Rent, the rock musical about a group of artists in New York City who are dealing with questions of art, integrity, AIDS, and community, premiered on Broadway in 1996 and enjoyed a twelve-year run there, spurring multiple national tours. Now, for the first time, a local production of the show can be seen in the Twin Cities at the Lab Theatre, and it's enjoying a reinvigoration that comes with new staging, local actors, and a commitment to a full audience experience.
There is something that feels intrinsically Minnesotan about this production. Although the show takes place in the East Village of Manhattan, the story is universal, and the local talent and the personality that the cast brings creates the sense that this particular incarnation is taking place right here in Minneapolis. Rather than taking away from the value of the show, however, this works to the production's advantage. Characters feel familiar and recognizable, and in a city with a vibrant arts community, it's easy to believe that this story is playing out right in the neighborhood where the theatre is located. This production may not have quite The Edge that the Broadway or national touring companies have had, but instead it offers the audience something that is both comfortable and provocative at the same time.
The space itself, with its exposed brick walls and distressed décor, along with the uniquely shaped stage, lends legitimacy and atmosphere to the show. The audience has a sense that they have been invited to peer intimately into the characters' lives rather than separating the audience from the show and creating a wall between them. The simple scaffolding-based set supports the creative staging and allows the actors to climb and roam and claim the space. Director Andrew Rasmussen makes excellent use of the organic nature of the building and the performance space itself to create a relationship between the material, the performers, and the audience.
A multi-talented cast, whose backgrounds run the gamut from theatre to hip hop to rock, is brimming over with vocal chops and charisma. Reid Harmsen's theatrical experience shines through in his portrayal of Mark, the show's earnest, likeable, and sometimes lonely narrator, and both his singing and acting draw the audience in to take the journey alongside him. Local rock talent Harley Wood perfectly embodies the brooding Roger, and his voice and personality bring an authenticity to his character. As Mimi, Maria Isa's lack of acting experience occasionally shows, but her strong vocals and incredible stage presence make it impossible not to take notice of when she takes the stage. Kinaundrae Lee as Angel is sweet, loveable, and soulful, and along with impressive dance ability, he displays an understanding of just why his character is a beacon of love within their community.
Colleen Somerville's excellent sense of comic timing and commitment to her character bring originality and legitimacy to her portrayal of performance artist Maureen, and Lorin Yenor's smooth, polished voice makes his performance as Collins a joy to hear. Vee Washington brings charm to the character of Benny, the former-friend turned landlord who skates on the fringes of the group, and along with a strong performance, he manages to make a sometimes less-than-loveable character someone with whom it is easy to sympathize. And Jamecia Bennett as Joanne, a public interest attorney and Maureen's new girlfriend, brings the character's signature song, Take Me or Leave, to the heights it deserves. It is not only the lead performers in this cast who have talent, either. Every member of the ensemble has a moment to shine, and there isn't a weak voice in the bunch.
None of this is not to say that it is a perfect production. Some of the cast members have a better grasp on the material and on their characters than others, and because of that, the show has an occasional uneven feeling. At times, it can be difficult to keep an eye on the action happening across such a wide stage, and some of the quieter, more understated moments may be lost in the shuffle. Sound problems came up for one of the lead actors, who managed to maintain a strong performance even when her microphone faded in and out during a pivotal part of the show. And a number from the show is inexplicably missing, leaving a tiny hole in the plot that may or may not be easy for a new viewer to fill in. But whether because the cast is so full of talent or because of the nature of the material, that doesn't necessarily ask for polish and perfection, it all works.
Rent at the Lab Theatre in Minneapolis, initially scheduled to run through February 21, has been extended to February 28. For more information or for tickets, visit http://www.rentminneapolislive.com/
