RENT Rocks Buffalo - Tour Review 1/13

[zamedy]

Posted: 1/14/09 at 10:26am

From The Buffalo News. I'm seeing the show for the first time on Friday...
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Message in Rent carried well by music
By Jeff Miers
NEWS POP MUSIC CRITIC

On Tuesday, the musical "Rent" proved that it could not only outlive its record-setting run on Broadway, it could also carry deep resonance with audiences well beyond its immediate milieu.

Though the play was initially conceived, in the late 90s, as a sort of Generation X interpretation of Puccini's "La Boheme," its power remains undiminished even as its characters face their 40s head-on, and the era of blossoming artistic curiosity, hopeful experimentation and willful naivete that marked that era begin to seem like keepsakes from another lifetime.

“Rent” closed its Broadway run after some 5,000-plus performances last September, and various touring productions of the dramatic musical have been crisscrossing the country pretty much from the beginning. The run that kicked off Tuesday in Shea’s, however, boasted much to make it unique.

As the first full post-Broadway run of the show, the onus fell on this particular company to prove “Rent” still had legs. It did so, handily.

Three of the original cast members signed on for this particular jaunt — which counted Buffalo as its second stop, after opening in Cleveland earlier in the month — and they lent a deepened sense of continuity to the production. Reprising their roles as down-and-out slacker-artists roomed together in freezing East Side loft space were Adam Pascal (Roger) and Anthony Rapp (Mark). Together, the pair anchored the show, acting as tour guides through the personal dramas, relationship trials and social interminglings that form the action of “Rent.” Gwen Stewart, another original Broadway cast member, reprised her several roles as well, and her solo during the ensemble’s “Seasons of Love” was a highlight.

Puccini’s ode to the avant garde and the uncompromising artist is a skeleton key to “Rent,” of course, and though the latter’s transportation of characters and setting from 19th century Paris to late 20th century Alphabet City might seem a stretch, it works, principally because the plight of the artist remains relatively unchanged from that time and place to this one.

“Rent” is about many things: facing looming responsibilities, dealing with the appetites that can often arrive disguised as personal freedoms, living with dissolution and death, finding some sort of lasting love while simultaneously trying to figure out exactly who you are. The unifying thread — and the main reason “Rent” continues to ring true — is a stubborn insistence on a life that rises above the commonplace and an existence that maintains some semblance of integrity and dignity over time.

How to pack this into two-plus hours without getting long-winded, preachy or boring? That’s where the music comes in.

Tuesday’s production hit the ground running. By the time the company assembled to offer the ensemble theme bearing the musical’s title, it was clear this was the genuine article. The live band crackled and kicked, or moved elegantly through the ballads. The set— balconies, brick walls and a towering metallic sculpture-art Christmas tree — was austere, but striking. The dancing was impeccably timed.

This all combined to allow us to concentrate fully on the songs, which were often undeniably magical.

Pascal’s Roger singing the aching “One Song Glory” movingly encapsulated the struggle of the independent artist; the Roger/ Mimi (a fiery Lexi Lawson) duet “Light My Candle” illuminated the fresh-faced hopes of new love; “Santa Fe,” given voice by Michael McElroy’s Tom Collins, hinted at the ever-present promise waiting just over the next hill; and when the company assembled for “Rent’s” most well-known number, “Seasons of Love,” the “seize the day and live in the permanent present” theme of the late Jonathan Larson’s original book was delivered poignantly.

Viva bohemia.

Theate Review

“Rent”

FOUR STARS

Opened Tuesday night and runs through Sunday in Shea’s Performing Arts Center, 646 Main St. For more information, visit www.sheas.org.



Updated On: 1/14/09 at 10:26 AM

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 1/14/09 at 11:30am

http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/story/548673.html

[ohjustjake]

Posted: 1/14/09 at 12:52pm

I completely forgot this was in Buffalo now. I'm pissed because I go back to school tomorrow so I'll miss it, again.

[Bdwy24]

Posted: 1/14/09 at 1:42pm

Fantastic show last night. Crowd was very responsive. Not a weak cast member in the cast. For the people who are in the show for the first time you would never know it was only their second week performing for an audience....

Something funky happened with the music at the top of I Should Tell You which caused Roger and Mimi to not be with the music. They were trying the hardest to not lose it through the whole number. LOVED it!

Lexi has an amazing voice and really did a nice job. Bravo!

[AudrasBoi]

Posted: 1/14/09 at 2:37pm

As a former "renthead" seeing Rent again after 6 years, last nights performance was like coming home. I ran into people I had meet in 1999 rushing and had not seen since. People can say all they want to about this show and about "rentheads" but you know for the most part I have had nothing but good experiences with this show and with the "rentheads".

I appreciate the previous entry about Lexi Lawson and her Mimi but I have to disagree. I was lucky enough to catch the OBC as well as the benny tour too many times and I have seen some great Mimi's and some eh Mimi's. Lexi is more of the latter. I personally thought her level of un professionalism was appalling.

