RENT
Tabard Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 8th August 2013
For my generation the Pulitzer Prize winning musical RENT by Jonathan Larson symbolised our youth. The rock musical was the Jesus Christ Superstar of our generation and represented a paradigm shift in modern musical theatre towards the end of the twentieth century. It's no surprise, then, that its undergoing somewhat of a renaissance of late and has had no less than four productions in the last twelve months.
This version by Pindar Productions at the Tabard theatre typifies what is so challenging about staging the show. Although Rent's stripped down, representational anaesthetic is a gift to small-scale producers, finding the quality of talent required and paying sufficient credence to the broad, operatic quality of the writing is no mean feet
The small venue is somewhat overwhelmed by the five piece band and amplified performers: the proximity of it all resulted in many a moment of either under or over amplified vocals as well as a busy, overcrowded stage at times. Director & choreographer Adam Scown has done well with such limited resources; the production flows nicely and moments of choreography really shine but some of the performers are overwhelmed by their roles. The beautiful and statuesque Jodie Steele certainly impresses with her physical portrayal of the role of Mimi but ultimately lacks the emotional and vocal maturity to convince in the role; vocal riffs are impressive when done well but it sometimes felt as if the actors here are competing with the score of the show, rather than trying to augment it. This needs to be reined in.
Charlie Royce impresses as Mark Cohen; as steadfast and dependable as the role he played, performing the narrative element of the show with aplomb and pulling off a brilliant tango with the equally impressive Ambra Caserotti as Joanne. 'Take Me Or Leave Me' is a definite highlight with Ambra's arresting vocals matched by vocal powerhouse Kibby Lunn's feisty Maureen.
Moments of heightened emotion are always the most difficult to achieve convincingly and that remains the case here: 'I'll Cover You: Reprise' has the questionable distinction of sounding like a Eulogy delivered by Elvis himself and the staging of the Mimi's demise is cluttered and rushed.
Despite the production's flaws, the music of the show never fails to make an impact and the spirited young ensemble do a good job of bringing Larson's 'La Vie Boheme' message to life, ably accompanied by James Doughty and his band. This is an admirable venture from a new production company and such endeavours are to be encouraged. However, RENT should provide a cautionary tale to other producers: don't bite off more than you can chew, however much you love the material.
Reviewed by Jody Tranter
Rent runs at the Tabard Theatre until 31st August 2013.
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