By Kelly Nielsen
Staff Writer
I proclaim to be unofficially qualified as an authority on the musical RENT.
Last Saturday was my seventh occasion to attend a live production of RENT since the Off-Broadway premiere in 1996 (I also have the music CD and DVD).
The first time I saw RENT was at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser, M.D.) was cast in a lead role. (Who knew he could sing and dance?)
My senses can only process so much at one time, and the easiest part of this fast-paced, high-energy musical to absorb were the tunes, dancing, sets and lighting. Unfortunately for me, the actual storyline became befuddled in the spectacle.
I left the theatre humming, while trying to piece together the plot.
The music alone had me coming back, not more than a year later. My second RENT viewing was at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. The story became clearer following this performance, and I was now formally addicted to RENT.
Last Saturday’s production of RENT was at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. I would describe this unique theatre as “intimate on a grand scale,” having one of the largest indoor stages in Southern California, without a bad seat in the house. (The Carpenter Center lobby is a treat for any fan of the late Karen Carpenter.)
Without fail, I am enlightened with new understanding from each RENT experience. I have never seen RENT during the holidays, and within the first minute of last Saturday’s performance, I realized how this was a perfect holiday story, (of course on a much different level than Scrooge, or Nutcracker).
RENT begins on Christmas Eve and ends one year later on Christmas Eve. Though the underlying theme of RENT concerns HIV, drug addiction, and homelessness— the broader scope includes relationships, charity, compassion, hope, dreams, tolerance, families and of course— love.
Other than a few flat notes and brief sound technical problems typical of most live performances, I loved it— and with no exception, this cast provided continuous outstanding spotlight performances.
As always, the cross-dressing character of Angel (Jai Rodriguez, pictured) is an audience favorite. (How does he maintain such an upbeat high-energy level?) Mimi (the hopelessly lovable addict, portrayed by Sabrina Sloan) also provides show-stopping performances.
Definitely worth mentioning are the amazing vocal talents and dancing abilities of the supporting cast.
If it’s your first time seeing RENT, you’ll most likely want to see it again— and do check out the Carpenter Performing Arts Center.
Final performances of RENT are Dec. 18-20 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center with performances at 8pm and Saturday matinee at 2pm. For more information go to musical.org.