When "I Should Tell You" began Adam started singing and he wasn't in sync with the orchestra, Instead of totally flubbing through it he just kinda sat there till the music caught up to when Mimi comes in. She sang her part through laughter. It took her almost half of the song to stop laughing, she composed herself for the end of the song but began laughing again during "Here gooooooes....." and continued to laugh her way off the stage. I am well aware that this is only stop 2 but really nothing was THAT funny. Other personal issues with her was her lack of belt. Her Out Tonight was entertaining but Another Day fell really flat. I always look forward to hearing Mimi's part in Another Day and well it just simply wasn't there. It seemed as though she just stopped singing when everyone else came in. Booooo.


Enough of the negative and onto the positive. I thought while in line rushing this would be my last time doing any of this. I've grown up a lot since my old rushing days but after experiencing the show last night and feeling the energy this cast had to give out, I may just have to go back and see this one again.

[Roseluvsrent]

Posted: 1/15/09 at 3:27am

I went to see the show last night and I thought the show was excellent. Lexi is by far the best Mimi I've seen! Its not the movies- its theater -shes human- and it was only like a line they were giggling on. Not a big deal. The Energy of the cast was Amazing!!! ugh LOVED IT!

[NJRae]

Posted: 1/15/09 at 1:49pm

I don't know Lexi and have yet to see her as Mimi but as far as "her level of un professionalism"...just remember that she's human. Not making excuses for her or trying to defend her...but I'm sure we've all done things at work that we shouldn't have or that wouldn't be considered professional. We're human, it happens. Would it have been nice if she had been able to get it together? Sure. But hopefully it doesn't happen again and it was just one of those moments. Not really worth harping on.

Meanwhile...what did you think of the changes?

[AudrasBoi]

Posted: 1/15/09 at 2:53pm

As always I am glad to see what responses I get when I decide to post here.

Roseluvsrent, I think having seen this as well as many more shows all over the country I can tell the difference between a movie and a live musical. I was simply posting my thoughts. I know people have moments but this is a pet peeve for me. As far as you thinking she is the best Mimi, I am glad you enjoyed her. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinions. Like I am allowed to think that it was extremely distracting and unprofessional. I was there with people who have seen Rent more times than I want to say and also two people who had never seen the show before. Maybe if it had been as small as you seem to think it was they wouldn't have noticed. But they both noticed and also felt the same way I did.

NJRae I am more than aware that things happen and that Lexi like myself is a human. I did not think I was harping, I thought it would be best to give as many details as I recalled so that I wouldn't be accused of making accusations without backing my story up. I tend to choose my words carefully when posting here because it seems every time I do post people seem to jump to criticize. (Not talking about this post) Unlike a lot of people who seem to find flubs and screw ups funny, I think that when you have a theatre full of people who for the majority paid a hell of a lot more than I did you should be able to keep your self together. I am going to chalk this one up to her lack of theatre experience (based on her bio) and move on. After in my previous post for saying only negative things about her I will give her credit for her performances of Without You and Goodbye Love. She seemed much more comfortable in these slower and more "emotional" moments.

Thank you both for posting your comments and I can't say enough how overall I really enjoyed the show. As for the changes, I don't understand the brining on the tables. It was different but it didn't really change anything for me. The one change that did get a reaction from me and others was the funeral. The "Angel was..." simultaneously stuff was really odd. The cast didn't match up, it wasn't so much unison as it was murky. If that makes sense. These changes that were supposed to be soooo substantial were just small things that really to me didn't change anything. I would also like to give props to Michael McElroy and Justin Johnston. Not only did they make Santa Fe and I'll Cover You enjoyable (I have always disliked Santa Fe for some reason) but they both shined in their separate moments Today 4 U and I'll Cover You (Reprise). Last and certainly not least Gwen Stewart. If you are going to see this tour in Buffalo or another stop WATCH HER! I found myself ignoring the main action quite a few times and just paying attention to her. She makes some great choices and really has some wonderful moments. Her solos in both Seasons of Love and I'll Cover You reprises were mind blowing and had I paid full price would have been worth the ticket price just for those moments.

I hope everyone who gets to experience this tour has a wonderful time.

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 1/15/09 at 3:01pm

It was GREAT to hear that the tour looks so good Here's hoping I get to see it.

[NJRae]

Posted: 1/15/09 at 11:41pm

Sorry, AudrasBoi. You're right...you weren't harping. And I didn't mean to imply that you were...I was just anticipating others doing so. You're right...they should keep it together up there. I will admit I do find some of the flubs funny...but at the same time always feel bad for others who paid a lot to see the show or maybe haven't seen it before and are, therefore, missing part of the experience (and maybe part of the show!) b/c of the flub. But...they're human and that's life. Ya know?

I loooove watching Gwen when she's onstage. She makes the little moments really count. And I'm glad you enjoyed her performance...I know she has been under the weather.

