Monday 20 September 2010

Everything is RENT by Rachael Murray

A small local theatre in the leafy suburb of Giffnock seems an odd place to stage a Rock Opera, so going into Theatre South's production of RENT I felt naturally skeptical. However, I soon realised that my fears were unfounded.

For anyone not familiar with RENT, it can be difficult to explain. Based on Puccini's La Boheme, it follows one year in the life of six artists living in New York. On the surface, it sounds x-rated, or at least only suitable for adults. Yet I saw many parents there, young children in tow, and I understood why. Beneath the AIDS, cross dressing and heroin addiction, there's an incredible heart to the show that most "serious theatre" does not come close to. RENT is a story about friendship, about love and - above all else - about having no regrets.

The small stage had been transformed to a miniature version of the classic back-alley set, and the impressive lights transported the audience to Alphabet City, haven for poor artists living the Bohemian lifestyle. Yet it was the cast that made this production most extraordinary. Christina Leon shone as Mimi Marquez - showing the more vulnerable side to such a bold character. Mélanie Morrison gave a heart to a potentially unlikable character in Maureen Johnston - and had the whole audience joining in with Over the Moon. Without a doubt, the highlight of the show was the pairing of Daniel Sedgwick and Sean McGovern as the show's golden couple, Collins and Angel. The two were an unlikely choice - they don't exactly scream Hispanic Drag Queen and Anarchist Philosophy Professor - but as soon as they started You Okay Honey? the whole audience being completely entranced. McGovern's Today 4 U deserves particular mention, if only for the impressive dance routine performed in six inch heels. The play's lead, Iain Runciman also stood out, when he lead the entire cast to triumph in the climax of Act 1, La Vie Boheme, a song that epitomises the true meaning of the show.

Ultimately, RENT is heart-warming show, that avoids all cliches but still conveys an important message of living in the moment, and Theatre South Productions triumphed in bringing this big city story to a small town. The audience were laughing out loud, crying into their hands, and by the Finale, were truly convinced that there's no day but today.

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