Rent The Musical

Blackout Theatre Co's production of Jonathon Larson's musical Rent is a real tribute to the shows themes of Love, Adversity and Community.

Twenty years after the Off Broadway Premiere, Director Jordan Anderson and his cast and crew have produced a real in-your-face and at times very moving night of theatre.

The cast of 36 (unusually large for this show) is strong vocally when they are all on stage together. The principal cast, together, form a very believable group of friends, though individually struggling with nerves and harmonies on opening night.

Stand out performers included Joshua Ridge as the rock guitarist Roger Davis. Joshua's vocals really stand out in his solo number “One Song Glory”, frustrated as he tries to write that one last great song as he battles with HIV. His duet “Without You” with Rebecca Hadley (Mimi) had some lovely harmonies and the intent was there behind every lyric. Vocally, Hadley is also very strong and her movement in her solo “Out Tonight” had the wow factor. Nerves did seem to creep into her performance though, hampering her chemistry with Roger.

Other notable performers Marika Zorlu (Joanne) and Elisa Vitagliani (Maureen) both had tremendous stage presence, while their chemistry as a couple was flawless. Marika was spot on vocally and danced a great Tango in “The Tango Maureen”. The highlight of the night for me was Marika and Elisa’s duet “Take me or leave me”, their powerful voices outstanding.

Musical Director Koren Beale conducted a great sounding rock band version of Larson's exceptional score, though a few numbers that could have been adjusted vocally for some performers to achieve the harmonies, particularly in the duet “I'll Cover You”.

A special mention has to go to ensemble mamber Maxwelle-Jane, who was very strong physically and vocally on stage

At times the Director over-used the ensemble, with the stage, already full of scaffolding and props, becoming over cluttered.

Rent isn't usually a highly choreographed musical, the chorey in this show was effective in small sections but over used in general, and in places distracting.

Blackout Theatre Company have presented a good overall production of this highly popular rock musical. Get out to see Rent while you can as it's on for this weekend only.

James Russell