Review: RENT at Rhino Theatre is Stunning

By Guest Contributor: Robert Peterpaul

A Christmas barricade twinkles stage right. Two wide windows remain closed, starkly in the center of the stage. There's a fitting grey filter blanketing the entire atmosphere like a gloomy instagram. Welcome to the Rhino Theatre's stunning rendition of Rent.

Deemed "the musical that changed Broadway forever", Jonathan Larson's pop-rock operetta has racked up countless accolades over its lifespan, including Tony Awards and even a prestigious Pulitzer Prize. The well-known story follows a group of artists struggling to live in New York City in the late 80's. Swirled with controversial topics, Rent touches on AIDS sufferers, homeless revolts and a larger than life drag queen. It should be no surprise that producing Rent is not an easy undertaking, especially regionally. However, the Rhino Theatre has clearly bought its' "A game," opening the musical before a large crowd on August 7th.

Nestled in the heart of Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, the Rhino has no fear when it comes to tackling controversial pieces. Of course, having assembled a troop of dedicated audience members with over 100 shows under its' glittering belt, the Rhino can afford the freedom. "I did have concerns about doing Rent in my space because of my traditional audience", admitted Carmela Wolosz (Rent Producer and Owner of the Rhino). "Oddly enough, they are not only receiving the show beautifully, but providing wonderful and complimentary commentary!" This is true, as the Rhino has been flooded with emails, tweets and posts sending praise.

Deftly directed by Ed Bialkin, this production is just as fit for a Broadway stage as any. Bialkin has effortlessly guided his players through the story with natural and meaningful choices. However, it's a positive that this production is not on the great white way. The small venue helmed by the Rhino makes for a more intimate and heart-stabbing production than any Broadway house could supply. From the top, you're thrown in the trenches with Mark, Roger and the whole downtrodden lot. You feel every ounce of frustration during Joanne and Mark's punchy tango and hope to find someone that will "cover you" as lovingly as Angel and Collins. The movement is simply beautiful (a huge kudos to the choreographer, Terese Opiela) and the voices are more like powerhouses (Musical Direction by Mike Ficocelli & Sean Cameron).

If standouts must be chosen from this stellar cast, it would be the two characters written for such a title - Maureen and Angel. Maureen, played with fervor by Kelly Baron, is as twistedly loveable as ever. It's truly a shame that the character isn't spotlighted until late in the first act. Her presence is a fiery cocktail of spacey scatterbrain and unmanageable-hippy, reminiscent of Annaleigh Ashford's (who starred in the Off-Broadway production) acclaimed portrayal. Look out for Baron's radical rendition of Over the Moon. It not only elicits laughter from the audience but the "moo's" her Maureen so dedicatedly desires. Seriously, the audience mooed until they couldn't help but applaud.

Another popping performance is Angel, the drag queen tragically afflicted by AIDS. Devin J. Hall fills the eye-catching role with the seductively fun energy prescribed. Hall doesn't disappoint with his bright smile and dynamite high kicks. Strutting in the tallest of heels, he never fails to bring cheer to the mostly melancholy mood of the show.

However, any cast member could be plucked to feature. Exceptional talent exists across the board at the Rhino. Every single player, from Mark to the homeless person who repeatedly chants "Honest living," is exceptional and bases their performance in the reality that was, unfortunately, all too real for Larson. Watching this production feels like it should; as though you've been granted glimpses of human strength and persistence.

Perhaps the only fault stems from the show's intricate structure, as watching the multiple storylines unfold can feel like navigating a bicycle through the jammed streets of NYC. The Rhino does its best to translate the puzzled plot and make each number as fluid and comprehensive as possible. The complexity could work in their favor, providing their fully invested audience with a reason to return for another viewing.

A second viewing would be nothing short of a treat as the Rhino's Rent is a community theatre triumph. It gifts the North Jersey area with not only tunes to walk out humming, but important issues to leave discussing. Trust me when I say: This is "rent" you certainly won't mind paying.

Rent runs at the Rhino through August 23rd.

FRI/SAT: 8PM, SUN: 3PM.

www.smilingrhinotheatre.com

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Rhino Theatre

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