Review: 20th Anniversary Tour of RENT brings a Passionate Performance to the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater

The familiar story, the lyrics, the music, the message, the characters... They are all what draws us to the powerful and passionate rock musical that is Rent. Jonathan Larson's Rent, of course, won the Tony Award for Best Musical and ran on Broadway for twelve years, making it the eleventh longest running Broadway show. The musical - considered a cultural phenomenon by most - was the source for a 2005 movie that involved many original cast members. The musical was filmed with a later Broadway cast, bringing the musical to a new generation of theatergoers. Then there are the tours...and there have been many. The current tour, now playing Syracuse at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater, celebrates the musical's 20th anniversary. The highly entertaining, passionate, and powerful touring production, directed by Evan Ensign, is one that would make the "RENT-heads" proud.

The musical is loosely based on Giacomo Puccini's opera La Bohème. It tells the story of a group of struggling artists living in the New York City's East Village (captured brilliantly by set designer Paul Clay). The powerful musical explores the hardships and struggles the artists face - including HIV/AIDS and drug addiction - as they try to make a living and pursue their passions.

The tour has a very strong cast portraying the memorable roles.

Kaleb Wells portrays Roger Davis, the tormented musician looking for a legacy song before AIDS takes his life, with very intense emotion. This is no more apparent than in "Another Day," which fully expresses the anger building up inside of him. Wells' raspy rock voice rings out on "One Song Glory" and his rendition of "Without You" is truly powerful. Skylar Volpe perfectly plays Roger's love interest Mimi Marquez. She has the look, the attitude, confidence, and spunk to pull off the Cat Scratch Club dancer. She entertains with "Out Tonight." Her likeability is evident on "Light My Candle." Wells and Volpe play off of each other quite well, and the relationship is very believable.

As Tom Collins, Christian Thompson steals the show with his solos. His powerful and clear voice adds such emotion and depth to the already beautiful songs, especially "I'll Cover You (Reprise)." David Merino, as Angel Schunard, is comedic and memorable. He captures the depth of his character with every facial expression. He dazzles in "Today 4 U" and charms in "I'll Cover You."

As Mark Cohen, Danny Harris Kornfeld opens the show strongly as the audience is anxiously awaiting for that very familiar title number "Rent." Kornfeld plays the role with confidence, comedic charm, and enthusiasm. He truly captures Mark's essence. He is highly entertaining alongside Jasmine Easler as Joanne Jefferson in "Tango: Maureen." Easler and Kornfeld play off of each other perfectly throughout the show, which is quite necessary because they portray characters in love with the same woman, the attention-junkie Maureen Johnson (Katie LaMark). Lamark steals the spotlight every time she opens in her mouth. Her rendition of "Over the Moon" is highly hilarious and is a real crowd pleaser. Her strong, belty voice and confidence shines though on "Take Me or Leave Me," sung with Jasmine Easler. Lamark is definitely a powerhouse performer.

Other memorable performances include Christian Thompson as Benjamin Coffin III, Mark and Roger's former roommate. His performance of "You'll See" is particularly compelling. Natalie Lipin is highly entertaining as Mark's Mother. The rest of the ensemble is memorable in smaller roles.

It's the full company numbers that everyone knows that make the greatest impression. "Seasons of Love" always steal the show and Alia Hodge's voice soars as she sings out those beautiful lyrics of love and acceptance in her solo moment. "La Vie Bohème" is pure entertainment and features the shows familiar choreography by Marlies Yearby. "Will I?" is powerful and chilling. The powerful score takes center stage at all times, enhanced by a talented onstage orchestra conducted by Samuel Bagalà.

Rent is one of those musicals that captures a truly powerful message and emotions that resonate with many people. The idea of living life to the fullest because you don't know if there could be another day still rings true and probably always will. The need for love and acceptance and less judgment in society is an important message for today. Rent will send chills with every note and word. Don't miss your chance to see this wonderful musical again.

Running Time: Approximately two hours and thirty minutes with one twenty minute intermission.

RENT: The 20th Anniversary Tour runs through November 17, 2016 at The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater as part of the Famous Artists Broadway Theater Series: Broadway in Syracuse. For tickets and information on the tour of RENT click here. For tickets and information on the present production and upcoming productions of Broadway in Syracuse click here.