Review: 'Rent' by Kennedy HS Student Theatre

No day but today…

Waterbury, CT - John F. Kennedy High School Student Theatre, working on a shoestring budget, is presenting RENT School Edition this weekend in their high school auditorium on Highland Avenue in Waterbury. RENT the musical is Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer and Tony Award winning musical and was one of the longest running shows on Broadway.

Many of the students in the production appeared to be underclassmen and director Shelby Davis (THE COLOR PURPLE at Connecticut Repertory Theatre) told me that many were appearing in their very first musical. I was impressed with how hard the group had worked with their production team to bring this demanding show to life so early in April.

“[RENT] is about a community of people, each with their own quirks and problems, finding a way to live together. Could there be a better way to bring your own community together by performing a show that highlights young people learning and sharing exactly what a community can be? So, yes, RENT for High School.” - Shelby Davis in his director’s note

Christine Mead, Ph.D. served the group as executive producer with Stephanie Pinto as production manager. Nicole Wilmont was in charge of lighting and Gil Pinto took care of the sound. I was impressed with the set design by Kevin Danaher that was gritty but still had a certain charm, especially in a Christmas tree crafted from a large ladder. I loved it!

Christian “C.J.” Janis (RAGTIME at the Warner, GRAND HOTEL at WAMS, THE GONDOLIERS at WCSU) made his debut as a music director. He conducted the fine musicians in the band and played keyboard at the rear of the stage; they never overpowered the voices. Kudos to the band on their strong rendering of the modern classic numbers.

There were some smart choices for dramatic entrances of the leading characters and blocking for the ensemble members that made sure everyone was seen and heard. There were major issues with the effectiveness of the microphones at the final dress rehearsal, but the cast members powered through.

Samantha Valle led the cast in the demanding role of Mimi Marquez; her powerhouse voice served her well in “Out Tonight.” Ariel Pierre (Ethel Toffelmier in THE MUSIC MAN with Blessed Sacrament Children’s Theatre) was very strong in the role of Maureen. I appreciated her take on the performance art “Over the Moon,” decked out in a memorable pair of cowhide black and white pants. Bryan Acosta stepped up to play the role of the gentle Angel and he played a mean pickle tub.

Christy St. Juste stepped into the role of Joanne Jefferson and gamely danced the “Tango Maureen.” Jake Liquindoli had plenty of stage presence in the role of filmmaker Mark Cohen and sang very well. Luis Quinones captured the angst of the character Roger.

Thomas Bishop sang well as the philosopher Tom Collins and Aaron Quintana played the role of the landlord Benny.

Kudos to the featured members of the ensemble who stepped up to play some of the minor roles. Ahmad Tate appeared as Steve and Alejandra Teptila sang well as Mimi’s mother. Brendan Dodd played Mr. Grey and Darshanie Maystry played a street vendor. Douglas Jackson sang for the role of Mr. Jefferson.

Hailee Fontanez was adorable as TV exec Alexi Darling and Heidi Atuaful sang very well as Mrs. Jefferson. Jessinya Severino got to rattle off the list of orders as the restaurant woman in “La Vie Boheme.” Lilana Kollar played Mrs. Cohen, Mark’s mother and Loren Maradiaga left messages on the answering machine as Roger’s mom. Scotlan Brice Phillips played a man and Carl and Jeremiah Deaquino rounded out the ensemble. Major props to the “Seasons of Love” soloist!

I got to meet Joshua J. Gogol, who I remembered from his performance as Peter Van Daan in THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK with Landmark and REBEL YELLS by Phoenix Stage Company.
He had brought his camera to video the performance and take a cast photo. I am so glad that he came over to introduce himself before the rehearsal began.

Kennedy HS has a long and impressive performance history dating back to 1988. I hope that the Kennedy community comes out to support their student theatre group that worked long and hard to get RENT to the stage.

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. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.