Casa Mañana’s production of “Rent” directed by Tim Bennett, captures the spirit of Larson’s passion-laden score fantastically. The energy of performance started off a little slow, but quickly picked up as the ensemble flooded the stage for the opening number, “Rent.”
There are times during the show when the combination of the Sondheim-inspired music and intense passion, energy and raw talent of the cast create an absolutely electric atmosphere. This was truly an all-star cast, and the same cannot be said for many shows.
The show’s best moments came from the iconic songs like “La Vie Boheme,” or “Take Me or Leave Me.” However, Maurice Johnson’s (Tom Collins) reprise of “I’ll Cover You” was one of the most beautiful and skilled displays of acting and vocal talent I’ve ever seen onstage.
Jason Wooten (Roger) has an incredible voice and so understands what he’s doing onstage.
It is often the tendency of a performer in a musical to simply sing a song.
Wooten, however, understands the difference between a concert and a piece of musical theater. He also plays Roger well, particularly in scenes with Karmine Alers (Mimi).
Walter Lee Cunningham Jr. (Angel) succeeded in making a character
It’s easy to rely solely on quirks and features of a character like Angel to get through a performance, but Cunningham’s understanding of Angel’s importance in the piece as a whole really came through in his performance.
Unfortunately, portions of the dialogue, both spoken and sung, were inaudible or incomprehensible, due to sound issues and the lack performers’ diction.
Luckily this was rare enough not to hinder the total experience of the show, but it’s not what one can expect from a powerhouse like Casa Mañana.
Minor issues aside, performances like Casa Mañana’s illustrate how “Rent” attained cult status.
In those moments when the cast truly gives 110 percent, the magic of Jonathan Larson’s masterpiece comes to full fruition, flooding the theater with this kind of raw, shimmering energy that just makes your eyes widen and gives you goosebumps it’s so good.”
“Rent” is one of those rare musicals that’s more about people and life than chorus lines and mylar curtains.
It’s a story that speaks to us, not at us, and music that resonates in all of us.