As for the changes...I've yet to see the show since it started but from what I've heard of the changes...eh. I am waiting to see the eulogies to really judge them but it seems odd and awkward. And them carrying the tables onstage...well I'm waiting to see it but...

Oh well...all the hype for a few small changes. Probably for the best. If they were big changes I'm sure everyone would hate them. lol

[zamedy]

Posted: 1/18/09 at 1:13pm

So I finally saw RENT..twice actually (Friday night and again last night). It's an iconic show that many of my friends who know my love for musical theatre could not believe I had yet to see. So here I go, with no apologies to all the RENT-heads out there...

First off let me just say this cast is absolutely AMAZING in every way. In no way did you ever feel like you were watching a 'touring' production talent-wise. This was Broadway quality all the way (for obvious reasons). Adam and Anthony..and the entire cast for that matter..poured their heart and soul into every song, every note. I honestly don't know how they can do it night after night without blowing out their voices. They were FIERCE. Saying that... does anyone else sometimes just get annoyed with Anthony's voice? He has such an amazing voice yet at the same time I almost started getting annoyed with it. Does that make sense? Ha. I could have also done without about half of those "Christmas Bells are Ringing" reprises. Even the whole mom on the telephone thing got old with me quickly.

I give Gwen Stewart a paragraph all to herself. Damn. She is amazing. Her part is rather small yet when she was on the stage I couldn't keep my eyes off her. She was out for Friday's performance. And while her understudy was absolutely wonderful, seeing Gwen perform that solo in Seasons of Love was one of the motivating factors for me returning Saturday night. And she did not disappoint. Wow. Hearing her belt is almost worth the price of admission alone. She would have made a great Motormouth Maybelle, too.

Other highlights.. pretty much every line 'Angel' says and Nicollete Hart's Maureen.

As for the story itself... I had seen the movie shortly after it came out on DVD but didn't remember much. I did know the basic storyline but still found myself getting lost and confused Friday night. Some things (the whole dead dog joke) made more sense Saturday. One of my friends who was with me Saturday and was also seeing it for the first time was lost the entire first act. The brief synopsis and 'family tree' that was included in the Playbill was helpful. This was also the first musical I've seen in a while that I found myself looking down at my Playbill often to see how much longer until intermission or curtain call.

So bottom line, if you're perhaps on the fence about seeing this show, SEE IT. If you are a huge RENT fan and already have tickets to the tour, you will NOT be disappointed. Several RENT fans who I saw it with over the course of the two performances said this was the best production of the show they had seen since the OBC. For me personally, I liked it. I didn't love it. I understand the huge fascination, loyalty and connection with this show. And I certainly respect what it has done for Broadway and the musical theatre genre as a whole. I'm just a sucker for the lighter, 'fluffier,' more upbeat stuff out there.
Updated On: 1/18/09 at 01:13 PM

[Ole Chum]

Posted: 1/18/09 at 2:47pm

who was her u/s? Trisha Jeffrey?

[zamedy]

Posted: 1/18/09 at 3:16pm

Yes. It was actually hard to tell them apart. They look so much alike. Trisha was amazing too!

I should have included this in my review... This was by far the best sung show I have ever seen come through Shea's.

[Bdwy24]

Posted: 1/18/09 at 3:43pm

Hard to tell them apart? They don't look ANYTHING alike. Complete opposites....

Vocally Trisha ROCKED it out.

[Clayford27]

Posted: 1/18/09 at 4:31pm

I went to the Friday night show...it was amazing. I loved the entire cast, and it was great to see Adam and Anthony again.

[Platypus]

Posted: 1/18/09 at 6:00pm

I saw it last night (Saturday), and I just want to say that there is something absolutely magical about this cast. They made the show so much more intsense than I've ever seen it before. I have seen RENT several times over the last few years, both on tour and Broadway (including Anthony and Adam in 07), and I never understood what the older fans were talking about when they said that the newer casts were lacking the chemistry passion that the earlier casts did (my first encounter with the show was the Toronto production in 199. After seeing this show, I COMPLETELY understand what they were talking about! Never before had I felt the emotions of what the characters were going through as strongly as I did last night. You could feel the heat and sexual tension and fear between Mimi and Roger. You could almost see the sparks flying. You could feel Collins's pain for losing Angel. I never cry during I'll Cover You (Reprise) because I'm just too familiar with the material for it to get to me. Yet last night I found myself choked up. I could go on and on, but you get my drift.

I won't go into a full review, but performance-wise, they were all pretty much bang-on. I enjoyed Anthony much more this time around than in 07. His performance is a lot more fun than it used to be, and he even seemed to be trying harder (and succeeding) in belting out the songs. Adam was just as perfect as a Roger as I'd remembered him and it was wonderful to see the ever-so-talented Gwen Stewart.

I definitely recommend that you see this tour and see RENT one last time in the way that it was intended to be seen. If you're someone who used to love the show and either lost interest or lost faith in the casting, I especially recommend it to you. It will remind you why you loved this show so much in the first place.