|
|
Who's Online |
2 Members and
6 Guests Online
| |
|
|
Forum Statistics |
Total user: 2221
Total message: 16385
|
|
|
Rent - National Tour Review |
|
|
|
|
Written by Shelby
|
As a Renthead, walking into a theatre set up for a production of Rent is like walking home. The show that I saw from the current national tour cast (specifically on Jan 19th, 2008 in Providence, RI) was my fourth time seeing it live, and was certainly a treat. It's a show supported by the strength of the individual leads and each should be evaluated on their own. Everyone has their own requirements but overall, they've got to have great pipes, believable acting, a clear enough voice for newcomers, and the ability to stick to the original choreography while bringing something new to the part.
Mark was played by Jed Resnik. I adore him and can't say enough good about him. I saw him in Washington DC last year and fell in love with him then. He's the perfect mix of meek, shyness, humor, and snark that makes Mark one of the only well-rounded characters in the show. If I don't stop myself now, I'll go on for ages about how much I love him.
I was pleasantly surprised by South African Idol winner Heinz Winckler as Roger. His accent took me a bit out of the character at times, but his voice was insane and played Roger fairly subtly, something too rare for the part.
I was, however, a little let down by Anwar Robinson, a top 10 finalist of American Idol's season 4, who played Collins. He had pipes better than any plumber, but the acting wasn't exactly on par. Collins has to be extremely lovable and friendly. I didn't get that impression with Anwar's performance. Additionally, any relationship scene with Angel felt forced and I felt no real love between the characters. I did still cry like a baby during "I'll Cover You (Reprise)", something I've never been able to escape.
Kristen-Alexzander Griffith was Angel to the T, nothing extraordinary and nothing horrible. He did bring some fun to Angel, a few well placed giggles and whee's that made her all the more lovable. His energy in "Today 4 U" was insane and really anything can be forgiven in my eyes if the energy and breath is kept up during that taxing song.
Joanne has been a character that I've either loved or been generally annoyed by. I'm sad to say that Onyie Nwachukwu's portrayal bugged me, although she did bring some new enjoyable moments for me. In my eyes, to make Joanne great, "We're Okay", my least favorite song, must be easy to understand, well timed, and well sung. That wasn't achieved that night, although her voice was certainly enviable.
One of the best parts of the show was Christine Dwyer's Maureen. Just stunning. Her "Over the Moon" was mindblowing, bringing an insane singing voice peppered by hilarious spasms and choreography. She was fabulous and I can say nothing bad about her. Was she the best that Rent has ever seen? Probably not, but she's certainly up there.
Another gem of the show was Mimi, played by Jennifer Colby Talton. As far as I know, she's played both a swing and a Mimi understudy and her comfort with the musical shows. Her voice was clear and strong, her dance moves perfect to the character, and her acting on key.
Benny was played perfectly in my opinion, in that he didn't stand out too much. John Watson played him with a good mix of heart and jerk actions.
Kudos to the ensemble cast. Mimi Jimenez blew the roof off with her Seasons of Love solo; I've never heard it better. The dancing skills, especially of the male ensemble members, definitely impressed me.
It was a strong cast playing a show that, in my eyes, can never go wrong. Presented with the chance to see this cast, I'd certainly suggest it being worth the money and your time. |
|
|
