Jonathan Larson's musical Rent has fascinated me since its development at the New York Theater Workshop; I saw it from the start. And Connecticut's TriArts Sharon Playhouse is such a wonderful spot for enjoying summer theater—I love their big old barn of a space in the foothills of the Berkshires, and they have such a good track record—I was curious to see how they would carry off Rent. This production, alas, was something of a mixed bag. I liked director John Simpkins' staging, which at times impressed me as even more fluid, dynamic, and well-composed than the original New York staging. I loved, too, the fresh set design by Erik D. Diaz, with a moveable, jungle-gym-like piece which enabled the director to bring some of the action closer to the audience than in the original had. And—no small accomplishment—I could understand every well-articulated word that was spoken or sung. (Kudos to the actors, director and sound designer, Graham Stone.) The 18-member ensemble got a terrifically rich, full sound on the chorus parts. And Larson's music, at its best, is imbued with such beauty and spirit, even a flawed production will offer rewards. But a couple of the key roles were miscast, compromising the production. Jordan Stanley, as Mark Cohen, seemed so youthful, innocent and unformed, I could not believe for a moment he was someone living in an unheated building in the East Village, celebrating "La Vie Boheme." Kanoa Goo, as Angel, had an in-your-face assertiveness that might work well in another situation, but the character of Angel needs to have a winning, endearing charm which was lacking here. There were often-admirable performances by other actors, including Meggan Utech, Monica Wright, Alexandrea Tocco, Jesse Havea and Jared Weiss. But having a couple of key roles miscast is enough to throw a show off-balance. And the two key couples (Mimi and Roger, Angel and Collins) should have shown more affection, connecting a little more physically. Sometimes it’s a small detail—like, perhaps, heads tilting towards one another—that signals we're seeing lovers, not casual acquaintances.
(Jared Weiss, Jesse Havea, Alexandrea Tocco, Kyrus Keenan Westcott; Photot: Randy O’Rourke)
Chip Deffaa
Cabaret Scenes
July 23, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org
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