THEATER REVIEW: Company Theatre’s ‘Rent’ thrives off its youthful enthusiasm
Whether or not you count yourself a member of “Rent” nation, it is easy to enjoy Jonathan Larson’s evocative music, especially when performed by a cast as talented as the one at Company Theatre. Individually and together, they expressively intone “Rent’s” atypical story line.
Based loosely on Giacomo Puccini’s opera “La Boheme,” “Rent” portrays one tumultuous year in the life of a group of young artists eking out a living in Manhattan’s Lower East Side while living rent free in crude industrial lofts. The time is the late 1980s, when HIV and AIDS are ravaging folks prone to engaging in unprotected sex and intravenous drug use. The artistic community is especially affected.
Four of the eight main characters have HIV or AIDS. The other four may not be afflicted, but they are affected. As a result, the lyrics in this rock opera deal with living with the disease and living your life, however short, to its fullest. In addition to the iconic song “Seasons of Love” (featuring Tracy Silva’s exquisite solo), the show is filled with passion and angst, while managing to be occasionally cute, even funny.
In a tragic coincidence, Larson died from an aortic dissection on the eve of the show’s off-Broadway premiere. He was 35 and never got to see his creation win the Tony for Best Musical or the Pulitzer while it ran for 12 years on Broadway.
Behind the scenes, “Rent” benefits from Company’s fine creative team of directors Zoë Bradford and Jordie Saucerman, musical director Michael V. Joseph and choreographer Sally Ashton Forrest. It is successful at presenting Larson’s powerful music in an entertaining manner. Some relationships and storylines might have hit higher notes, but overall this is a polished and entertaining production.
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Ken Bayliss is dark and brooding as Roger, a songwriter who is a recovering drug addict with HIV. After resisting her charms at first, Roger falls for Mimi (Charisse Shields), a stripper who also has HIV, and is still using drugs. Bayliss powerfully conveys Roger’s deep introspection while singing “One Song Glory.” Shields expresses Mimi’s intense sensuality while belting “Out Tonight” from atop a dramatic platform. Together they heat up the stage performing “Light My Candle” in pleasing cat-and-mouse fashion. They are hot together, but despite their strong duet on “Without You,” their true affection does not shine through.
Joe Rucker Jr. is Tom Collins, a gay, anarchist college professor and computer genius who quickly falls in love with Angel (Shawn Verrier), a drag queen street drummer he meets after being beaten up by thugs. Rucker’s voice is deep and expressive, which he demonstrates while singing the soulful “Santa Fe.” Verrier is engaging as the charismatic Angel, but the delivery of “Today 4 U” is missing conviction, which makes it harder to feel the same affection for the character that his onstage friends . do. “I’ll Cover You,” Collins and Angel’s love theme is only moderately successful. But “Contact,” Angel’s farewell song, is quite moving.
Joel Maki as Mark and John F. King as Benny are very good in important supporting roles. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker shooting a documentary and struggling with both internal and external demons, acts as our guide. Maki is a likeable and relatable host throughout. And, he sings his parts well, including “Rent” the dynamic opener, but especially on “Halloween,” as the show hits the homestretch.
Benny is the ex-roommate and friend of Roger, Mark and Collins who is now their yuppie landlord. King nails every line and movement, making Benny a funny and sympathetic bad guy.
Jen Kenneally is entertaining as Maureen, a performance artist and Mark’s self-absorbed recent ex-girlfriend. She performs without inhibition on “Over the Moon” (not usually my favorite, but this was enjoyable) and has great chemistry with Joanne (Sara Seals) her new love interest (Mark is her old one), which they demonstrate quite pleasingly while singing “Take Me or Leave Me.” Seals is funny while juggling phones and singing “We’re Okay” in the first act. Earlier, she and Maki are delightful as they dance and sing the “Tango Maureen.”
The ensemble includes some talented performers and singers, making transitional scenes and accents quite enjoyable. Group numbers like the elaborate “La Vie Boheme” and “Finale” are also satisfyingly energetic, entertaining and moving.
Michael V. Joseph’s guitar and keyboard heavy band is rockin’. Zoe Bradford and James Valentin’s set design, featuring three platforms and a spiral staircase, provides a dramatically functional setting.
RENT By Jonathon Larsen. Directed by Zoe Bradford and Jordie Saucerman. Music direction by Michael Joseph. At the Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell, through April 18. $32-$34. 781-871-2787. companytheatre.com.