RENT at Engeman Theater in Northport fantastic!!! See it!!

[barrikim]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 9:45am

I wasn't sure if this was truly considered a Broadway topic since the show isn't on Bdway anymore, and I'm discussing a regional theater, but it didn't seem to fit in off topic either, so I'm putting it here.

I went to see RENT at the John Engeman Theater at Northport (in Long Island) last night, and it was FANTASTIC!!! I just wanted to urge any of you RENT fans who live locally to come see this production!!! The cast was fabulous (Mike Backes as Roger, Stanley Bahorek as Mark, Lakisha Anne Bowen as Mimi, Miles Johnson as Benny, Alan Mingo Jr. as Collins, Betsy Morgan as Maureen, Reymundo Santiago as Angel and Brit West as Joanne)

I was blown away by so many of the performances, and the directing and set were just unbelievable, and a true homage to the Broadway show. Alan Mingo was just incredible as Collins - I know he played the part on Bdway, and it showed. What a voice! And as much of an Idina Menzel fan that I am (and I am!!!), Betsy Morgan's Maureen outsang Idina a zillion times over!!! Holy crap - I couldn't believe the voice on that girl! Stanley Bahorek's Mark was spot on - he could have been Anthony Rapp - he was that good. He's only doing the part until 9/27, then Adam Hose takes over till they close on Nov 1.

Just a really great production - the whole cast was stellar. If you can, go see it!!

Updated On: 9/13/09 at 09:45 AM

[Danny Megs]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 10:07am

I agree! I happened to catch the show this weekend too. This is truely a phenominal production of Rent. All of these broadway actors are spot on. It really made me remember how much i loved this show. Go see it!!!!

[barrikim]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 10:48am

Yes, it really was so amazing, wasn't it? I was a little nervous going in, being such a fan of the OBC, that it wouldn't live up to my love of the show, and just be a decent copy. I was so blown away - wow!!!

Oh, and if you go to the theater's website, they are doing a student rush ticket system, like they did for the Bdway show. 20 dollar tickets with a student id on a lottery system. Very cool!

[winston89]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 6:51pm

barrikim, I have clicked around the site and saw nothing about a student rush or any sort of lotto. Care to tell us where you saw that on the website?

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 6:53pm

I REALLY want to see this since I saw Mike Backes as Bob Gaudio and Stanley Bahorek as Leaf Coneybear... but it's not gonna happen.

I saw Alan Mingo as Collins about 10 years ago. Ha!

Glad this production sounds like a good one.

[barrikim]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 7:03pm

I was sure I saw it on their website, but I couldn't find it just now either. But I googled it, and found an article about the announcement right here on Bdwayworld.com Here is the link - https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/The_John_W_Engeman_Theater_at_Northport_Announces_Student_Pricing_for_RENT_20090909

I hope that link works - if not, search for the article on this site. Or I'm sure if you call the Engeman box office, they can tell you how it works. I wish I was still a student - I'm a mom of 3 now, and I don't think they offer Mommy discounts! LOL Although I sure wish I did - cuz I want to see it again before it closes!!

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 7:07pm

That theater is quite nice and they usually do good work. I saw a great production of THE ODD COUPLE starring Michael McGrath there back in May.

[barrikim]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 7:19pm

I saw The Odd Couple too - it was terrific. I live in E. Northport, and I'm so pleased to see the caliber of shows they are producing at this theater that is practically in my backyard!! It is very impressive.

Go see RENT if you possibly can - you won't be sorry!!! It is something very special - especially if you are a fan of the original Broadway production.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 7:41pm

Ok, so my thoughts...since one person who's not a shill for the show should say something.

It's a really, really, really well done production that probably exceeds Grief's staging in terms of believability and character intention. I also thought the strikingly realistic set helped clarify the material. It was the first time where I actually knew what was going on at all times.

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 7:48pm

Ok, now I'm sold. I'll pick a weekend in October to check this out.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 7:55pm

yankeefan, what were some of the staging changes that you liked so much? Yes, I am living vicariously through you.

[barrikim]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 7:59pm

Are you saying I'm a shill for the show? Why? Because I raved about it? I live in E. Northport, and I'm a fan of RENT from seeing it on Bdway 4 times, and I was excited to post my review of it after seeing it last night. I'm just a fan who was VERY impressed with this production because it more than did justice to the Bdway production. I was nervous about it going in, because I couldn't imagine how the Bdway production could be met or equalled, but I was totally surprised and thrilled with what I saw. I have nothing to do with the Engeman theater other than being a resident of E. Northport, and fan of theater in general.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 8:03pm

You also JUST joined.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 8:07pm

barrikim - I was being facetious. Making fun of the message board and the fact that your initial posts today are about this show. No hard feelings.

Updated On: 9/14/09 at 08:07 PM

[barrikim]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 8:09pm

Oh, I didn't know I wasn't supposed to post a review about a show I loved here if I just joined! Actually, I've been a frequent lurker here, and I was a member a few years back before my second child was born, but then we moved and got a new computer, and I never rejoined. But I just loved this show so much, and knew there were articles about the casting about this production on this site, so I figured the members of this board might be interested in coming to see this, since it's so close to the city, so I joined again. I hope I didn't offend anyone by posting today. I really just wanted to spread the word about a great production of RENT that is within a driving distance of NYC. Hope you get to see it.