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Theater
Review
RENT
LOS
ANGELES, CA - Rockin' out at the Wilshire Theater is the
Tony Award Winning production of RENT. A modern day
retelling of the famous opera, La Boheme, this rock opera has
developed a huge fan base, mostly from the younger
generation. Reminiscent of the days when Hair was the
musical for the youth, the contemporary music is the vehicle for
a message of ideals, taking a stand against injustice. The
popularity has been ever growing even to the degree that fans
will wait more than 24 hours in line to sit in the front
row.
The
story is familiar to those who know the opera. A group of
idealistic artists live in an upper loft in Alphabet City
in Manhattan.
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Mark, played by Brian Gligor,
begins making a documentary of their life and struggles on
Christmas Eve. Mark begins by filming Roger (Constantine
Maroulis) the guitarist, as he tries to write one last song
before he dies. Being one of many characters who has AIDS,
his life changes when he meets Mimi who knocks on his door
asking him to light her candle. Mimi, played by Jamie Lee
Kirchner, sang with dynamic energy, especially in "Out
Tonight." Playing Angel was Damien DeShaun Smith who
was decked out in a "Miss Claus" outfit.
"She" really tole the show with "Today 4 U,
" describing how he met his new lover, Collins (Marcus Paul
James). Marcus and Damien blended beautifully in their
duet, "I'll Cover You," and Collins brought down the
house with his solo performance of the reprise in Act Two. |
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The
energy of the cast was felt throughout the production. A
high point of the show was the finale of Act One when Leslie
Diamond, playing Maureen, sang "Over the Moon," and
the entire cast joins in with "La Vie Boheme."
Another notable performance was that of Rebecca Jones, playing
Maureen's on and off again lover, Joanne. Their highly
charged fight (duet), "Take Me or Leave Me" was one of
the best renditions of all the other casts I have seen.
Another performance worth noting was David Pepin who conducted
the band while playing keyboards. Performing on stage with
the actors, the band added to the excitement of the opening
night of RENT. The run is not very long, so don't
miss Wilshire Theater's fabulous production. - M.
Upward
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