Rent Review - April 29, 2008 (RENT 12)

[Akitarent]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 9:32pm

I saw the show last night. I apologize for the misspellings/grammar. I thought since it was going to be their last anniversary on I thought it fitting to go. I know my opinion isn’t going to be a popular one but these are the observations I made last night. I went with a good friend who has seen the show countless times and he agreed.

I wish I could say the show was amazing but I was rather dull. I wanted to soak up every minute but I was under whelmed. The cast had a typical Tuesday audience and they seemed to be going through the motions. Like last year, all they did for their anniversary was give out playbills with a gold seal stating they had been on Broadway for twelve years.

Upon getting my tickets earlier in the night I ran into Anthony Rapp who told me he was going a toast before the show to commemorate the anniversary. Also “Papa” Larson was there as well. I was sitting in the Mezzanine.

I believe I have a few extra Playbills if you are interested. Contact me via myspace if you are interested ([ http://www.myspace.com/nealzb ]www.myspace.com/nealzb)

THE BAD:

Declan Bennett (Roger)- First of all, something about him strike me more as an understudy than anything. When he started singing he was straining the whole night. Especially during Another Day and Your Eyes, you could hear the vocal tension as he sung. I thought his acting 90% was bland and I kept thinking, “Surely he couldn’t be their best choice”. I thought he his acting in “One Song Glory” was okay, but I had a hard time believing any of his actions and believing he was really connected to anyone on stage. I thought he had some great moments in “Goodbye Love” but I thought he looked rather lost and didn’t have much chemistry. Strained voice and no chemistry. I was disappointed.

Nicolette Hart (Maureen)- I love her acting but there is a HUGE difference between singing and screaming. “Take Me or Leave Me” (at least in the mezzanine) was pretty bad. It was so loud it just sounded like a bunch of yelling. You couldn’t understand majority of the words and it just looked like a sophomoric version of the song. I felt embarrassed. I am always a fan of Nicolette’s “Over the Moon” but again if you didn’t know the show many lines were lost because of her insistent screaming. I saw a few people covering their ears. She has great acting ability, great timing, but unfortunately her voice does not fit the part. She is sexy; I love how she looks more like a lesbian artist. But I cannot wait for Eden or in fact anyone to come into to replace her. I was never a fan of Kelly Karbartz (I know I’m off with spelling), but I would rather her than to endure Nicolette’s screeching again.

THE MIDDLE

Adam Kantor (Mark)- I applaud producers bringing in some new blood! (And I’m sure for them he is less expensive to pay). But I am not a fan. His inexperience shows through. I thought he tried very hard and I give him an A for effort. But there is something about his posture how his chest sticks out and his characterization. I think he has to find the heart of Mark. Goodbye Love needs some work and a few times I guess he vocally felt strained because I saw him sneaking some extra water on stage. I expected when I heard there would be a new Mark (and most likely the final) to be vibrant, dead on acting and vocally; but I was just impressed. I have seen many, many tour Marks (Equity and Non-Equity) who would have been up to the challenge. I think he needs a little more confidence under his belt and to really understand the complexity of the characters and how to interact based on that. There were times when I felt like I was watching Charades. Too many hand gestures.

Andrea Goss (Alexi Darling)- I felt she was just there. Blended in with the scenery (or lack of). She doesn’t have the typical “Alexi Darling” voice, and at times I thought her acting made her appear younger than she is. I would like to she her in a different role, but I just thought that “cute” Alexi spark wasn’t there. Instead the role felt like “Why do they have the character Alexi voice mail.. she’s just there.”

UNDERSTUDY Telly (Angel)- Telly gets an A for tons of cuteness! He did a great job. You can tell he’s classically trained because I thought sometimes he voice didn’t work in the role. I missed the typical Angel “voice” as well. I did like his Contact very much. I think also because it seems he doesn’t go on often, he can use a few more times under his belt. I have to say Telly made me realize how much I miss Justin’s Angel. Justin just has a more polished, relaxed Angel. Justin makes Angel seem effortless to play and always keeps his energy up. Telly was good and had great chemistry but in terms of giving Angel that personality that makes us want to care for him, I think it was missing a little. I am so glad I finally saw him as Angel. But favorite Angel understudy is Shaun (though it’s been years).

OTHERS
Benny- Rodney Hicks – He’s okay. Love he’s a cutie, he’s an OBC, he does a good job.

Mrs. C & others- Caren Lyn Manuel. I LOVE her Mimi, Maureen and this part is always like “this girl can SING put her on as MIMI!!!”

UNDESTUDY Mr. Jefferson & others- Philip Dorian McAdoo. Not too much of a fan of his SOL solo. He’s okay.

Mrs. Jefferson & others- Maia Nkenge Wilson – I used to loooovve her when she was in Rent in her Broadway debut. She switched up her solo and she does great. Last night for one of the first time not many cheering after her solo. Very quiet audience. I love her old solo and vocally she is amazing. I wish she showed a little more of that. I wish I would see her as Joanne!

THE STANDOUTS

Michael McEloy (Collins)- He is one of my favorites. Vocally and most of the time he gives his heart to this role. I love his “I’ll Cover You: Reprise”. I love his reactions with other cast members. I have seen him early in 1997 and I loved him then too. I hope I don’t jinx him by saying the man can do no wrong!

