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'Rent' strains to fit on stage
By Stephanie Ottey
NEW CASTLE, PA.
Since it hit Broadway in 1996, Jonathan Larson’s “Rent” has become a sort of icon in pop culture.
Originally known for it’s taboo references to AIDS, drug abuse, and homosexuality, “Rent” turned mainstream when it was adapted into a film in 2005.
Now, the rights have been released and amateur theaters around the country are able to produce the rock-opera-like show.
Though The Oakland produced “Rent Jr.” a while back, the New Castle Playhouse is the first area theater to show the full-length musical, which opened Friday night in The Annex Theater.
New Castle’s effort, directed by Paula Ferguson, seems to be inspired by the original Broadway production. The costumes designed by Helen-Marie Gould, Dawnlee Sweitzer, and Karen Ferguson are imitations of the originals, the band is in full view of the audience, and the set reflects the grit and grime of the Nederlander Theater where the show lived for most of its run on Broadway.
The Annex, however, is not equipped to accommodate a set like the original.
Paula and Moulton Ferguson make a noble attempt to expand the small Annex stage with a large platform styled as a fire escape or scaffolding. Their ambitious design shows creativity, but creates some technical issues. The platform is difficult to light, leaving actors in the dark at times, and in scenes where performers occupy the stage and platform simultaneously it’s difficult for the audience to know where to focus.
The small theater also creates a challenge for the singers and musicians. With no apparent amplification, the singers must rely on their own vocal strength and not microphones. This, in turn, challenges the band, which plays quietly enough to accommodate the vocalists, but in doing so sacrifices the driving rock sound that gives “Rent” its musical edge.
The space offers one surprising positive that a large theater could never offer: intimacy.
While the close proximity of the actors is at first unsettling, it soon adds clarity to subtle moments of the show that is missing in larger productions.
The actors have the freedom to act naturally, without the burden of communicating over a large distance, adding a lovely depth and sincerity to the show.
Mark McConnell and Brent Rodgers open the show as Mark and Roger. McConnell hits his stride in the Act 1 closer “La Vie Boheme” and maintains a strong presence on stage for the remainder of the show. Rodgers exhibits a clean vocal tone that is contradictory to his grungy character, but proves his vocal skill.
Matthew Schomer is a splendidly arrogant Benny, with a vocal tone that demands attention.
Korey White is another vocal standout as Collins. His rich tone makes “I’ll Cover You” and “Santa Fe” standout numbers.
“Rent” will continue at New Castle Playhouse, 202 E. Long Ave., New Castle, Pa., for the next two weekends. Call 724-654-3437 for show times and reservations.