Immersive, Interactive, Vibrant, and Lively.
I remember a seasoned theatre critic saying, “How many more times can I see a production of blank?” At the time, that statement did not resonate with me. These, dear reader, are different times as I am taking a brief hiatus, or well, super spreading out the theatre reviewing because…life. With that context, I did ask myself, “Can I see another production of RENT?” With this cast, yes. Not only the cast but also the creative elements and direction are worth it. Diversionary truly brought it all for Jonathan Larson’s staple.
The story, set in New York’s East Village, with struggling artists trying to survive while some of them are also dealing with addiction and HIV. Mark (Jonathan Sangster), the crew’s cinematographer, is aspiring to get his film out. I will aim for no spoilers, ok, but be warned… Sherri Eden Barber and Coleman Ray Clark, in their co-direction, used the camera/filming/video element to fill the entire theatre space, and à la Jamie Lloyd (IYKYK), gifting the audience an original setting for the best rendition I have seen of Tango Maureen. Sangster and Nio Russell as Joanne brought a fresh, lively, youthful version of the song that could have gone on and on. We have seen Nio’s vocals and their potential in other productions, but here, ahem, Seasons of Love, Russell took it to the next level. Props to Nigel Semaj’s choreography, which not only delivered the moves but also commanded all the spaces without losing audience engagement.
Mathys Herbert’s set is semi-bare with a barn door, stripper pole, and red spiral stairs. At the center, there are several TV screens that project live footage (aiming for no spoilers, but come on now), giving the musical a concert feel that leans into the rock concept. The music is played live under Jerrica Stone’s direction, which truly evoked all the feelings, and Kevin Antenhill’s sound had the notes and effects land accordingly. The signature parent voicemails were delivered comedically and to perfection by Adelaida Martinez and Faith Carrion, who, in addition to giving those breaths between scenes, also delivered powerful, beautiful vocals.
The thing with Sherri and Coleman’s blocking is that there is also camera direction. The actors are engaged on the stage and playful with the screen, making the experience truly original and refreshing. Annelise Salazar’s lighting contoured each moment on stage and on camera. Anthony Garcia’s props were creative and fun.
Gio Coppola, as Roger, with mesmerizing eyes, delivered, alongside Maya Sofia as Mimi, a powerful, tear-inducing performance of “Without You”.
Andre Heimos is sweet, engaging, and intentional as Tom Collins and has a captivating contemporary dance sequence. David McBean as the dreaded Benjamin “Benny” Coffin III, sharply delivered along with great vocals and poise. Allen Lucky Weaver as Angel made me feel like he did not miss a single face in the house: attentive, engaging, and full of feeling.
Every time Michael Amira Temple sets foot on a stage, or in this case, on a motorcycle… in the middle of a stairway, it’s like she’s drinking from Dionysus’s fountain. Production after production, Temple comes back better and stronger. Her Maureen is pure power and bliss; just like this production’s Tango Maureen is the one I have enjoyed the most, this cast’s version of La Vie Boheme, uf! Sin palabras… simplemente, maravilloso.
Did someone say, Dr. Martens? Claire Peterson’s costume design took me back! With leather, pleather, denim, thigh-high boots, and, yes, Dr. Martens galore, this design had all the 90s flair.
Diversionary truly captured the essence of RENT in their production and gathered an amazing, varied cast that, for me, as a critic, knowing most of these actors work, seeing them together, many of them sharing a stage for the first time, made it even that much more special.
There are performances until June 28. I believe the run is sold out, but you never know. Industry night is this Monday, June 8.
Shannon Humiston is the Stage Manager for this production.