Merle Dandridge (Joanne)- Wow! I love her. Her acting, and vocally she is dead on. I love how her interpretation is different from Fredi’s and she really makes it her own. Kenna is great too but I love how Merle’s voice is a little deeper. Although it’s not a requirement, but I wish Merle’s “Take Me or Leave Me” was a little bit more soulful and she vocally riffed in more places. But wow! She is fantastic. Her and Eden will be amazing together! I always love how she discovers new things about Joanne and how at times her acting is very understated. She knows that she doesn’t have to have giant gestures to make her acting believable.


UNDESTDUY Mimi- Karmine Alers. Another one who is always amazing. Whether she’s on as Mimi, Maureen or anything she gives her all. Vocally I love her Out Tonight. She always gives such bursts of energy, makes Mimi feel vulnerable and strong. Her “Goodbye Love” is amazing. After doing this role on tour, full time and now understudying –you would never know if she was bored or not. She also understands how to interact with all the actors and knows how to command a scene without being over the top, and making the character feel “real” instead of a caricature.

UNDERSTUDY Owen Johnston II (Steve & others)- I have seen Owen as Roger, Angel, and various roles. I believe not many people could beat his “Will I” solo. He plays his role with sincerity and with an amazing voice. It was so good to see him up there for Rent 12. After doing all he has for the show, he deserved to be up there. I would love to see him as Roger again. He is one of those performers who isn’t always the first person you think of to play a role, but does amazing at fleshing out a character no matter how big/small the part.


www.myspace.com/nealz

[lakezurich]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 9:35pm

Make it Stop!!!

[blaxx]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 9:36pm

THE BAD:

Another ReNt post.

[lakezurich]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 9:41pm

Updated On: 4/30/08 at 09:41 PM

[broadwaycat3113]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 9:43pm

stop reading rent posts if you don't like them. it's that simple.

[suicidalmickeymouse]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 9:45pm

Good review. I saw the show 4/6 in Orchestra Row E, seat 1. I saw Karmine go on as Mimi, her strong points were Goodbye Love and Out Tonight, but during light my candle she didn't smile once and seemed seriously pissed off at Roger the whole time. I thought she was just eh. Although many people disagree with me, I believe that Tamyra Gray is one of the best Mimi's ever. Adam Kantor I though was fantastic. And Declan Bennet.... I didn't really like him. I brought 2 RENTvirgins to the show, and during One Song Glory, my friend asked me "Is he on drugs???" becuse he was doing some bizarre stuff with his face.

Can't wait for Eden!

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 9:46pm

Sorry to change the subject, but has someone hacked into lakezurich's account? Why is that hideous FOR RENT graphic there?

[broadwaycat3113]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 9:46pm

i wish i'd be able to see eden. i'm sure she'll be amazing.

[lakezurich]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 9:47pm

I did not take the time to read the post. I just took the time to bash, broadwaycat3113. LOL!

[broadwaycat3113]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 9:49pm

it's a shame that's how you choose to use your time.

[lakezurich]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 9:51pm

I'm not ashamed.

[tgn915]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 9:54pm

I don't understand the point of negative comments for a review, but okay.

I totally agree with your Nicolette thoughts, as I'm sure many here do. She screams. I used to think she was great but then I finally heard what everyone was talking about and I'm happy she's not closing the show.

I'm jealous that you saw Telly as Angel. I've been dying to see him go on! He is one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet and I'm so upset that I won't be able to see him as Angel. I'm bored of Justin.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 9:57pm

lake- Can you do me a huge favor? can you please remove the huge graphics, bec. Its hard to read the review with your post.

and can we please RESPECT the original poster-clearly he is trying to contribute to BWW! and its just happen to be RENT!



J*

[broadwaycat3113]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 10:01pm

thank you j* for saying exactly what i was thinking! there is no need for negative comments on someone's review of a show. it's really unnecessary.

[blaxx]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 10:07pm

To be fair, it has nothing to do with the review. It's just the sixth or seventh ReNt post in the last few hours.

"So? Don't read them!" you may say - but that's where the problem begins. If no one was to say anything about it, obssessed fans would take over this board, posting random things over and over about two or three popular shows, and we'd lose it for good.

True, this review has nothing to do with it, but I do think that comments about a specific show, especially one with so many obssessed followers, should not take over the entire board.

Sorry for whoever posted this review, it is nothing personal. In any other night, this wouldn't have happened, but the timing was bad.

[lakezurich]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 10:26pm

There, I took down the pic, but I will not appologize for what I said. I do not appologize for my opinions/feelings.

[Toon]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 11:36pm

Declan Bennett (Roger)- First of all, something about him strike me more as an understudy

Nicolette Hart (Maureen)- I love her acting

Declan as an understudy but you "love" Nicolette's acting? Can't read any further. We obviously have very different opinions as to what good characterization is.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 11:44pm

There, I took down the pic, but I will not appologize for what I said. I do not appologize for my opinions/feelings.

How about apologizing for spelling "apologize" wrong? Twice?

[lakezurich]

Posted: 4/30/08 at 11:53pm

Lol! Sorry Lizzie, please accept these as an peace offering.

[antonijan]

Posted: 5/1/08 at 4:26am

I would like a playbill : P

[musicalmaster703]

Posted: 5/1/08 at 7:37am

Do you have a pic of the playbill's cover?