Review: RENT at Revolution Stage Company

To catch a few hours with some of the strongest talent we have in the desert, head to Revolution Stage Company and grab some tickets to the ultimate pride event: RENT.

RENT is the story of a group of friends in the 90s in New York City struggling to stay alive, pursue love, and find their voice amidst poverty, drug dependency, and the Aids epidemic. I’ve always felt the theme of this production lies within one lyric, “The Opposite of War isn’t Peace, it’s Creation.”- La Vie Boheme.

I will say, RENT is a rock-musical, and Revolution Stage Company does not use a live band for this production, which does take some of the “rock” out of the musical. I found myself noticing as guests clad in their Pride best began to sing along if this company should consider doing a “Live Sing-A-Long” night; keeping the production the same but allowing the guests to sing and dance along. I happen to think that would be a fun way to further differentiate themselves with a unique evening offering.

Regardless, it was fabulous to watch such local stars as Christine Michele bring to life Maureen, who had the relaxed yet in-control energy of someone who’s played this part before, which strengthened her advantage and presence. Her Act 2 duet with Imani De Leon playing Joanne brought down the house. Equally as powerful a duo was Steven Janji playing everybody’s favorite queen Angel and MaMa Silver playing Tom Collins. MaMa Silver can sing, y’all!. The duet’s “I’ll Cover You” was the most powerful moment of the night. Stunning performances all around, from the beautiful Alisha Bates playing Mimi, who grew more and more comfortable as the show went on, including a heartfelt finish in her big emotional scene that functions as the climax of the show. Many people know some of those bigger “hits” from RENT but my favorites from this production were some of the more “sleeper hits” like the entire ensemble’s more emotional numbers like “Life Support” and “Will I”. Issac Gaeta-Tollette playing Benny had a fantastic grip of his character. And boy, did he look sharp!

The ensemble’s costumes (by Rebecca McWilliams) were particularly great, as the cast was highly inclusive and diverse, and everybody looked like they were wearing their favorite outfits of all time. Rodger, the emotionally stunted musician played by Joseph Portoles donned some yellow pants in the second act were just so cool.

Finishing out the cast includes Koby Queenan as budding videographer and director Mark, who navigates us through the events of the show via the lens of his camera, and the ensemble playing many roles: Joyanne Tracy, LT Cousineau, April Tran, and Lexi Taylor.

Palm Springs Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. NEXT TO NORMAL (CV REP)

23.4% of votes

2. HAIRSPRAY (Desert Theatricals)

21.8% of votes

3. LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Palm Canyon Theatre)

19.9% of votes

Vote Now!