#1
Posted: 7/19/06 at 12:06am
I've seen Rent a few times. Tonight, I witnessed something I've never seen in the Nederlander. The passion of the cast, understudies and regulars, made it the best performance on that stage I've ever seen.
Understudies tonight were Justin Brill as Mark and Moeisha McGill as Mimi. Frenchie was also out. Crystal Monee Hall did her parts and a brilliant SoL solo.
I have extremely high marks for everyone in the cast. Tim Howar was the best Roger I can remember. He's a great rock singer, though his accent, whatever kind it is, often times comes out. It makes the performance even better.
Ava Gaudet, looking like a combination of a young Idina Menzel & Julianna Margulies brought the house down as Maureen. I counted 20 "gottas" during OtM (though she admits to 11). Her valley-girl accent during the parts of that was hilarious. Wasn't she sick a few months ago?
I didn't expect to see Nicole Lewis, late of Sidd and Lennon, as Joanne. She's perfect in the part. Ask her about Sidd and you'll have a great laugh!
Moeisha McGill is a very soulful Mimi. Her Out Tonight dance on the catwalk was great (it was a surprise to learn that it was her 6th time on). Justin Brill was a great Mark. He was extremely genuine in the part, compared to Matt Caplan, who, every time I've been there, phoned it in.
Destan Owens and Justin Johnston can never be topped. 4 years and counting, they're delivering outstanding performances.
I think the show seems so fresh because of 2 elements: the extremely enthusiastic audience, who were on their feet after almost every song, and the youthfulness of the cast. They all seemed to love what they're doing, moreso now. They're bursting with excitement and it shows. I spotted Chris Hanke in the audience. He cannot wait to join the cast. It'll be a welcome edition.
Understudies tonight were Justin Brill as Mark and Moeisha McGill as Mimi. Frenchie was also out. Crystal Monee Hall did her parts and a brilliant SoL solo.
I have extremely high marks for everyone in the cast. Tim Howar was the best Roger I can remember. He's a great rock singer, though his accent, whatever kind it is, often times comes out. It makes the performance even better.
Ava Gaudet, looking like a combination of a young Idina Menzel & Julianna Margulies brought the house down as Maureen. I counted 20 "gottas" during OtM (though she admits to 11). Her valley-girl accent during the parts of that was hilarious. Wasn't she sick a few months ago?
I didn't expect to see Nicole Lewis, late of Sidd and Lennon, as Joanne. She's perfect in the part. Ask her about Sidd and you'll have a great laugh!
Moeisha McGill is a very soulful Mimi. Her Out Tonight dance on the catwalk was great (it was a surprise to learn that it was her 6th time on). Justin Brill was a great Mark. He was extremely genuine in the part, compared to Matt Caplan, who, every time I've been there, phoned it in.
Destan Owens and Justin Johnston can never be topped. 4 years and counting, they're delivering outstanding performances.
I think the show seems so fresh because of 2 elements: the extremely enthusiastic audience, who were on their feet after almost every song, and the youthfulness of the cast. They all seemed to love what they're doing, moreso now. They're bursting with excitement and it shows. I spotted Chris Hanke in the audience. He cannot wait to join the cast. It'll be a welcome edition.
Updated On: 7/19/06 at 12:06 AM
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