[rating=5]Those of you who listen to my radio show or read me regularly know that I believe that every time you see a play, no matter how many times, one must think of it as the same story, but told in a different way. “Rent” has been around for some time. It was the work and heart and soul of Jonathan Larson, who never got to see the finished product himself . I have probably seen 25 productions and a film version and again, each time, I go into the theater telling myself not to expect the same production I saw last time out. Don’t think about the previous actors, or set or even costumes- go into the theater with an open mind and enjoy the fruits of the labor of the director, the actors, the musicians and all the tech people who make it happen.

Tonight, I went to Porchlight Music Theatre’s production of “Rent”. The stage at their home, The Ruth Page Center for the Arts is small, but deep and since there is no orchestra pit, the musicians are behind the stage thus the actors get their music cues from a TV monitor at the base of the balcony wall. For those of you who are unfamiliar with “Rent” ( how can that be possible?) it is based on the opera “La Boheme” by Giacomo Puccini. The story is about struggling artists in New York ( on the lower East Side to be exact) during the AIDS/HIV crisis. They are following their dreams and no matter what, they will not give up their dreams or hope.

Directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo, this edition or version of the play has some unique twists. The main character Mark Cohen ( deftly handled by David Moreland) is a video guy who has a desire to do a film about the struggles of the  artists during their attempt to attain the lofty success they desire. His apartment mate, Roger Davis (played to perfection by Shraga D. Wasserman) is a songwriter but dreams of leaving the Big Apple if he doesn’t make it soon. Neither of these actors look like any of the previous actors playing these roles, but they are both solid actors who have wonderful voices that can handle what Larson wrote.

They had another group of roommates , one of which left the group to marry a rich girl and he now owns the building in which they are living in. His name is Benjamin “Benny” Coffin III(Abraham Shaw) and the other, who does come back to visit is Tom Collins (Eric Lewis is amazing) who finds love ( and sadness) with Angel (Josh Pablo Szabo is a name to remember). There are others in the story, of course. Mark was engaged to Maureen Johnson ( Lucy Godinez handles this role as if it was written just for her- in fact one might want to come just to watch her work) and her new partner, Joanne Jefferson (skillfully handled by Teresa Lagamba). Mimi ( the incredible Alix Rhode) is the love interest for Roger and as we learn was for “Benny” as well.

“Rent”, although it is filled with songs that are solos and individual characters that move the story along,  is truly an ensemble piece. The ensemble assembled for this production are truly worthy of a Jeff nomination and probably a win-Brennan Urbi,TJ Tapp, Nik Kmiecik, Chris Khoshaba ,Nick Johnson ,Caitlin Dobbins ,Leah Davis ,Napthali Curry, Bridget Adams King and Wesley Anthony Clerge. These people play many roles and do lots of costume changes. without them, the show cannot exist.

Laura Savage handles the choreography with style and grace and the music is powerful ( Michael McBride) with only 4 musicians- two guitars a bass and drums. Ann Davis designed the set and the lighting (Maggie Fullilove-Nugent) and sound (Matthew R. Chase) along with the costumes (Gregory Graham) are all right on. I did have a problem with the video tape being projected on the back wall for the entire show. I thought it distracting. The other video projections(Smooch Medina) were great and I felt bad that they had some problems with the screen/curtain that broke the illusion. I am sure they will fix this and to be honest the production was so strong, it could withstand this little problem.

As you all know, I am keen on little things so I am happy to say great job on props (Rowan Doe) and the intimacy choreographer ( quite a bit in this one)Kirsten Baity.

As I said at the very top of this, go into the theater with an open mind and you will come out with love in your heart. Songs like “What You Own”, “I’ll Cover You”, “Take Me Or Leave Me”, “I Should Tell You”, “Over The Moon” (Godinez knocks it out of the park), and the brilliant opener for the second act, “Seasons of Love”- Larson was a genius and at least we have this brilliant work to remember him by.

 

“Rent” Thru – December 11th, 2022 at Ruth Page Center For The Arts

1016 N. Dearborn Street in Chicago