By Amanda VanNostrand.
Forget regret: sneak back to the 90s at The Kimmel Center’s Merriam Theatre for an outstanding production of RENT! Only showing through Sunday, October 20th, and here due to its sold-out presence in Philadelphia in March with requests for more, lucky audience members will experience a thrilling time with these beloved characters.
Speaking of lucky audience members – a limited number of tickets will be on sale for $25 (in cash!) two hours before the show, including some front-row, orchestra seats!
RENT is the timeless story of a group of seven artists in New York City, taking place in the span of a year, from Christmas Eve, to Christmas Eve. During these 525,600 minutes, their lives change as they pursue their loves and their dreams. The characters in this show are what will appeal to viewers: their individuality and passion for life and love are contagious; this is one of those productions where a feeling of camaraderie with the people up on stage will be felt. Characters fall in and out of love, cope with terminal illness, and do their best to live their best lives while dealing with issues such as eviction, rent payments, and AIDS. These young people are struggling, making the most of the (too-short) lives that they have been given. Their wisdom may outshine that of the oldest audience member, and as they learn and grow and sing their hearts out, the story is piercing.
RENT takes place mainly in an apartment building and has one of the most unique sets in theatre: lights and shine frame the stage, and the metal contraptions and staircases give way for this show to astound. (Set Design by Paul Clay.) Exposed brick, simplistic design through metal chairs and table, and a moon hanging at the top right to remind us of the vastness of New York and new days and nights, the scenery brings beauty to the visual pieces of the show.
There are many theatre venues in Philadelphia that can consistently be relied upon for a great cast, and The Kimmel Center is truly one of these. To add to its general greatness, there are two native Philadelphians acting here: Shafiq Hicks stars as Tom Collins, and Lexi Greene is a member of the ensemble while acting as understudy for Maureen Johnson. Being native to Philadelphia is one way that the cast wins its way into the hearts of the audience, but there are many additional favorites: Joshua Tavares, who plays Angel Schunard, the transvestite woman whose impressive dances in high heeled platform shoes romance the audience; Kelsee Sweigard’s performance as Maureen Johnson is unforgettable, especially as she delivers her monologue (is that what it was?) that literally encourages the audience to ‘MOO!’ at one point; as mentioned earlier, Shafiq Hicks plays the role of Tom Collins and his acting is such that your heart will break right alongside of his as he experiences one of the deepest types of loss; Mimi Marquez’s character is played by Aiyana Smash, and her voice is astounding, her acting and chemistry with Roger Davis, played by Coleman Cummings, is superb – a complete asset to this group of talented people.
The beauty of RENT is that not much out-of-the-ordinary happens: rent is charged, financial problems attempt to be solved, people live, and people die. The characters simply experience life for a year, and bring the audience along for this particular life journey. A perfect reminder that the simple moments in life –dinner parties, beginnings of romances – are the important moments where the love in the room brings value.
RENT is incredible; this 20th Anniversary tour is a show from the 90s, but audience members will appreciate the timelessness of this production. Themes presented in RENT will never cease to be relevant to today, no matter when ‘today’ happens to be. In the end, life is measured in love; how well are you living it? As the beautiful lyrics dance around your head after you leave, this question will also live in your mind upon viewing.