Rent- Tour- April 18, 2009- Benedum Center- Matinee
First off, I passed my Sophomore Review so I am officially an Art Education Major! They even kept one of my pieces for a display so they must have liked it!
Moving on...
I saw the Rent tour at the Benedum on Saturday and it was SO WONDERFUL!
Cast:
Mark Cohen- Anthony Rapp
Roger Davis- Adam Pascal
Mimi Marquez- Lexi Lawson (LOVE!)
Angel Dumott Shunard- Justin Johnston
Thomas (Tom) Collins- Michael McElroy
Maureen Johnson- Karmine Alers (LOVE AGAIN!)
Joanne Jefferson- Haneefah Wood
Ok, first off, I was SO THRILLED to see that Karmine was going to be on for Nicolette as Maureen! I saw Karmine's goodbye to Rent during the last few months of the show on Broadway and it was just so heartfelt that I knew I had to see her in the show. After that I looked up videos of her as Mimi and Maureen and loved her portrayal. It's very clear that the show means a lot to her in her performances and the heart is what I love about her performance.
Now here's my break-down of the show:
Opening:
When I looked at the stage I saw that the metal tables were missing and was concerned. I had heard that there were changes made to the show including blocking and dialogue but I couldn't see how the show could happen without the tables. Thankfully, they were brought on by a couple company members during Mark's intro.
Anthony was fantastic of course. He's so spunky and funny and I just love him. I do think he reads a little older than the rest of the cast, but he's still great.
Also, some other changes:
When Mark mentions the posters for Roger's band, rather than them being on the wall already, the company members each unroll a poster.
When Mark says "We begin on Christmas Eve" There is some garland and a wreath on the orchestra's little structure thing that lights up, I think those may have been there before but I'm not sure.
Those were the only ones I noticed.
Rent:
I love this number so much. When the band kicks up and the lights brighten and everyone runs out and starts jumping around it's just about the most exciting thing I've ever seen in musical theatre, topped only perhaps by Elphaba's ascent in "Defying Gravity", and that's really only a maybe.
The song was just as good as it's always been. Everyone was great together and the energy was fantastic. I didn't like Joanne's haircut; it seemed very hip and stylish and I just imagine Joanne to be a little more square than that, but Haneefah still did a great job. I particularly loved the way she said the second "You won't throw up" like she was just so exasperated. It was a little different from the way I've heard it before. Adam and Anthony were great. I thought they seemed perhaps a bit tired, but matinees are always tough and on top of that we had read in the paper that Adam's allergies had really been affecting him in the city. Still a fantastic job though.
You Okay, Honey?:
Michael and Justin are probably my favorite Collins and Angel since Jesse and Wilson. Michael puts so much heart into Collins, more than anyone I've seen live (though that's only two) and even though his voice isn't the strongest it's still sweet and he does a phenomenal job in the role I love the way he says "Angel? Indeed". He's another one whose goodbye video made me want to see him in the show. Justin is just fantastic, singing and acting, and brings energy to the role no matter how long he's been in it. I saw him back in 2006, and he had already been with the show for some time then, and has done it without break since then and I never see him give an unenthused performance.
One Song Glory:
I actually watched Roger's Shadow a lot during this song. He's lit primarily by the footlights (I think, or some other low-set lights) and it causes his shadow to be projected to the back of the stage and fill up almost the whole back wall and I couldn't help but watch it because I had never really taken notice of it before. Unfortunately I didn't concentrate much on the song due to my preoccupation with the way the shadow moved on the wall.
Weird, I know, but true nonetheless, lol :)
Light My Candle:
LEXI!
I was so eagerly anticipating her because she just looked so much like Mimi in the pictures that I had seen that I felt like she just couldn't not be good and I wasn't disappointed. She was funny and honest when she needed to be. Adam was great in this song too. When he got to the "Oh no- I mean- you do- have a nice- I mean" portion his face was about two inches from her, well, you know ;)
Today 4 U:
Justin's just fabulous. He has so much flair and style as Angel and just fits in the part. Much like Wilson, he simply inhabits the role and does everything right.
And anyone who can do that dancing and leaping in those platform heels deserves utmost respect!
Tango: Maureen:
Anthony really let his quirky Markness shine in this song and it was abundantly clear that he still loves this role and puts his heart into it. Haneefah did a great job too and was funny and sincere at all the right parts. I loved the way she whispered "Pooky? You never call me 'Pooky'" It just seemed perfect, and Anthony responded with "Ruh-roh" which I just loved!
Out Tonight:
Lexi was FANTASTIC!!! I can't emphasize enough how much she impressed me. First off, she looks absolutely perfect as Mimi, I've seen few who look more like the way I picture Mimi than Lexi. Her voice was beautiful, but not so polished that it didn't seem to fit the character which is always a disappointment for me. She wasn't the best at howling the "Out"s in the song, but she was still great. Her energy was perfect and she made the song rock just as much as it should.
