To be honest, I can't say there was any movement towards the top spot.

The Rent tour had such an energy that would smack you in the face as soon as the title song started. The stationary cast didn't quite have the same...umpf. Nevertheless, the show was phenominal and an experience I'll never forget.

To me, a lot of the show's power rests on the actor portraying Roger. His character has a fine line between ridiculous and deep. Tim Howar was the actor on duty for the matinee, and I will say, the man has the Roger hair. That is essential. On the more serious side, I think he did well, perhaps being a bit overly dramatic or agressive in parts, but generally did a great job. Having to bounce off of him is Mimi and I was lucky enough to see Jaime Lee Kirchner. What a treat. I'd heard great things but to see her in person was so much better. The girl could dance and she could sing. My only problem was that she lacked the edginess Mimi should have, being an druggie stripper. From Mimi comes her good friend Angel. I think Angel is probably the most effective, least dimensional character ever to grace the stage. Justin Johnson did fabulous. Today 4 U came very good; the singing was consistant and didn't sound winded and the dancing was great. (It was hard, comparing him to Ano Okera, who had the BEST personality for Angel, as well as the most endearing smile.) The Angel greatness died, though, when it came to Collins. The two were just lacking in chemistry. The kisses were pecks and just seemed forced. Mark Richard Ford was less than exceptional as Collins, although I wouldn't say he was bad. He just wasn't the best. He did have that hearty, Jesse-Martin-esque laugh that really makes the character for me. From Collins to another former roommate, we saw Haven Burton, the understudy, as Maureen. Despite my dislike for blond Maureens in general, I thought she was great. I would never had pegged her as an understudy. Her Over the Moon was crazy and her singing blew me away. As for her girlfriend, I wasn't impressed. For me, I need the actress playing Joanne to convince me she's worth liking. I just didn't find myself liking her by the end, which was disappointing. Speaking of characters that I need convincing the tolerate, I actually liked D'Monroe's Benny. He was just dislikable enough but I didn't find myself wishing he was out of the theatre. Great balance. Finally, there's Mark. I was less than optimistic after Mark's opening monologue about this Mark but found myself loving Christopher J. Hanke. He's no Jed Resnick (the tour Mark), but then again, who is? The ensemble fleshed out nicely, although Mayumi Ando's Alexi Darling was rushed and annoyed me. Frenchie did a great job as the soloist, although Marcus Paul James' male soloist was not the best.

Part the experience of going to Rent in New York is the theatre itself, decorated to be in shambles, much like the show. The outside looks great and still wears the OBC's pictures. It's an experience that won't be doubled, and it's worth seeing. Is it the best cast? No way. Is the cast nevertheless great? Totally.

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