Theatre Review: 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour of “Rent”

Hartford - The 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour of “Rent” has landed at the Bushnell. The Work Light Productions tour is directed by Evan Ensign based on the original direction of Michael Greif.

“There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last.”

The rock musical features the book, music and lyrics of the late Jonathan Larson, based on Puccini's “La Bohème.” Larson wanted to bring musical theatre to the MTV generation

“Rent” tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive in Lower Manhattan's East Village in the thriving days of bohemian Alphabet City, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Larson wanted to bring musical theatre to the MTV generation and his show ran for 12 years on Broadway.

Some will argue that the AIDS crisis is not as relevant as it was 25 years ago and prefer to relegate this to a contemporary period piece of sorts. If that is the case, I maintain that the sweeping music makes the piece worthwhile for any time.

The costumes designed by Angela Wendt hit the regular notes, but Angel’s drag ensembles were special in their details. The set design by Paul Clay is in the traditional vein for the show, but I was pretty impressed with the sculpture that serves as the Christmas tree. A multitude of small candles line areas of the set that added a nice touch to “Will You Light My Candle?” and other scenes. Matthew E. Maraffi is credited with the set design adaptation.

Choreography by Marlies Yearby is fine and the sound design by Keith Caggiano could have balanced the instruments a bit better, but at least it wasn’t overloud. Matthew DeMaria is the onstage musical director.

A standout of this tour was the beautiful lighting design of Jonathan Spencer. Every beam added to the look and emotion needed for various scenes, and made for very snappy transitions between scenes. It was stunning.

There is thankfully a printed program distributed by the ushers that includes the helpful “Rent Who’s Who” chart that explains the relationships of the characters for those unfamiliar with the plot.

Many members of the cast were part of the 20th Anniversary Tour of “Rent.” Coleman Cummings sings very well in the role of the musician Roger and Cody Jenkins does well with the role of filmmaker Mark Cohen. Shafiq Hicks brings the required charm to the role of Tom Collins with Javon King as the gentle Angel. Jarred Bedgood plays former roommate Benny. Rayla Garske reached the notes required for the role of Joanne Jefferson and Lyndie Moe (who played her role in 2017-2019) embodied the role of performance artist Maureen Johnson. These two actresses gave probably the best performance of “Over the Moon” that I have ever seen; the facial expressions of Joanne as she produced the performance protest were priceless.

Aiyana Smash is wonderful in the role of the doomed Mimi, a powerhouse of energy in “Out Tonight.” Smash made her debut playing Mimi in the 20th Anniversary Tour after graduating from the Institute for American Musical Theater in 2019. The performers who portray all of the supporting roles include Lexi Greene, Jahir L. Hipps, Charlotte Odusanya, Stephen Rochet Lopez, James Schoppe, Mathew Bautista and Yz Jasa.

The performance runs 2 hours and 35 mins, with an overlong 20 minute intermission. Audience members are required to show proof of vaccination and keep their masks on throughout the performance. “Rent” runs at the Bushnell through Sunday.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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