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.

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