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Austin360 blogs > Austin Arts: Seeing Things > Archives > 2010 > September > 23 > Entry
Review: ‘Rent’ at Zach Theatre
Traveling always involves baggage, even if your flight is only one of the imagination. Whether seeing it for the first or fiftieth time, you bring something with you to any show, especially if it’s an iconic musical.
It’s generally a good idea to travel light, but it will do you service at Zach Theatre’s current production of “Rent,” running now through Nov. 28. Die-hard “Rent” fanatics might be a bit disappointed with the production, but for the rest of us the show is a heart-breaking reminder that the problems America faced in the late 80s (when the play is set) are still with us 20 years later.
“Rent” took America by storm in the late 1990s — no small feat given the state of musical theater these days. But the combination of gorgeous music and pressing social issues translated into a smash hit that still resonates today. More than anything, “Rent” asks us to stay open-minded and compassionate for our fellow human beings.
The show pivots around a series of relationships — interpersonal, interracial and every kind of sexual. Down-and-out in New York City, the characters struggle to keep their home when they don’t have the money to pay the rent. Even squatters have baggage, and many of the characters in “Rent” are weighed-down with the burden of terminal disease.
Joshua Denning and Roderick Sanford absolutely shine as Angel and Collins. As the dying drag queen, Denning animates the show with his unstoppable goodwill and impressive acrobatics. Sanford’s voice pulls us in and won’t let go, and his sincerity hits home. The two actors bring energy, devotion, and sensitivity to the roles, and their performances will bring you to tears (in the good way).
Andrew Cannata gives an excellent performance as the lonely documentarian, Mark. Cannata has a great sense of comedic timing, energy and emotion.
While the entire ensemble pulls together to keep the show going, Scott Swanson deserves particular praise for his heart-rending opening of “Will I?” in the first half.
Mimi and Roger (Karma Stewart and John Pointer) are the second most-compelling love story in the show, though the race isn’t very close. They absolutely nail their “Without You” duet in the second half and rally towards the end, but both actors struggle to keep us involved. And if you’re coming to the show to hear “Out Tonight,” Stewart’s rendition will leave you sadly disappointed.
But overall, the show is well worth it. If you leave your luggage at the door, you’ll be amazed, entertained, and utterly empathetic.
‘Rent’ continues 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 28. Zach Theatre, W. Riverside Dr. and S. Lamar Blvd. $20-$62. www.zachtheatre.com
Cate Blouke is an American-Statesman freelance arts critic.
Comments
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By JNM
October 17, 2010 3:40 AM | Link to this
I wasn’t too impressed with Karma until the second act when she sang “Without You”. She just wasn’t the right fit for the role of Mimi. I saw it September 14th and again October 15th and Karma has been replaced with Verity Branco who is much more the part but still had some pitch problems. John Pointer has really grown into the role of Roger but my favorite is still Mark. Andrew does an amazing job with the role and aside from Anthony Rapp who I saw on tour, he’s the best Mark of the 5 productions I’ve seen.
By Nick
October 17, 2010 3:30 AM | Link to this
I’ve seen the production with 6 different casts. The first was in Austin, the second was San Antonio. The third was the Broadway tour with original cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp and now twice at Zach. I have to agree with the original post, Stewart was great in the second half but “Out Tonight” was borderline horrible and John Pointer struggled in a few spots. A month later I saw it and it was a different Mimi (Verity Branco) who did a better job with “Out Tonight” but still had issues staying on key but Pointer was fantastic. He’s settled into his role.
By Volker
September 29, 2010 4:26 PM | Link to this
Maybe you are right, that it takes a little time to get used to a new Mimi, but the second she starts singing it amazes you. I’ve seen the show 17 times sofar, in three different productions around the globe, and i cant say that she is bad at all. I actually thought she was one of the best Mimis I’ve seen sofar. So I guess it is a personal issue, and should not keep people from coming. I totally agree on your comments about Joshua Denning. Best Angel ever….
By Volker
September 29, 2010 2:43 PM | Link to this
Maybe you are right, that it takes alittle time to get used to a new Mimi, but the second she starts singing it amazes you. I’ve seen the show 17 times sofar, in three different productions around the globe, and i cant say that she is bad at all. I actually thought she was one of the best Mimis I’ve seen sofar. So I guess it is a personal issue, and should not keep people from coming. I totaly agree on your comments about Joshua Denning. Best Angel ever….