS replaces tuberculosis. It is a tale of the disenfranchised artists who struggle with poverty and disease attempting to leave a legacy. Roger (Adam Pascal), one of the protagonists, wants to be remembered forever with “One Song of Glory.” The major theme is defined in “Seasons of Love” with coupling and uncoupling of lovers. Roger couples with Mimi (Lexie Lawson) who, like himself, is infected with AIDS. You know how that story ends. Throw in a major sub-plot of eviction for non-payment of rent and you have a great title for the show.

The producers have wisely brought back Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp and Gwen Stewart who starred in the original show, adding other original ensemble members completing an energetic and enthusiastic cast. Mimi’s low keyed entrance with “Light My Candle” is marvelously contrasted when she bursts on to the upper reaches of the set with “Out Tonight.” Justin Johnston in drag as Angel has a show stopper with “Today For You.” There are many of these individual set pieces in this true ensemble production. Unlike many traditional operas, the recitative in Rent is very precise and carries the story without confusion. Even though Act two shifts to a more serious emphasis, the theme of love and hope remains.

Running time about 2 hours with a necessary intermission to allow your inner ear hair cells to recuperate before being bombarded by the final act.

Kedar K. Adour, MD

Courtesy of www.theatreworldinternetmagzine.com