Another Day:
I have to say I just don't like Adam's voice for the most part. It's not even an age thing, I never liked his voice on the OBCR either. I don't know what it is, but something about where he places it when he's singing just makes it sound bad to me. Personal preference though, because I know most people love it. That said, there are times when I think he hits truly gorgeous notes such as when he sang the second "Another day!" just before Lexi came in with "There's only us..." his voice sounded pure, clear, and rich. Lexi was impressive again. I loved her sincerity and her urgency which, I believe, are two of the most important things for any Mimi to have since she is trying her hardest to get the most out of the life she has left.
Will I?:
As moving as ever. This song is so beautiful and the way all the characters are on stage for it, but not interacting with each other (except, Collins and Angel, who I believe are walking together) makes it so much more powerful because it's like we're seeing their innermost thoughts and how they are all going through the same thing, asking the same questions, but not sharing it with each other.
Santa Fe:
I don't know, I've never been a big fan of this song. I enjoy it enough and it's fun, but I don't really have much to say.
I'll Cover You:
This is such a sweet song and Justin and Michael perform it with so much heart. Their emotions are 100% sincere and I just love when Michael spins Justin around and he grabs his hair and says "Oh my wig, hold on!". It's a nice laugh that doesn't detract from the song.
We're Okay:
I don't know why, but I absolutely love this song! I think it's funny, clever, and cute and I really like Joanne. Haneefah was very good.
Christmas Bells:
I just love the awesomeness of this song! It's such a good number with a million different things going on. Michael and Justin were fantastic as always, Lexi exuded perfection, and the number was just as it should be.
Over the Moon:
KARMINE! Talk about a Rent dream come true! Now true, I've only been a fan of her for about a year, but in that year I sought out as many performances of hers as I could and saw how fantastic she was and was sad that I would never be able o see her, so this was just amazing.
She was absolutely hilarious, but she didn't go overboard on the crazy like some Maureens do. She seemed passionate about her performance like Maureen should be and took herself very seriously.
Also, she's smokin' hot and it's easy to believe that every single day she walks down the street and hears people say "Baaaaby"
Anyways I mooed, as per usual. :)
La Vie Boheme(s):
I was very glad that I was on the right side of the theater to see Karmine's mooning. Also, when she gave birth she stopped to say "It's a baby" to the audience before miming tossing i over her shoulder, which I thought was hilarious.
Anthony held the "Vie" for about forever and got some nice applause.
Such awesome energy and great performances by all; a fantastic Act I closer.
Well, it's quite late, so I'll write my opinions on Act II later. Good night!
Moving on...
I saw the Rent tour at the Benedum on Saturday and it was SO WONDERFUL!
Cast:
Mark Cohen- Anthony Rapp
Roger Davis- Adam Pascal
Mimi Marquez- Lexi Lawson (LOVE!)
Angel Dumott Shunard- Justin Johnston
Thomas (Tom) Collins- Michael McElroy
Maureen Johnson- Karmine Alers (LOVE AGAIN!)
Joanne Jefferson- Haneefah Wood
Ok, first off, I was SO THRILLED to see that Karmine was going to be on for Nicolette as Maureen! I saw Karmine's goodbye to Rent during the last few months of the show on Broadway and it was just so heartfelt that I knew I had to see her in the show. After that I looked up videos of her as Mimi and Maureen and loved her portrayal. It's very clear that the show means a lot to her in her performances and the heart is what I love about her performance.
Now here's my break-down of the show:
Opening:
When I looked at the stage I saw that the metal tables were missing and was concerned. I had heard that there were changes made to the show including blocking and dialogue but I couldn't see how the show could happen without the tables. Thankfully, they were brought on by a couple company members during Mark's intro.
Anthony was fantastic of course. He's so spunky and funny and I just love him. I do think he reads a little older than the rest of the cast, but he's still great.
Also, some other changes:
When Mark mentions the posters for Roger's band, rather than them being on the wall already, the company members each unroll a poster.
When Mark says "We begin on Christmas Eve" There is some garland and a wreath on the orchestra's little structure thing that lights up, I think those may have been there before but I'm not sure.
Those were the only ones I noticed.
Rent:
I love this number so much. When the band kicks up and the lights brighten and everyone runs out and starts jumping around it's just about the most exciting thing I've ever seen in musical theatre, topped only perhaps by Elphaba's ascent in "Defying Gravity", and that's really only a maybe.
The song was just as good as it's always been. Everyone was great together and the energy was fantastic. I didn't like Joanne's haircut; it seemed very hip and stylish and I just imagine Joanne to be a little more square than that, but Haneefah still did a great job. I particularly loved the way she said the second "You won't throw up" like she was just so exasperated. It was a little different from the way I've heard it before. Adam and Anthony were great. I thought they seemed perhaps a bit tired, but matinees are always tough and on top of that we had read in the paper that Adam's allergies had really been affecting him in the city. Still a fantastic job though.
