Sunday, April 17, 2011

RENT...


by Jonathan Larson
American Stage Theatre
St. Petersburg, FL
April 17th, 2011


No day but today. Will I lose my dignity? I'll cover you.

These are some of the themes the seminal American musical of the last twenty years revolves around. One of the most decorated musicals of all time, RENT has been awarded the Tony Award, Pulitzer Prize, Drama Desk Award, Obie Award and is probably on the short list of favorite show for people my age, give or take ten years. Continuing their annual tradition of presenting a show at Demens Landing in St. Petersburg, American Stage brings together Equity talent and great weather to present RENT.

What can I say about this show that hasn't been said already. RENT is one of those shows that comes around every so often and takes the theatre world by storm. Based on one of the most beloved operas of all time, RENT touches on the themes of love, friendship, acceptance, ambition and death.

One of the great things about RENT is its collection of characters navigating a year together. Their different paths to creativity surprisingly follow similar struggles which allow them to relate to each other. The majority of the characters are afflicted with AIDS and make the best of their final time alive. American Stage brought together a talented group of Equity actors and combined the award winning score to present RENT. With that being said, I felt the show's direction kept such talent at arms length.

There were too many times actors kept their hands at their sides and seemed to have cement shoes, especially Alex Covington and Pete Zicky as Mimi and Roger respectively. I found Clinton H. Harris' role of Collins to be some what of a joke. You would think an AIDS infected man who loses his lover would be in mourning towards the end, rather than giving a Gary Coleman-esque smirk. Some shining moments of the show include Ricky Cona as Angel and Alison Burns as Maureen. They each brought the spirit of their characters as expected. I was also pleased with the delivery of minor characters by Stephen Ray and Joel Gennari. Bravo.


The Cast of RENT c/o American Stage


As well written as RENT is, the production by American Stage failed to hit the mark. Aside from dismal acting, I was disappointed with the creative liberties taken on the show and left the venue feeling flat because of it.

For example:

The opening number of the show is a lament of bohemian life amidst the mounting pressure of paying rent. The intense motion on stage during this piece is usually meant to present the backdrop of New York City, but instead came off as a campy musical theatre cliche, complete with with spirit fingers and fist pumps.

During the song "Will I?", the company of the show usually wanders the stage and creates a dreamlike canon, or round. This device gives the idea that everyone is thinking the same thing at different times. American Stage opted to accelerate the tempo of the song and created a pop/rock sound which didn't allow the same aesthetic.

Lastly, the cast for the majority of the performance never seemed to really embody he spirit of these colorful actors. During "Light My Candle" we are introduced to Mimi and Roger and their budding interest in each other. It was hard to grasp that sense with both actors standing with hands at their sides. The words alone didn't sell this show. Aside from the poor stage presence, the sound of the on stage band was very thin and could only be heard from stage right. I figured with as much sound equipment American Stage brought to the park, we'd be able to hear the band just as clear as the vocalists.

All in all, I found American Stage's rendition of RENT as a kitsch take on a musical theatre classic. RENT usually has a power and force that takes hold of everyone in attendance yet it gets lost amongst the open air of the park. There were too many times the actors performed upstage, which took away from connecting with the audience. Looking through the playbill, I noticed the majority of the cast to be members of Actors' Equity, the association of professional actors. If this was a community theatre or high school production, I'd probably let it slide, but I expected much more out these professionals.

If you've never seen RENT before, I would not recommend this production as one that captures the spirit of the show. On the other hand, if you're in the mood for a night worth your dollar, this may be it. Being able to bring your own food and drink on your own blanket is a delight not usually associated with theatre. Seeing a musical on a cool night, on the water, under the stars is a unique experience not utilized enough in the area.

RENT plays Demens Landing in St. Petersburg through May 8th. Tickets range $11-27 and can be purchased by clicking here. Don't forget to follow us on twitter and/or facebook for the latest on the performing arts community in Tampa.


Music of the Post - yellowcard

Saturday, April 9, 2011

A Lesson Before Dying...


by Romulus Linney
Stageworks Theatre
Tampa, FL
April 7th, 2011


If your last day on Earth was read to you by a sheriff while on death row, how would you carry yourself until it finally comes?

The latest effort of Stageworks Theatre takes us on a journey of the human spirit among even the most grim of circumstances. A Lesson Before Dying explores the relationship between an arguably guilty death row inmate and his former schoolteacher during his final weeks.

Taking place in rural 1940's Louisiana, Grant and Jefferson discuss how to die like a man amidst settling for a less than humane title bestowed. The story also intertwines the relationship of Grant and his girlfriend, the town reverend, Jefferson's godmother and the Sheriff's at the courthouse. They each learn during the play that the lessons aren't exclusively for Jefferson, but transcend to universal ideals of tolerance, acceptance and integrity.

Each member of the cast brought a very believable nuance to their respective role. Jefferson's godmother was actually an older woman with impaired mobility which can prove trite when performed improperly or overacted. The town reverend came off as your stereotypical larger than life bible thumper just as Jefferson himself transformed from disenchanted inmate to upstanding citizen of the world. Bravo all. Second to the script of a staged play, casting is crucial and Stageworks knocked one out of the park to continue their impressive season.



c/o facebook.com/stageworkstheatre


With a title like A Lesson Before Dying, you should have some sort of idea of what you're walking into. Person A is waiting to die and person B attempts to instill virtues or contempt for the soon to be departed. As we, the audience, learn over the course of the play is the lessons taught aren't only the Jefferson, but everyone involved. They each learn a little more about themselves, what they're capable of, how they carry themselves and the legacy they hope to leave behind. I'm sure anyone who sees this show will identify with one or all of the lessons and take the obligatory glance in the mirror.

All in all, I thoroghly enjoyed Stageworks' production a A Lesson Before Dying. Presented in the ever intimate Shimberg Playhouse, Stageworks presents this story worth telling with the precise execution we've come to expect from them. Be sure to get your tickets sooner rather than later, but also know there isn't a bad seat in the house.

A Lesson Before Dying plays through April 24th and is sure to enlighten all who witness the power and beauty of this poignant tale. Don't forget to follow us on twitter and/or facebook for the latest on the performing arts community in Tampa.


Music of the Post - bon iver

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