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Health & Fitness

'Rent' at Brookfield Theatre for the Arts - My Review

An outstanding production of 'Rent' opens tonight in Brookfield.

The Brookfield Theatre For The Arts, Inc. (TBTA hereafter) decided to take on the "daunting task" of staging the "iconic work" of RENT. President/ Artistic director Michael Burnett writes that they are "committed to presenting it with the spirit we believe Jonathan Larson intended--we trust that we have made him proud. After attending a final rehearsal where senior citizens were invited to attend free of charge, I humbly believe that the author of the book, music and lyrics that was taken too soon would have been pleased by this joyous production that opens tonight.

The outstanding live band sat onstage and was playing an eclectic mix of pieces as the audience chose their seats. Mr. Burnett took to the stage before the show to welcome the seniors and ask how many had already seen RENT. I raised my hand, along with several others,  because I had seen the touring company from a seat in the rear orchestra at the Palace Theater and I was slightly disappointed. (The movie version, however, is one of my all-time favorite DVDs.)

The director went on to remind the audience members that it was in fact a rehearsal and he reserved the right to stop the performance if need be, but he added that he has never had to do so ever. He thanked the seniors for taking a chance on the show because the production team and the cast find the feedback valuable. He also asked that if they know the music to please sing along with the CD in their car and refrain from singing with the cast. You have been warned, Rentheads.

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The usual reminder to completely turn off cell phones was strongly reiterated twice in the program adding "patrons who are unwilling to turn off electronic devices are welcome to leave the theatre." I understand that doing so helps us to "protect the magic of live theatre" and was therefore disappointed when someone standing in the area behind the last row of the theatre (where I was seated) checked their cell during both acts.

This cast did an excellent job of embodying the characters of RENT. The staging was large although the stage is relatively small. Ample use was made of the elevated portion of the urban set designed by Ellen Diker and Bob Lane, as well as two metal staircases on wheels. Costumes designed by Meg Jones were what we have come to expect.

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Some modern dance was integrated into a few of the musical numbers; the director choreographed the very talented members of the ensemble. Musical direction was expertly done by Nsangi Kariamu, who sat with the amazing band to play keyboards. This very talented young lady, a self-proclaimed Renthead, is a rising junior at NYU studying music education. The sound for the most part was well done, although two seniors who moved their seats at intermission complained of not being able to understand what the cast was saying/singing.

I was impressed with the performance of each and every member of the cast. Many of them write in their bio that RENT is their dream show and it showed in their performance. Some of the highlights among the men included Rob Bassett (Jack in Into the Woods) in the important role of Mark Cohen and Bennett Cognato as the musician Roger Davis. Both have wonderful voices, as does Nick Kuell as a touching Tom Collins. Torrey Thomas nailed all aspects of the pivotal role of Angel.

Lauren Brown in her third summer at TBTA is a strong Maureen Johnson. From her entrance well into the first act, this actress was a force to be reckoned with. She was equally matched by Sara Mariano as Joanne Jefferson. Molly Rose Just, in her first role at TBTA, convincingly plays Mimi Marques.

The ensemble was made up of eight versatile performers including Janice Gabriel (Into the Woods) and Sidney Coelho (Into the Woods.) They all morphed into various roles with aplomb. Jessica Sciuto knocked the female solo in "Seasons of Love" out of the theater. When the entire cast sang together, it was magical.

Rentheads will not want to miss this chance to return to Alphabet City. Newbies can't help but get caught up in the relevant subject matter and the beautiful music. No day but today...

Upcoming at TBTA:

In September Tom Sheehan will direct the play Tuesdays with Morrie and the 2013 season will close with the musical I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change directed by Erik E. Tonner.
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