Credits: Crispian Chan
I had high hopes for the eagerly-anticipated musical RENT, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
In fact, I was beyond impressed with the plot, cast, portrayal of characters and the strong message that it carried.
The commemorative re-make of the Broadway musical originally directed by the late Jonathan Larson was truly a work of art.
Set in New York circa 1990, the play begins on the night of Christmas Eve. The production is about a group of self-proclaimed bohemians who struggle to pay their rent, while facing issues such as HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and poverty.
The musical touches on many controversial themes and illustrates how society views this demographic in a negative light. The characters deal with heartbreak, grief, disease and addiction, a vicious cycle they can’t seem to break out of.
Director Tracie Pang does a brilliant job in selecting an outstanding cast to portray the characters of RENT. Benjamin Chow plays aspiring filmmaker Mark, who hides behind his work to escape reality.
Aaron Khaled’s portrayal of his character Angel was particularly moving – a spirited drag queen with a heart of gold, Angel loves Collins (Juan Jackson) wholeheartedly and expects nothing in return.
Though it was a tough role to play, Aaron breathed life into Angel’s character by accurately depicting her struggles with HIV and social stigma. I’m sure the audience were moved by his performance as there was not a dry eye in the theatre when a certain misfortune befell Angel.
The production also placed emphasis on relationships and the audience got an insight on what it is like to fall in love while trying to survive unfavourable circumstances.
When romance blossoms and withers between Roger (Cameron McDonald) and Mimi (Tabitha Nauser), and between Maureen (Mina Kaye) and Joanne (Frances Lee), it brings very raw emotions to the stage, especially since both pairs have a smooth-sailing relationship at first.
The group of friends are laden with emotional baggage and are haunted by the obstacles they need to overcome. Roger wallows in pain from the past while Mimi, a club dancer, struggles with drug abuse. Both of them continue to fight an arduous battle with AIDS, which is the reason why Roger rejected Mimi at first.
Maureen and Joanne, a lesbian couple who work together, constantly fight to keep their love alive.
As the spark between the two couples starts to die out, the cast breaks into the song “Without You”, and the atmosphere morphs into a solemn, reflective one.
RENT provided the audience with a refreshing view into the world of these misunderstood individuals who are typically shunned by society. The musical also conveys the message that hope, humanity and love triumph over disease and poverty.
RENT managed to touch the hearts of its audience, and undoubtedly evoked a plethora of emotions in me during the 150 minutes-long performance. It is truly a ground-breaking production and definitely has my vote. La Vie Boheme, indeed.
RENT runs from 7-23 October at the Drama Centre Theatre. Tickets start at $30.
*RENT consists of mature content (M18)
By Natalie Kwan
