RENT pays up in Chicago

April 5 - 15, 2006 the latest touring version of Jonathan Larson's ground breaking musical RENT plays Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre. This limited engagement of the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway smash may not have the biggest names in current American theatre making up the ensemble cast but their energy and love for this show makes you think that perhaps that you could be watching the next Anthony Rapp or Idina Menzel.

One of the amazing thing's about RENT is that its cast could be practically anyone young enough and talented enough to relay the deep messages for life and love found in Jonathan Larson's music. And this current touring cast is just that young and talented. While their biographies in the Playbill aren't as lengthy their passion for this piece is evident. The nature of show is true ensemble however the two male "leads" Jed Resnick as Mark and Bryce Ryness as Roger genuinely root the show in strong vocals and acting talent. Both young and both have bigger things on his horizon I'm sure. Tracy McDowell's portrayal of Maureen is phosphorescent - she truly sparkles on stage as the bubbly flirtatious performance artist who you love. Equally enchanting as the troubled muse of Roger - Mimi - Arianda Fernandez gives you a sexy all out performance. Her "Out Tonight" is a highlight. Also, deserving a shout is Ano Okera as the ill-fated drag queen diva of Alphabet City - Angel. I think he would make Wilson Jermaine Heredia proud.

Sitting there is the colossal theatre and listening to the strong vocals fill the air I couldn't help but realize the enormity of this show. I say enormity meaning not only Jonathan Larson's unbelievable music and lyrics that overcome with you every possible emotion that one could possibly have while sitting through a Broadway show. The enormity of RENT is how it has touched so many people since its debut off Broadway in 1996. The crowd around me was very young - teenagers mainly - brought into this age defying piece. There is no doubt that recent movie version has a lot to do with the recent craze of RENT-heads and that is a magnificent thing because the message of RENT must continue on.

RENT will play the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph Street, Wednesday April 5 - Saturday, April 15. Seats in the front two rows of the orchestra will be made available for $22.50 for every performance and go on sale at the box office on the day of performance only, two hours prior to the show, and are available to anyone, cash only, with a limit of tow tickets person.

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