You Okay, Honey?:
Michael and Justin are probably my favorite Collins and Angel since Jesse and Wilson. Michael puts so much heart into Collins, more than anyone I've seen live (though that's only two) and even though his voice isn't the strongest it's still sweet and he does a phenomenal job in the role I love the way he says "Angel? Indeed". He's another one whose goodbye video made me want to see him in the show. Justin is just fantastic, singing and acting, and brings energy to the role no matter how long he's been in it. I saw him back in 2006, and he had already been with the show for some time then, and has done it without break since then and I never see him give an unenthused performance.
One Song Glory:
I actually watched Roger's Shadow a lot during this song. He's lit primarily by the footlights (I think, or some other low-set lights) and it causes his shadow to be projected to the back of the stage and fill up almost the whole back wall and I couldn't help but watch it because I had never really taken notice of it before. Unfortunately I didn't concentrate much on the song due to my preoccupation with the way the shadow moved on the wall.
Weird, I know, but true nonetheless, lol :)
Light My Candle:
LEXI!
I was so eagerly anticipating her because she just looked so much like Mimi in the pictures that I had seen that I felt like she just couldn't not be good and I wasn't disappointed. She was funny and honest when she needed to be. Adam was great in this song too. When he got to the "Oh no- I mean- you do- have a nice- I mean" portion his face was about two inches from her, well, you know ;)
Today 4 U:
Justin's just fabulous. He has so much flair and style as Angel and just fits in the part. Much like Wilson, he simply inhabits the role and does everything right.
And anyone who can do that dancing and leaping in those platform heels deserves utmost respect!
Tango: Maureen:
Anthony really let his quirky Markness shine in this song and it was abundantly clear that he still loves this role and puts his heart into it. Haneefah did a great job too and was funny and sincere at all the right parts. I loved the way she whispered "Pooky? You never call me 'Pooky'" It just seemed perfect, and Anthony responded with "Ruh-roh" which I just loved!
Out Tonight:
Lexi was FANTASTIC!!! I can't emphasize enough how much she impressed me. First off, she looks absolutely perfect as Mimi, I've seen few who look more like the way I picture Mimi than Lexi. Her voice was beautiful, but not so polished that it didn't seem to fit the character which is always a disappointment for me. She wasn't the best at howling the "Out"s in the song, but she was still great. Her energy was perfect and she made the song rock just as much as it should.
Another Day:
I have to say I just don't like Adam's voice for the most part. It's not even an age thing, I never liked his voice on the OBCR either. I don't know what it is, but something about where he places it when he's singing just makes it sound bad to me. Personal preference though, because I know most people love it. That said, there are times when I think he hits truly gorgeous notes such as when he sang the second "Another day!" just before Lexi came in with "There's only us..." his voice sounded pure, clear, and rich. Lexi was impressive again. I loved her sincerity and her urgency which, I believe, are two of the most important things for any Mimi to have since she is trying her hardest to get the most out of the life she has left.
Will I?:
As moving as ever. This song is so beautiful and the way all the characters are on stage for it, but not interacting with each other (except, Collins and Angel, who I believe are walking together) makes it so much more powerful because it's like we're seeing their innermost thoughts and how they are all going through the same thing, asking the same questions, but not sharing it with each other.
Santa Fe:
I don't know, I've never been a big fan of this song. I enjoy it enough and it's fun, but I don't really have much to say.
I'll Cover You:
This is such a sweet song and Justin and Michael perform it with so much heart. Their emotions are 100% sincere and I just love when Michael spins Justin around and he grabs his hair and says "Oh my wig, hold on!". It's a nice laugh that doesn't detract from the song.
We're Okay:
I don't know why, but I absolutely love this song! I think it's funny, clever, and cute and I really like Joanne. Haneefah was very good.
Christmas Bells:
I just love the awesomeness of this song! It's such a good number with a million different things going on. Michael and Justin were fantastic as always, Lexi exuded perfection, and the number was just as it should be.
Over the Moon:
KARMINE! Talk about a Rent dream come true! Now true, I've only been a fan of her for about a year, but in that year I sought out as many performances of hers as I could and saw how fantastic she was and was sad that I would never be able o see her, so this was just amazing.
She was absolutely hilarious, but she didn't go overboard on the crazy like some Maureens do. She seemed passionate about her performance like Maureen should be and took herself very seriously.
Also, she's smokin' hot and it's easy to believe that every single day she walks down the street and hears people say "Baaaaby"
Anyways I mooed, as per usual. :)
La Vie Boheme(s):
I was very glad that I was on the right side of the theater to see Karmine's mooning. Also, when she gave birth she stopped to say "It's a baby" to the audience before miming tossing i over her shoulder, which I thought was hilarious.
Anthony held the "Vie" for about forever and got some nice applause.
Such awesome energy and great performances by all; a fantastic Act I closer.
Well, it's quite late, so I'll write my opinions on Act II later. Good night!