Dig out the superlatives. This brilliant production should be snapped up and given an extended season at, say, the Lyric or Theatre Royal. Chatswood Musical Society in their 60th year have brought us an exceptional version of Jonathan Larson’s rebellious pop/rock operatic musical Rent.
This radical reworking of Puccini’s La Boheme for the MTV generation is set in New York City circa 1998 – 1999. It is Christmas time, but there isn’t really any Christmas spirit – our characters can’t afford it. (“Christmas bells are ringing… Christmas bells are ringing… somewhere else… out of town.”) The plight of the poor and homeless is emphasised and social satire is included via funny phone calls from relatives/friends/agents. There is a great sense of community amongst the struggling artists.
Lonely, outsider, avant-garde filmmaker Mark is terrifically played by Levi Gardner. He acts as narrator and chronicler of the year’s events. His friend and flatmate, musician Roger, is excellently played by Liam Whan. Through the eyes of Mark’s camera we see Roger unexpectedly meet and fall head over heels (‘Light My Candle’) for sex kitten stripper and pole dancer (‘Out Tonight’) Mimi (stupendously played by Lily Robertson).
There is an ominous, threatening undercurrent though as Mimi is ill with AIDS and we see her being pimped and exploited by her drug dealer. Roger (who also has AIDS) and Mimi are oblivious, have major quarrels yet make up, and still manage to make a life together.
Meanwhile, Mark’s other friend Collins (the fabulous bear-like Josif Jovanovski) meets and falls in love with drag queen Angel (superbly played by Hayden Barltrop – a stellar performance – watch out for him in future shows – his ‘Today 4 U’ stops the show). Joyous, funny and caring, Angel dances rings around Collins – and the audience’s – hearts. He is stunning as Mrs Claus in Act One and has wears some lovely outfits elsewhere in the show. But take a box of tissues for Act Two (‘I’ll cover you’).
As the cutting edge performance artist Maureen, Amy Toledano is marvelous (her ‘Over the Moon’ solo is great). Her girlfriend Joanne, another strong character, is terrifically played by Fiona Hamilton. The catfighting between Maureen and Joanne is brilliantly done. Both give strong yet edgy performances. Mark and Joanne have a commiserating song (the delightful biting ‘Tango Maureen’) where they discover that in their confused, rocky relationships with Maureen, both of them have been treated appallingly and embarrassingly by her.
Mark and Roger’s ex-flatmate, now their Scrooge-like landlord Benny, a self centered geeky computer nerd, is played by tall, blonde and handsome Isaac Reefman.
This energetic, sprawling epic will touch your heart and make you laugh and cry. The huge cast, under Matt Cater’s direction, give glorious performances all round. The voices are tremendous and the orchestra, under musical director Steven Kreamer, is terrific. Musically it is a pop/rock opera with some soft ballads and a soupcon of Christmas carols. And not forgetting the set piece anthem ‘Seasons of Love’ that opens the second half.
Neil Shotter’s set design is graffitied, colourful and fluorescent with some stairs and some tables and chairs.
And it’s beginning to snow…
Rating: Five stars
Chatswood Musical Society present
Jonathan’s Larson’s Rent
Matt Cater – Director
Steven Kreamer – Musical Director
Mel Warwick – Choreographer
Hannah Maurice – Production Manager
Beth Pilley – Wardrobe Coordinator
Neil Shotter – Set Design
Cast: Levi Gardner, Lily Robertson, Liam Whan, Josif Jovanovski, Hayden Barltrop, Fiona Hamilton, Amy Toledano, Isaac Reefman 23 Sept-Oct 1
Running time: Two hours 40 mins (approx) including interval
Zenith Theatre, Chatswood
September 23 – October 1
