Rent - November 2008

Based on Puccini’s ‘La Boheme’ the, love it or hate it, musical ‘Rent’ is no small undertaking, and Catchy Title Productions, under the direction of Scott Nell, have met this challenge head on, and won! The show is based around a group of 8 friends, each as important as the next in terms of their role in the show, and each requiring a consummate professional to handle the difficult score, whilst maintaining the emotional intensity necessary to deliver this poignant story effectively. Nell has cast this production perfectly - with a cast of leads, none more or less exceptional than the next, even the ensemble is capable of handling any part.
The story centres around ‘Mark Cohen’, skilfully played by Josh Brittain. Brittain is affable and urbane, easy for the audience to quickly become comfortable with, and perfectly suitable as the narrator. His best friend ‘Roger Davis’ is a great contrast to ‘Mark’. Played by Jason Ferguson, ‘Roger’ is a character in turmoil, struggling with his own right to existence, the Aids infected musician is outstandingly depicted. ‘Roger’s’ lover ‘Mimi’, also HIV positive, has a much different outlook on life, to “live each moment as her last”. Ruth Blythman as ‘Mimi’ strikes a stunning balance between the lustfulness and vulnerability of her character - her voice is beautiful, if not sometimes over sung, but the overall performance is energetic and skilful as she flaunts and fly's across the stage. Lovers ‘Joanne Jefferson’ and ‘Maureen Johnson’ played by Deanna Farnell and Whitney Boyd respectively have a great sexual connection, their voices are outstanding and the duet ‘Take Me or Leave Me’ is the highlight of their performances. Farnell also demonstrates the awesome power of her voice in her solo’s sung over the cast in ‘Seasons of Love’ and the reprise of ‘I’ll cover you’. Self appointed outcast ‘Benjamin Coffin III’ is played by Fahad Farooque. ‘Benny’ as he is known, has married into wealth and excluded himself from the ‘Bohemian’ idealisms that his friends hold, Farooque performs with great élan and sophistication. Rounding out the 8 friends is ‘Angel Dumont Schunard’ and his lover ‘Thomas B Collins’. James Christopher Reed as ‘Angel’ has the difficult task of portraying a drag queen, and dancing in 3 inch heels! He is lively, affectionate and loveable, and connects well with the audience, quickly becoming a hit! This leaves us with Rod Schultz as ‘Collins’, and it is customary to save the best till last! Shultz’s performance is amazing! This is evident from the moment he first opens his mouth to sing, but from then on it only gets better. Shultz moves the audience like only a professional can, not leaving a dry eye in the house after his reprise of ‘I’ll cover you’, his ‘Collins’ is a masterful interpretation of the deeply centred character. There were a few opening night technical hitches, nothing that wont be rectified throughout the run, and none of which were enough to diminish the outstanding performances on stage. Catchy Title took a huge risk, the result is reward enough. Buy a ticket and see it. Love this show or hate it, you shouldn't miss out on this experience!
Paul Rodda
http://www.independentweekly.com.au/news/local/news/entertainment/theatre-review-rent/1357550.aspx
Published for the Independent Weekly and Stage Whispers Magazine.