BWW Reviews: Vexler Theater Pays the RENT

Fresh off its release into amateur availability, RENT has set up shop at the Sheldon Vexler Theater now through May 30, 2010. The Pulitzer Prize- and and Tony Award-winning rock opera written by Jonathan Larson based on Puccini's La Boheme tells the story of broke musicians and artists living and coping with life, creation, and AIDS in New York City's Lower East Side. It has its beginnings in the New York Theatre Workshop in 1995. Its massive and immediate success prompted a move to the Nederlander Theatre just three months later. RENT became the ninth longest running show in Broadway history upon closing in September 2007. Since closing, RENT has become available for local and amateur productions via special arrangements with Music Theatre International.

The production currently running at the Sheldon Vexler Theater, a small black box theatre with about 150 seats, provides a wonderful opportunity for local theatre fans and newcomers alike to experience a story that has touched so many lives for more than a decade.

To patrons who have witnessed professional productions of RENT, the simple set may initially come across as potentially ineffective. But, to the contrary, the entire set is well-utilized in the same minimalistic style as larger productions. The same can be said about the small but strong band of five.

The cast is comprised entirely of local actors and it's refreshing to learn that San Antonio has a young, vibrant pool of live theatre talent. Lindsey Renee Dartsch (Mimi) is just a high school senior, but she carries the emotional role remarkably well. Walter Songer (Mark) and Paul Fillingim (Roger) play very well off one another and delivered a “What You Own” worthy of extended applause. Justin Keown (Benny) pulls off playing the ex-friend/bully landlord/friend without a shred of difficulty. Rick Sanchez (Angel) is equal parts sassy queen and broken lover alongside Skudr Jones' vocally smooth Tom Collins. Katherine Green (Maureen) seems to be a clone of Idina Menzel circa 1996 and performed an equally entertaining “Over the Moon.” Ashley Mitchell plays her lover Joanne, and offers some of the strongest vocals of the group.

The rest of the talented ensemble includes Kailyr Frazier, Amanda Golden, Leilani Long, Alyson Miller, Chad Miller, Tracey Nefford, Allison Newsom, Miguel Ochoa, Kimberly Stephenson, and Christi Tisdale.

To anyone looking for an evening of fun, I highly recommend you attend RENT at the Sheldon Vexler Theater, especially if you're already a fan of the show. Tickets are available by calling the box office at (210) 302-6835. RENT contains adult language and mature subject matter and is recommended for ages 15+.

 

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