Rent In Concert (UK Tour)
Hackney Empire
Reviewed on Saturday 1st February 2014
Daniel Wood's production of Broadway musical Rent is back for the third and final leg of its UK Tour. Despite the production being billed as a concert production, it is seemingly a fully staged production of the show with an extremely basic set. The exceptionally talented cast do not let this hold them back and perform full-out.
Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is a musical which many can identify with. The show is about standing up for who you are. Rent, which originally premiered off-Broadway in 1996, follows a year in the life of a group of friends struggling to make it in the big city under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.
West End Queen Kerry Ellis has returned to the production as Mimi and steals the show. Her vocal control during 'Out Tonight' is just incredible and the score also allows Kerry to showcase the softer and more vulnerable side of her voice during her hauntingly stunning rendition of ‘Without You’. Kerry appears to love every second and relish every moment which really shines through and enables her to connect to the audience with ease.
Mykal Rand is sensational as Collins, a role he has previously played both in the West End and on tour. Mykal performed the reprise of 'I'll Cover You' from deep within, the build-up was phenomenal and he truly poured his heart and soul into every note.
Ruthie Stephens was born to play Maureen. Her performance is as over-the-top, mad and as quirky as any Rent fan could wish for. Ruthie's stage presence is seductive and her friary vocals during 'Take Me Or Leave Me' (the highlight of the show) are nothing short of a dream. I certainly wouldn't mess with her!
Rory Taylor's (Roger) rocky vocal edge fits the score perfectly whilst Ian Stroughair's (Angel) performance proves popular with the audience. Ian plays Angel with such heart and his vocal talents are highly impressive. A strong performance also comes from Lisa-Marie Holmes (Joanne) who demands the audience's attention each time she steps foot on stage.
Tim Prottey-Jones and Beth Humphreys both shine during their spectacular solo sections in 'Seasons Of Love', which were greeted with huge screams and rounds of applause from the adoring audience on Saturday evening.
Rent is a show which holds a very special place in many peoples' hearts. The atmosphere at the Hackney Empire was tremendous, the entire audience on every level stood for the finale. Not only were many audience members left deeply moved as the show came to an end, but one or two of the cast were noticeably emotional as they took their final bow. I'm sure this won't be the last we'll see of Rent!
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Rent In Concert tours the UK until Saturday 15th February 2014.
Please visit www.rentinconcert.co.uk for further information, tour dates and tickets.
Click here to read West End Frame's most recent interview with Kerry Ellis.
Photo Credit: Darren Bell
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