Review: Hayes Theatre's Latest Offering Proves RENT Remains As Important And Poignant 19 Years Later

Tuesday 13th October 2015, 7:30pm, Hayes Theatre, Potts Point

Shaun Rennie (director) has shares Jonathan Larson's iconic RENT with a new generation ahead of its 20th Anniversary. Drawing together a wonderful young cast, the human stories behind AIDS, drugs, poverty and death are told with passionate honesty through a multitude of communication styles in this modern interpretation of Puccini's LA BOHEME.

Behind the semi opaque plastic painters drop sheets that hang from the ceiling, Lauren Peters (Set design) has transformed the intimate space into an exposed brick New York loft, complete with old packing crates, wooden pallets, saw horses,and sliding grill doors containing Andrew Worboy's (Musical Director) band. Georgia Hopkins has kept the costuming simple to capture the artists, preppy landlord, drug addict dancer and poor occupants of the East Village tent city. The flannel shirts, denim overalls, leather jackets and combat boots with torn tights all fit with the early 1990's setting. Changes in outerwear from heavy coats to lighter sweaters indicate the passage of time from the bitterly cold New York winter to the milder Spring. Lighting designer Ross Graham splits the stage with focused lighting to allow multiple locations to be presented at once and the use of a spotlight operated from the rear of the audience for Maureen's show helps define the setting of a stage within the overall stage.

Rennie has utilised the intimate space to define that Mark (Stephen Madsen) is creating a documentary. The premise that the audience is watching the events with little intrusion, as Mark wishes to capture on film, flows through to the choice to keep conversations facing between participants, providing the audience with a profile view of faces. This provides a defined contrast with Mark's direct to the audience narration. The selection of Andy Dexterity as choreographer adds an another layer of communication as, in addition to dance, he has incorporated AUSLAN sign language to reinforce the lyrics too many of the songs. Seeing the entire company sing and sign is a moving and powerful image.

Casting Director Lisa Campbell has bought together a fabulous ensemble that captures the passion, fear, anger, love, despair and need for personal connection that fuel the characters' purpose. Standout performances come from the two central men, Mark and Roger (Linden Furnell).

Madsen, is delicious in his detachment and broodiness as the newly single independent filmmaker, dumped by the moody Maureen (Laura Bunting) for a woman. He is unobtrusive as he watches, capturing the lives around him on film, but also provides a support for his friends, even his diva ex girlfriend. The Tango Maureen duet with Joanne (Casey Donovan) captures the blend of disdain for Maureen's new lover along with the amusement at the realisation that she hasn't changed that much. Madsen, previously seen at Hayes in HEATHERS has an incredible intensity even before he opens his mouth, which is also wonderful when he does sing. Clear and textured, he moves from emotion end filled songs to playful with ease. This young man is definitely one to keep an eye out for as his career progresses.

Furnell presents flatmate Roger with a reticence to become involved with the world around him, in keeping with his road to recovery from drug addiction and history of discovering he had AIDS from his girlfriend before she committed suicide. Whilst there are initial issues with sound balances with the band overwhelming the vocals, once these were fixed, Furnell's emotion became clear. He demonstrates Roger's reluctance to get involved with erotic dancer and junkie Mimi, and then his love for her as he realises his mistakes.

As the intellectual Collins, Nana Matapule captures his gentle sensitivity in his pure honest vocals. He provides a lovely contrast to Christopher Scalzo's more flamboyant Angel. Rennie has chosen to have Angel presented more as a 'twink' rather than defining him as a transgender until he is seen in drag in the second Act. Angel's sweet, caring,optimistic nature comes through in his vocals and physicality whilst still expressing his confident extroverted personality.

Loren Hunter as Mimi demonstrates a bravado, but also the drawn in lack of confidence from a life of substance addiction. Whilst she has moments of trying to seduce Roger with provocative moves, she is for the most part presented hunched and nervous. Laura Bunting, as diva Maureen, presents the highly sexual, moody nature which doesn't discriminate on where she seeks attention, much to Joanne's disappointment. Her presentation of Maureen's performance piece Over The Moon could be more passionate, extreme and therefore more bizarre. As Maureen's girlfriend, Ivy League educated Joanne, Casey Donovan manages well with the limited character scope, presenting big, bold vocals to demonstrate the lawyer is a force to be reckoned with but also expressing her uncertainty at Maureen's faithfulness.

This is a beautiful, powerful presentation of the iconic contemporary musical which is unfortunately still relevant, from STDS to drugs and the isolation of those on the fringe of society. Rennie and his creative team have drawn on different styles to ensure the audience walk away feeling something, rather than just watching a show. Their lead in to the second Act's first song Seasons Of Love is powerful and unique in breaking the barrier between performer and audience. The pure emotion of the work is expressed with an honesty that sees not only a few of the audience but also performers shed a tear.

Whilst Hayes Theatre have advised that this season of RENT has sold out, keep checking for return tickets or an return season as this is a must see performance.

RENT

Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowne Ave, Potts Point
8 October -1 November 2015

***RETURN SEASON RELEASED***

Season: 29 March - 17 April 2016
Times: Tue-Sat 7.30pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 5pm
Price: Tue-Thu & Sun $69 Adult, $64 Concession,

Fri & Sat Nights $74 Adult, $69 Concession,

Sat Matinee $64 Adult, $59 Concession Bookings: hayestheatre.com.au | (02) 8065 7337

Photos: Kurt Sneddon