Rent

Whitehorse Musical Theatre’s latest offering is the much loved and very well known RENT.

RENT is a rock opera with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, based on Giacomo Puccini's opera La Bohème. It tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side in the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet City, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.

Rent is a musical that I have seen many times over the last few years. The amateur musical theatre scene embraced the opportunity to perform such a loved show, the result of which is a view that, “Here we go again, another production of Rent.” This, however, is not the case with Whitehorse’s production, this is the BEST production of Rent I have seen and it was a pleasure to be in the audience.

The production values were amazing! The set (by Jeremy Bailey-Smith and Paul Watson) was alive, with movable pieces and multi-level platforms that were put to good use. At no stage did you have any doubt you were in the middle of New York, and the 'snow' effect was just brilliant! (Sorry guys, you just have to go see it to know what I’m talking about.)

The lighting design by Brad Alcock and Vanessa Burke was effective and added emotion and focus to the show. At times it was like a rock concert, but at others it was very restrained and sensitive. Costume designs (also by Jeremy Bailey-Smith) were appropriate and complimentary, and I particularly loved Maureen’s cat costume. To say that RENT is a difficult show for sound would be, I’m guessing, an understatement but in saying that, Conrad Hendricks did a good job. There were the odd balance issues with the band, but overall a great job.

Now onto the actors! First of all I would like to congratulate the ensemble for their great work; all the minor characters were fully realised and individual. Particular mention to Julia Sutherland for her Alexi Darling and Kate Burns for Mark's mother. Both were real standouts.

It would be rare to assemble such a talented cast of leads. Daniel Benge as Mark was just great; a difficult sing but Daniel handled himself well and as an audience member you were always comfortable with him on stage. Steve Simmons had that distinct timbre of voice that Rogers tend to have. He acted and sang the part well but at times his diction was a bit sloppy, making it hard to understand what he was singing.

Collins was undertaken by Phil Haby. Phil was just a joy to watch. He brought sensitivity and strength to the role, and his resonant baritone voice suited the role perfectly. Leigh Barker played Angel, and besides some pitch issues in his duet with Phil he was fun, funny and endearing to watch.

Mimi was played by Katie Wood. When she first came onto the stage I was shocked at how old she looked but the script calls for someone who looks 17 and that she does! Dancing and acting-wise Katie was just brilliant, and although vocally she was very impressive, I am worried if she will be able to sustain the massive notes she was pulling out over the whole season. It was opening night and you could already hear strain especially when she was in her lower register.

Bad guy of the piece Benny was played by Christian Cavallo who sang and acted well. The role of the resident drama queen Maureen saw the return to the stage of Katie Weston. Katie’s vocal ability and personality shone through in this role, and it’s great to see her back on the amateur stage.

Last and by no means least is Zuleika Khan’s portrayal of Joanne. Zuleika was my favourite. Her voice is simply amazing! Her characterisation was sensitive and mature, she danced up a storm in 'Tango Maureen' and let rip a massive belt in 'Seasons of Love'. Just brilliant.

Although the cast did an amazing job, this show didn’t get to such a high standard alone. The musical direction by Andrew Leach was very tight, particularly when the whole cast were singing. Each part was clear and powerful, and it also helps that the band was sounding amazing.

The choreography was exemplary; Scott Ponsford has done an amazing job. The contemporary dance in 'Santa Fe' was a highlight, as well as the entire 'La Vie Boheme B' number. Paul Watson's direction was mature, deep, sensitive and true to the piece. He should be commended for the work he’s done with this cast. Simply a brilliant show.

RENT is on at the Besen Centre at Mount Scopus in Box Hill and runs until the 17th of October. Be quick…This is a show that should not be missed!

Bryce started singing at age 9 with the Victorian Boys Choir, and started performing in theatre when he was 15, performing with companies such as CLOC and Whitehorse. Bryce has choreographed productions for Night Owl and musically directed a pantomime for Whitehorse.  He’s studied Musical theatre and theatre at multiple universities around Australia and performed professionally with The Production Company, Magnormos, Nickelodeon, Disney and Opera Australia.

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