RENT – intense and energetic

It’s hard to write words which match the intense energy of what I saw last night at the Schonnel Theatre. Ignations productions just keep getting better, and with their current production of Jonathan Larson’s rock musical RENT, they are really coming into their own.

A talented cast, a great ensemble, visually stimulating set construction, and a tight orchestra in the capable hands of John Peek was a winning formula.

Firstly I’ll get out of the road a few technical things that need a little tweaking – sound and lighting. I understand the show needs a grungy feel with an out-of-the-darkness type of direction. I have no problem with that at all. However, a few important moments were lost because the lighting in parts was a little too dim.

For those who know RENT very well it’s easy enough to know who was saying what but first timers might have missed a few things. The sound system also seemed to have a bit of trouble coping with the mix. With such awesomely powerful voices on stage, it was really working hard. I hope the actors don’t feel like they have to push their voices because of it because that would be a real shame to hear anything less than these voices in all their brilliance.

Wade Colbran-Thomas is known for his beautifully rich and full voice and he is another performer who just keeps getting better. His portrayal of Collins was a joy to watch. The “I’ll Cover You” reprise was very touching. It’s always a good sign if I am moved to tears. Emma Taviani, also had some lovely moments that evoked a few tears as Mimi in “Goodbye Love”. She handled the role with such vocal ease, but I would have liked to see Mimi be just that little bit more untamed.

Another massively impressive voice was James Gauci. I was keen to see how he would handle the more street wise grunge rocker role of Roger after seeing him in Sweeney Todd as the clean-cut sailor Anthony (which he was also brilliant in by the way). I was continually blown away by his vocal chutzpah and suitability for the role. I loved him as Roger and would love to see him in more lead roles in the future. Kyle Hunter as the geeky video commentator Mark, was perfectly cast, both physically and vocally – he did no wrong – just perfect.

Lauren Ware as Maureen delivered a very memorable rendition of the performance art piece “Over The Moon” and her strong vocals were unwavering.Jacqueline Ozorio was well suited to the role of Joanne and her vocals matched Maureen’s. The love battle duet “Take Me or Leave Me” was great to watch. George Kennedy as Angel was well cast vocally but I would have liked to have seen Angel as a little more feminine, which perhaps wearing heels would have done the physicality a great service.

More movement-based choreo rather than dance-based would have also looked a little more natural for the actor. However vocals, especially that high note was impressive and memorable. In addition to the leads, the ensemble was strong, energetic and committed. The harmonies were A-mazing and supported by an equally amazing orchestra under the baton of Matthew Nutley.

Overall, Ignations production of RENT was a very polished show with a smorgasbord of talent. I thoroughly recommend it for a great night out and would even consider seeing this production a second time.